LnD nurses with experience, Please help?

1. What brought you to the path of nursing?

My aunt was a nurse and I loved all things medical growing up. I went to school so that I could be a labor and delivery nurse.

2. How long did it take you to finish your degree?

2 Years for my ASN (I did pre-reqs and nursing classes at the same time which I don't recommend), 1 for my RN-BSN, still working on my MSN

3. If at any point during school, did you want to give up? Why? And how did you keep yourself on the path to graduation?

At the end of my first semester I though I was going to fail clinical because I didn't push the call light when my patient had a pseudo seizure (long story) my instructor was REALLY mad and I thought she was going to fail me so I started looking in to other career paths. It all turned out fine and no bumps in the road after that.

4. How long have you been a nurse, and what jobs have you done?

3.5 years I have worked in NICU and L&D

5. Which jobs have been your favorite?

OH L&D hands down

6. Which jobs have been your worst?

My worst was a CNA on Adult Med/Surg I questioned my decision to be a nurse many times during the 9 months I did that job.

7. How much of a salary should a nurse expect to see as a Labor and Delivery nurse?

It depends on where you live. I make just over $21 but many of the nurses I work with have come from other states and say they took a huge pay cut when they moved.

8. What is the good and bad aspects of the job?

Good: The bond you make with a patient you labor all day and then deliver.

Bad: Fetal Demises

9. Have you ever had emotional days and what are your stories?

There are emotional days, I have been happy, sad, and mad. I have laughed and cried. L&D is an area filled with emotion most days you just have to roll with the punches.

10. What kind of advice would you give to an emotional nursing student?

Take it one day at a time and don't try and get ahead of yourself. Rome wasn't built in a day and you won't learn everything in a day. Nursing is a continuous learning process. I learn something new everyday that I work.

11. What is a typical day for you?

There are no typical days in L&D every day is a new surprise.

12. Have you ever seen a miracle?

I see a miracle every time a baby is born.