Having problems with cervical checks

[Ashley012009]

Hello, I recently switched from med surge to labor and delivery.  I am having a horrible time with cervical checks.  Sometimes I go in, and I get it.  Most of the time it’s just mush.  Or when they are really thin I just get lost.  I feel like I will never get it.  This is 3rd week orientation.  And just feeling discouraged.   It’s all just a new world.  I was good what I did in med surge.  Now I’m just back to ground zero. LOL.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  

[Skips, MSN, RN]

Hello! 
It's been a few weeks since you posted, but just in case anyone else needs advice I thought I'd chime in. 
 

Cervical checks are difficult. You never learned how to do them in school. It's not a typical nursing skill across the board. Some L&D nurses don't check patients often if they work at a teaching facility or if providers want to check their own patients. It is a skill that comes with time. I still remember the first time I tried to check a cervix. All I felt was mush! After awhile, you realize where anatomy is generally located and the shape of the pelvis and how to curve down and up to find it if it's not anterior yet. Laboring cervixes are easier to check than non-laboring. You will get better, it takes time. 
 

Be aware of obstetric violence and read up on trauma informed care. I wanted to add that in!