Is L&D all or nothing?

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Always wanted to be an ER RN since before becoming a RN. Did a year in med surg and finals got my ER position. Not sure if it was my specific ER but I didn't love it did it for 3 years.. I loved the intensity, the codes, traumas etc.. but I wanted more critical care.

In the back of my head I always thought "Maybe L&D" So when I moved I got a job in LDRP.. I am an adrenaline junkie but I'm not sure if I fit in L&D..

My question is.. Is L&D all or nothing? It seems people know from day 1 "I want to be an L&D nurse" and then they immediately love it and want to stay forever. is that the case or is it normal to not like it at first? I have been doing LDRP for over a year now (Labor side 7 months) and Im craving ER again.. wondering what I should do or if anyone has ever felt this way

I worry that if I go back to ER I might regret it..

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

What about picking up a PRN ED position?

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

I don't think everyone immediately knows if they're going to like it, but I would say that in order to do well in it and not burn out, you do have to love what you do. I would say that if you're heart's not in it at a year in, it probably won't be.

If you were not happy/content with the ED before, what do you think would be better/different the second time around?

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I dont know thats why Im confused! I am going try PRN ED to see if it was just the ED facility I didn't like .. hmm

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Specializes in ER.

Different labor units have different philosophies of care. If you are in a low intervention, supportive care environment, you might enjoy a high acuity/more interventions unit more, or vice versa.

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