L&D nurse-new to forum-so glad I found you

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Hi everyone!

I graduated last year and went straight into L&D, the specialty that I knew I wanted to be in. After almost 5 months on orientation with an average preceptor, I was on my own. Things went smoothly but I was only off orientation about 6 or 7 weeks and then I left to have a baby of my own. My DS number 2 is now 5 months old and I have been back to work for a little over 2 months. I am happy to be back to work, but it seems that there are so many things that I didn't learn and/or master in my orientation that are now coming up. It is often hard at work to find assistance or answers to my questions, as we are all busy.

I am so glad to have found you guys! I will be checking in often.

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I think that's true for anyone. It probably took me 2 years to feel confident in L&D, even with a great preceptor and orientation, so don't be hard on yourself.

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

Hiya Sam, I am Debbie, an LDRP/Newborn and GYN nurse of 7 years now. I NEVER get "comfortable" but am feeling more competent every year I practice. Glad you joined us!!!! Check out the archives and see all the interesting subjects that have come up in our OB/Midwifery forum!!! Take care and welcome to our corner of the world!

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

Before I forget, we are a military family (USAF) and almost got stationed in Charleston!!! But we are here in Washington State, and VERY much lovin' it!

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Im a New grad and i started on L&D last month. My preceptor is awesome, she makes me feel comfortable and explains everything. I have soooooo much more to learn. I am not looking forward to ending my orientation which will be in 3 months.

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

Be a sponge and learn all you can in those 3 months. You will only learn by doing. It's a whole different ball park than school; that much is for sure. Best wishes to all the newest L and D nurses here! Read all you can and get your hands on every experience possible.

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Thanks for the welcome and for the encouragement!

I would like to expand on my comment regarding my preceptor. I feel bad that I said something rather mean. My preceptor is an excellent L&D nurse with tons of experience and was great at boosting my confidence. I do however wish she might have looked for some harder cases for us and stepped back more as my time to finish orientation approached. I also wish that she had given me more constructive criticism. She orients frequently and I think she might be burned out on it a bit, but need the money. Anyway, I wanted to elaborate so that you guys didn't just think I was blaming my current frustration on my preceptor. I actually beat myself up. My family and friends get on me for being too hard on myself.

Debbie, we are an AF family too! This is our sceond tour in Charleston. We love it here. DH will retire in just over 2 years and we plan on staying here.

Anutmeg, congratulations on a great job. Have fun during your orientation and learn all you can!!

I am enjoying these forums so much already. I am planning a getting some of the resources mentioned in the book thread.

Thanks again!

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

WOOT great to meet another AF wife!!!

We are closing in on retirement here.....2 more years or so, depending on if he gets promoted or not!

Precepting is often a job "foisted" on unwilling people. You can only do the best you can. It sounds to me as if you have MUCH more than it takes to be a great L and D nurse. Keep up the great work. Don't forget to read the archives for some great info here....there are some VERY smart nurses, midwives, and nurses-to-be here!

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