I need more experience with deliveries

[freedom4]

I am a new grad this past summer. New to being an RN worked as a CNA for years. I just started orienting to Labor and Delivery about 3 months ago. We had over 180 deliveries in our hospital last month, but I am not getting any of them. To this date I have had one by myself, but had a fellow nurse in the room, because I didn't feel comfortable. In my 3 months training I have only attended about 5 deliveries, mainly because the 1st couple months everyone I touched turned into a section-including the day I had 2 abruptions in one day. I seem to be taking a lot of care of laboring patients, but never there for main event. It has now been about a month since my last delivery, and the other night I had 2 patients. My patient was complete and I had people double check me several times, because I feel like if I can see the head it is time to call the Dr. I had called the Dr the patient was a push or 2 away from delivery, and my other patient a Mag patient had extreme levels come back and I had to leave the room and call the DR. (left this patient with another RN for 5 minutes, and then heard a baby crying).

The problem is that because I haven't had any delivers on my own. The more time that passes the more scared I get about having one. I know that experience is the only thing that is going to help this situation. At our hospital it seems that majority of our patients are either induced or section for the convenience of the Doctors in day time hours. I work 11-7.

How many deliveries until you feel comfortable with what you are doing?

[crysobrn]

I think it's different for everyone. If you are laboring moms then at least that is good practice. You may want to consider asking your nurse manager for a schedule around when inductions are scheduled... do several in a two week period and see how you feel after that. Good luck.

[MalgaBSN]

First of all-- why did you have 2 patients like that (active labor and mag)?? Thats too much for anyone, let alone a new grad. The deliveries will come with time and it will be years before you feel "comfortable" and I don't think you should ever feel really comfortable. Read and review things that can happen right at the delivery. There isn't much: shoulder dystocia, PPH, etc. Most of the time, births go very smoothly so you don't need to be afraid, just vigilant.

[freedom4]

I read everything I can get my hands on about labor. I learn alot right here on this site. 2 nights ago I finally had another delivery (yeah). Went off without a hitch, but I had another nurse peek in on me often. I really felt more comfortable knowing that she was was a call away.

Last night I had another Mag patient and then a patient came in with crappy fetal heart tones. She ended up with a section. Our unit is really busy and right now we our short on 11-7 so moving to another shift is out of the question.

I guess I can say if things keep up like they are (complete chaos at times) I will be getting my share of deliverys. Luckily I work with a great group of people that are always helpful, and always watching my back.

Thanks for the advice