L & D advice

[chuckc, BSN, RN]

Hello all. I have been a nurse coming up 1 yr next month. I currently work in a VERY busy med surg post surgical unit. I am doing fine, have learned A TON, I now want to try to move into antepartum, PP, L & D unit. I have a connection there, and was told they would recommend me highly for an opening. My question is, I know it is a fast paced, high acuity situation, but do you think there is as much running around as on med surg? By that I mean that I am on my feet pretty much the whole time, sometimes don't get to eat, drink, or pee the whole shift, or I feel like I can't. I understand that when things are busy, or it all hits the fan, well then you do whatever needs to be done. Sometimes, alot of times, I feel so burnt, physically and mentally after some shifts. I am starting to worry about my age, just turned 49, but I am in good shape. Wondering if I should consider getting into home health, where it is not so physically exhausting. I went to nursing school specifically to work in L & D, etc. I am asking all this to you because I do not want to reveal any weaknesses to coworkers, potential coworkers in fear of jeopardizing chances. Thanks for any replies you send my way;)

[pirap]

Having a background myself on an extremely busy med-surg post surgical/trauma ICU step down unit I can personally tell you that you will have NO problems going to where you are wanting to go and keeping up the pace. In fact you may find some days "a bit boring." I had an average patient load of 7 patients and my typical day was once what you described. When I transfered to my current position my experience on med/surg kept me on task and I felt sometimes I was much more efficient than some of the seasoned nurses. Now I am not saying that I was BETTER, of course experience comes with time, but I was much more organized and could get things done without backtracking. I guess it comes with that old question should one get med/surg experience first before other areas of nursing? I can tell you that your experience alone, even that hard earned year, is in demand. With my experience, they come to me for IV sticks-PP floor-or if they have to put down a NG tube-yes post op C/S problems occur, help with a colostomy bag, foley, etc. OB now has many patients with tons of medical issues. You have handled more patients with vast systemic problems on your floor and for that BUILD YOURSELF UP SISTER!!!! You've seen it girl...med/surg experience is in demand!! I'm in my 30's..so no it's not your age!! GO FOR IT!!! Good luck!