L&D Stress

[PepeSilvia]

So I worked in a busy ER for 2 years, decided I wanted a change, and accepted a position in L&D in April. I've always wanted to work in L&D and was so excited to take on this challenge. I have been off orientation for about 2 months now and I feel like I just cannot handle this stress. I know I am new to this specialty and it's a steep learning curve, and I need to give it more time, but... I feel so anxious all the time and the stress is just not worth it to me. I don't plan on leaving yet, as I don't want to let the department down, but this job is just not for me. I hope it gets better soon.

I've found that I do not like the autonomy and high responsibility of this job. Also, most of the nurses are incredibly mean. I'm already shy and bad at making friends, so that certainly doesn't help. I left the ER because I always felt overwhelmed and felt like I had no idea what I was doing. I thought moving to something more specialized would help, but it's just as bad. The dr's and other nurses treat me like I'm an idiot, and half the time, I feel like I'm an idiot, too.

One of my coworkers used to work in an outpatient GI center, which has piqued my interest. Regular hours, no holidays or weekends, and pretty low stress. Maybe in a year or so, once I get some more experience and if I still am thinking L&D is not for me, I will try something like that.

Sorry for the rant. I just feel like I'm stuck in a rut. Also, thought about PP, but those nurses are even meaner than the L&D nurses, at my hospital at least...

[iPink, BSN, RN]

I've seen many people on here give the advice to ER RNs wanting to make a change to OB by suggesting they try L&D due to its high energy, equally stressful environment they are use to. Yes L&D is tough but it's rewarding. I've heard many people struggle in the beginning but they stick it out and become better with time and patience. It's up to you if you want to invest the time and effort.

I came from an ICU stepdown floor which was high paced and stressful with a least one code or RRT called per day. No thank you despite the great experience. When I decided to transfer to the Women's Hospital, I knew L&D wouldn't be the right fit for me and instead I went into PP, and haven't regretted my decision. I actually have time to talk and educate my patients.

You can try PP, but if you want no holidays or weekends then apply to outpatient. Since moving to PP, I finally enjoy the perks of working only 3 days a week. As far as the attitudes of the nurses, yes that's unique to your hospital. Certainly not the case at mine.

Sent from iPink's phone via allnurses app

[queenanneslace, ADN, MSN, APRN, CNM]

" I know I am new to this specialty and it's a steep learning curve, and I need to give it more time, "

Many L&D nurses will say it takes a year, or two! To feel comfortable on the OB unit.

"but... I feel so anxious all the time and the stress is just not worth it to me."

Feeling anxious at work for a year or two might be too long! There can be rewards to sticking it out, but this needs to be balanced with one's own ability and desire to endure stress. I might not be able to withstand feeling stressed out and anxious for an extended period of time.

"I've found that I do not like the autonomy and high responsibility of this job."

This is one of the things that draws me to L&D - I like the responsibility and autonomy of managing labor. I like it a lot. Labor and birth can be unpredictable - and I like that, too. It is challenging, though. For multiple reasons.

"Also, most of the nurses are incredibly mean. I'm already shy and bad at making friends, so that certainly doesn't help. I left the ER because I always felt overwhelmed and felt like I had no idea what I was doing. I thought moving to something more specialized would help, but it's just as bad. The dr's and other nurses treat me like I'm an idiot, and half the time, I feel like I'm an idiot, too. "

Ahhh. Sometimes there is a culture on certain units that does not foster open communication and dialog. I've been on OB units that are cohesive and supportive, and other OB units that are incredibly divisive, passive-aggressive, and frankly, disorienting. It sounds like you're dealing with a double-whammy: a challenging job, and a challenging work environment. One of these reasons alone is probably enough to consider seeking a new area of employment.

OB is not for everyone - and it can be very challenging. I love OB, and can't imagine working anywhere else - when it gets challenging, I try to focus on the patient, and providing the best patient-centered care I can provide. I try to remember I'm there for the patients - not to make the doctors happy or my coworkers like me. I wish we could all be happy together, singing kum-by-yah in the breakroom, but when it comes down to it, I'm there for the patient. I've never regretted putting the patient first, I have regretted deferring to coworkers or physicians in order to make nice.

Good for you for trying something new - and for committing yourself to sticking it out. Learn all you can while on the unit - and use those experiences to further your career wherever it takes you!

[SeattleRS24]

PepeSilvia, I'm so sorry that you're feeling so overwhelmed. I am in the same boat right now and it is NOT a fun place to be in. I am a new graduate nurse starting out on a high-risk maternity floor and I had no idea that L&D could be so incredibly scary. Fortunately I feel supported by my unit and my residency support team; I honestly don't think I would make it if I didn't have that piece.

Everyone on my unit says that it's completely normal to feel this way in the beginning. The reason you are anxious is because you care, and I know that's something you've probably heard before, but try to remember that you're lucky to have that caring instinct guiding you. I hope that you feel a little bit better each week, and if not, I hope that you find a better fit for you. I know we can do this!!