L&D 1st clinical rotation...help

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I just started OB & my clinical rotation is L&D. We have not covered that yet & I am trying to read to see what I need to know/do. If ya'll could give me some tips, areas to work on, what I need to know Before/After I get there I would really appreciate it.Thank You! CRB

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

I posted this to a student having trouble w/difficult RNs in clinical rotations. It does not really repeat all the wonderful advice here, just a bit more to expound on. Yes, some RNs can be really tough and mean.....most of us try to help you make the most out of your clinical experiences, be they occur in Med-Surg, ICU, OB, ED or other areas.

I truly hope you enjoy your OB clinicals. I did like mine, even though they were rushed and short of duration compared to med-surg. I just want to again welcome and wish all students the BEST in their schooling and future careers!

Here is my post at the other thread:

I am so sorry you are encountering this. I did in some of my clinicals, too. A lot of what they say about being overworked and understaffed is so true, but no excuse to treat students poorly. All you can do is resolve these things:

1. not to take it personally! Learn this one well, as you will need it when you are a nurse. Believe me.

2. report TRUE abuses to your instructors...no one deserves to be out and out abused by any other.

3. do not enter the unit "entitled", meaning, be willing to do your OWN research, fact-finding, lab reading, leg work, etc. Don't ask a busy charge nurse or primary nurse for things you can find or do yourself. (I know this is common sense, but I have learned common sense is not always that "common"). And be willling if you have an extra minute to help out anyway you can. Don't be afraid to offer to help do things like water passes/bed changes runs to lab, etc. IF your instructors permit. WE will be ETERNALLY GRATEFUL. NO that is not what you are there to learn and do, I know--- but if you DO have a minute, please try. It does make all the difference.

4. Remember those who DO treat you well and emulate them. Remember those who did not, and resolve never to be like them.

5. Enjoy school while you can. It's not "greener" on the "other side" always. Enjoy that safety net of your instructors while you have it and learn all you can while you are in school. Take every opportunity to grow.

6. Remember, nothing is forever, even nursing school. It WILL end and you WILL be a nurse one day and you WILL be able to look back on all of this and learn from it.

(((gentle hugs))) To ALL students here.

__________________

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A LOT of the nurses on L&D can be quite frightening (even new grads). My best tip is to kiss a** as much as possible. I have seen the most crabby nurse turn into a nice person after a couple hours of a** kissing, active listening and offering to help as much as possible. Also tell them "thank you" at the end of the shift and let them know how much you learned. They really have to work harder when they have a student. As far as what to study.... make sure you know about the action of Pit, and any other commonly used drugs at your institution and learn some comfort measures so you have something to do when you feel awkward. Haley

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

I don't LIKE butt kissers myself.

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"Instead of asking for pointers here, just do the assignments that your instructor gives you. That will be a good base. None of us can give you good accurate suggestions. There is too much to include".

I think this comment was the reason for the "cringe". I too felt the same way when I read it. I realize there is alot to know/do & no one can just sum it up in a few words. I was looking for advice from an experienced nurses as to things I might be able to do to be helpful & not overstep my clinical bounds but, also to be hands on & learn at the same time.I want to do any & everything I can to gain experience, to provide great care while at the same time not interfere with you as you do your job.The bottom line is I am there to learn & provide the best care I can, I was just trying to borrow real life knowledge to help me do it more efficiently.I am sure you are a great nurse & I did not intend to cause any waves. Thanks CRB

What you are able to do to not overstep, etc is also going to depend on the specific facility. As you have said, you are there to learn. Wait until you get there and start learning. That's why I suggested that you just try and see all you can and let your instructor set the pace. Just being enthusiastic and present will be a great start. I gave you "real life knowledge."

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I don't LIKE butt kissers myself.

I agree. It's sicky sweet and fake. Just show honest interest. Be ready to step up to the plate when you are able to but also be able to get out of the way instantaneously.

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I don't LIKE butt kissers myself.

"I agree. It's sicky sweet and fake. Just show honest interest. Be ready to step up to the plate when you are able to but also be able to get out of the way instantaneously."

Geez, Of course I'm not recommending for them to be sticky sweet and fake. Just kill them with kindness is all I mean. Trust me, I have worked with nurses like you guys and have won them over with a positive attitude. I only meant kiss a** because sometimes it is hard to be nice to someone who does not want you there and shows it.

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

If you are interested in what I want, here it is: Just be real, hard-working, UN-entitled and truly interested and I will bend over backward to help you. That is a promise. I believe students have the right to expect a good learning experience in a safe environment. Kissing my butt won't make that any more possible, and will make me wonder what you are up to. I learned a long time ago, being MYSELF was the best thing I could do...and never pretending to know what I don't is still part of what I do as an experienced nurse.

I don't kiss butts, but I do use the Golden Rule with my colleagues, doctors and patients/families. NO need to over do or kill anyone with kindness if you are for real.

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I'm sorry your right. I should not bother giving my opinion on this forum because nurses like you know the answer to EVERY question and are thus the only people who should provide advice. I'm sure you handle all of life's difficult situations with the most perfect attitude.

If you are interested in what I want, here it is: Just be real, hard-working, UN-entitled and truly interested and I will bend over backward to help you. That is a promise. I believe students have the right to expect a good learning experience in a safe environment. Kissing my butt won't make that any more possible, and will make me wonder what you are up to. I learned a long time ago, being MYSELF was the best thing I could do...and never pretending to know what I don't is still part of what I do as an experienced nurse.

I don't kiss butts, but I do use the Golden Rule with my colleagues, doctors and patients/families. NO need to over do or kill anyone with kindness if you are for real.

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

But, with that attitude, will get you nowhere in the way of help/positive reaction from "nurses like me". Yes, you did say you have worked with nurses "like me" . Maybe, maybe not. But you don't know ME, obviously. I am perfectly happy and more than willing to help others on their way to being nurses, and OB nurses, in particular. Anyone here on these boards with any regularity knows how I like to help others out. I never forgot what it was like to be student, and I hope I never do.

But with this attitude, you won't get much from "nurses like me".

I end it here and leave it to others to offer advice more to your liking. Have a good day and keep on keeping on. Best wishes, and good luck. :)

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

OH and before I forget, Allison, I loved your post! That was beautiful.

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Specializes in OB.
most important thing i remember from my rotation years ago was"bubble he"---b=breasts u=uterus b=bowel b=bladder l=lochia(discharge) e=episotomy h=homan's sign e=epidural. this is your assessment if you check these things on your post partum patients your on your way !!! good luck students it will probably be one of your nicest rotations.

I learned this acronym in school, too. Very helpful! Good luck to all the future nurses out there!

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Specializes in Med Surg/Tele/ER.
I posted this to a student having trouble w/difficult RNs in clinical rotations. It does not really repeat all the wonderful advice here, just a bit more to expound on. Yes, some RNs can be really tough and mean.....most of us try to help you make the most out of your clinical experiences, be they occur in Med-Surg, ICU, OB, ED or other areas.

I truly hope you enjoy your OB clinicals. I did like mine, even though they were rushed and short of duration compared to med-surg. I just want to again welcome and wish all students the BEST in their schooling and future careers!

Here is my post at the other thread:

I am so sorry you are encountering this. I did in some of my clinicals, too. A lot of what they say about being overworked and understaffed is so true, but no excuse to treat students poorly. All you can do is resolve these things:

1. not to take it personally! Learn this one well, as you will need it when you are a nurse. Believe me.

2. report TRUE abuses to your instructors...no one deserves to be out and out abused by any other.

3. do not enter the unit "entitled", meaning, be willing to do your OWN research, fact-finding, lab reading, leg work, etc. Don't ask a busy charge nurse or primary nurse for things you can find or do yourself. (I know this is common sense, but I have learned common sense is not always that "common"). And be willling if you have an extra minute to help out anyway you can. Don't be afraid to offer to help do things like water passes/bed changes runs to lab, etc. IF your instructors permit. WE will be ETERNALLY GRATEFUL. NO that is not what you are there to learn and do, I know--- but if you DO have a minute, please try. It does make all the difference.

4. Remember those who DO treat you well and emulate them. Remember those who did not, and resolve never to be like them.

5. Enjoy school while you can. It's not "greener" on the "other side" always. Enjoy that safety net of your instructors while you have it and learn all you can while you are in school. Take every opportunity to grow.

6. Remember, nothing is forever, even nursing school. It WILL end and you WILL be a nurse one day and you WILL be able to look back on all of this and learn from it.

(((gentle hugs))) To ALL students here.

__________________

Thanks SmilingBluEyes I appreciate your advice. BetsRN,I asked you gave fair enough .Haley, Don't mean to gang up on you but I could not kiss butt if I tried & those that do really get under my skin.I'm a hard worker with tough skin & I want to learn so I will. Gotta go read about birthin them babies! :wink2:

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