L&D nurses- how much experience did you have before L&D?

I did three moths on a med-surg floor while waiting for a job to come up in L&D. I don't think this hurt me because L&D is so specialized anyways that renal and cardiac pts aren't the ideal learning experience for a LD nurse (Birth is a healthy process so learning all about illness isn't always applicable).

It did help a little with time management, but at our school we did so much clinical that I would have gone straight to LD after grad had a job been available. If you know that's the field you want to work in I say go for it! I know everyone says take med-surg for a year, but I don't believe it is necessary if you are dedicated and enthusiastic when it comes to LD.

Originally posted by ShannonB25:

I am just curious as to how much experience all of you had before L&D (or is it the only area you have worked in?) Just wondering sort of what's par for the course in terms of experience. I've been told by many people recently that with the current shortage many hospitals will hire new grads directly into L&D. Do you think this is a good way to go? Any input is appreciated.

Thanks

Shannon

Starting out of school as a new grad is tough but doable. I started a little over one year ago as a new grad and a male too boot. I survived horrible staffing at times by being honest and not buying into the tipical nurses will do anything role. I think if you can think for yourself and like

adrenaline rushs, and have a great preceptor

you could do it. Waring...My preceptor had 30 years of experiance, most of it L/D, The docs asked her opinion more than 50 % of the time. Now that's respect...But my orientation made nursing school feel easy. She was so sweet, but she had me doing everything by the 4th week. From then on till my 8th week of orientation I was learning how to take myself out of slow motion and up to speed....I lost 25 pounds, dreamed of crashes every night...for those first 7 wks. It was hell...But I wanted it so bad that I stuck to that lady like super glue. She taught me things that I find myself teaching residents on a daily basis.

She was that good. My point...You want he best nurse on that unit to train you, now matter the age, or personality. Ask the docs, and nurses who they feel is the most experienced and bribe her with some choclates and kind words to please teach you

how to do L/D. This may seem extreme, but the fact is that if you hang with the best

you become just like them. The best will teach you how to make good outcomes out of bad situations. They have been there, and they know what you need to learn to be safe. and great. To hear my preceptor brag on me to other nurses and tell them what a good nurse I am is humbiling, because not once during orientation did she let on that I rarely had a clue. I guess her persona finally soaked in until I thought like, moved like, sounded like, the real deal...

I'm not trying to brag but after seeing 13 new hires in one year and I and one other are the only survivors, it makes me feel that no matter how hellatious my orientation was , I deffinately had the edge with her at the controls. Get the most experianced person and pump them every minute your on the clock. squeeze your orientation dry...

you need at least 12 wks of on the job with the preceptor, not including necessary classes or hospital orientation. Fight for this in your interview, it will make you or break you...Todd from tulsa

Email me at [email protected] for more info...bye...