L&D not for me :(

Nurses General Nursing

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As much as I love L&D, I do not feel it is right for me. I do not like the fact that it is such a highly litigious area of nursing, potentially critically or permanently hurting a baby, and the stress of a crash/emergency c-sections, etc. But I love bonding with my labor pts, getting cards and thank you's from all the pt's that I worked so hard to deliver lady partslly or being there for the scared pt that wasn't expecting a c-section. That is what I love! The bond you create with your patients and the job satisfaction you get from making a real difference in someone's life.

I'm trying to find an area of nursing that will fulfill the love that I have for nursing without the high stress level of an L&D nurse.

Any other areas in the hospital do not interest me...med/surg, ICU, ER, telemetry, ortho, oncology, nicu, etc. I've thought of just doing postpartum (I do that in my position as well, I work in LDRP.) But to be frank, I think I would get bored.

Any suggestions?

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

Are you a new nurse?

Sometimes we have that nervous feeling about having a TON of responsibilities...it can be quite a culture shock.

Each part of nursing has it's own liability issues; it's best to know your scope, facility policies; know how to adequately and appropriately document, and of course, carry -unfortunately we live in a very litigious society, it's best to have someone in YOUR corner if (and I do mean if) anything occurs.

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Have you thought about doing well baby home visits and becoming a lactaction consultant? Perhaps a OB/GYN office where you could be part of the process not in the hospital?

Or maybe doing childbirth education?

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I am a new nurse but I have been in L&D long enough to know it's not right for me (almost 2 years now). I've talked to my fellow co-workers, my cousin who is a doctor, and some other specialty nurses, and ALL of them said not to get my own coverage because I am covered through the hospital. Do nurses typically carry a separate policy?

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Yes I have considered being an IBCLC Lactation Consultant. It is definitely a route I can consider. I have also thought about working at an infertility clinic. I guess there are options for me :yes:.

I wanted to see if there was some other area of nursing that I haven't considered yet. Some magical, wonderful, non-litigious area of nursing that I didn't know about :)

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
I am a new nurse but I have been in L&D long enough to know it's not right for me (almost 2 years now). I've talked to my fellow co-workers, my cousin who is a doctor, and some other specialty nurses, and ALL of them said not to get my own coverage because I am covered through the hospital. Do nurses typically carry a separate malpractice insurance policy?

Say WHAT???!!!!????!!!!

:no:

PLEASE carry your own !

If something were to happen (it rarely does), the hospital or facility will NOT be in your corner. It only costs about $100/year...pretty inexpensive for the max amount.

I have been carrying malpractice insurance as long as I have been a licensed nurse-about 9 years...even IF a hospital has coverage, I want someone to be there for ME; and no issues, but the comfort of having malpractice insurance is good enough for me. :yes:

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Specializes in RN, BSN, CHDN.
I am a new nurse but I have been in L&D long enough to know it's not right for me (almost 2 years now). I've talked to my fellow co-workers, my cousin who is a doctor, and some other specialty nurses, and ALL of them said not to get my own coverage because I am covered through the hospital. Do nurses typically carry a separate malpractice insurance policy?

Get insurance now! You are in a very high risk field

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UGH! I can't believe I haven't gotten it yet! I literally asked everyone I knew about insurance because I was so nervous about being in such a litigious area of nursing. Not ONE said to get it. I will get coverage immediately! Does that mean the first 2 years I've been in L&D I won't be covered now. :nailbiting: Well I guess better that I got it now than never! Thank you so much for this advice! I guess this has been the best advice on here yet rather than just figuring out my path in nursing!! Thank you!!

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Specializes in ICU.
UGH! I can't believe I haven't gotten it yet! I literally asked everyone I knew about insurance because I was so nervous about being in such a litigious area of nursing. Not ONE said to get it. I will get coverage immediately! Does that mean the first 2 years I've been in L&D I won't be covered now. :nailbiting: Well I guess better that I got it now than never! Thank you so much for this advice! I guess this has been the best advice on here yet rather than just figuring out my path in nursing!! Thank you!!

Glad to hear you're getting insurance! People who say not to (and aren't in administration at the hospital) have just been brainwashed. Of course the hospital is going to tell you they're going to take care of you. All hospitals say that. In reality, if you do everything perfectly according to their standards they might help you out, and that's probably the only time you would be covered by them. The rest of the time, it's likely you'd get thrown under the bus.

All of the reasons you listed for liking L&D are the reasons I went into ICU. I wouldn't rule that out altogether.

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I thought L&D was where I would land and stay but after 7 years, I decided to leave. For all the reasons you stated. At the same time I was working ER as well. (Small rural hospital).

I made the decision to back off on working so much and spend more time with my kids so I work part-time in hospice and as a school district nurse. It pays the bills and I get insurance. Of course, I've been a nurse for 17 years now so I'm more than ready for slowing down.

And yes, get . I'm a bit shocked that someone told you not to get insurance. Yeah, the hospital has insurance to cover you in case of a lawsuit BUT they will cover their own tushes first.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

I wanted to see if there was some other area of nursing that I haven't considered yet. Some magical, wonderful, non-litigious area of nursing that I didn't know about :)

Of which, in this litigation-happy society, there is none.

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I'm happy to report that I got insurance today and covered to the max amount!

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