md-surge to L&D nursing, what was it like??

snwflknurse · Mar 1, 2008

i worked a year in med-surg, then transferred to L&D. i had a year experience in OB as a nurse tech doing postpartum care, which i think was invaluable in my knowing the department before starting. our unit is LDRP and we average 200 deliveries a month. i felt the same way about med-surg, when i was there i couldn't wait to get back to OB. however, i think the skills i acquired in med-surg were invaluable to my current setting. those basic assessment, prioritization, and time management skills are needed wherever you go.

my first six months in OB has been great, but intense. one thing i have learned is that it truly is a specialty. it will take a long time to feel competent, the key is to having support from your co-workers and your charge nurse (which thankfully, i do have). most of the time outcomes are great, but your mind always has to be thinking the "what if" scenario and planning for that. when things go downhill in our department, it happens quick and can be very overwhelming.

all that being said, i feel very lucky and privileged to work where i do, and i learn something new from each patient, each labor, and each delivery. i am happier now because i'm working where my passion is.

i say go for it when you get the opportunity, but use this time where you are at now, to build your skills and improve on those. good luck to you in your endeavors!

crysobrn · Mar 1, 2008

I applied for OB when I had been on med/surg for about 6 mos and I did not get the job. Quite honestly at the time I was a little upset, thought I would have done a great job, actually lost the job to a girl that had graduated with me but I think she said that she was going to quit if she didn't change dept... Anyway to make a long story short we have a relatively small turnover in our OB dept so I knew that I was not going to be able to get in for a while.

I did eventually apply for an open position when I had been on med/surg for 3 yrs and I will tell you that it was so much better than it could have been. I was more confident as a nurse, I knew my basic skills much better, was far more organized etc after having that extra time on the floor. My transition was much easier overall.

I can't say that I LOVED my time on the floor but I will say that for the most part I enjoyed the people I worked with and my patients and I'm happy with my experience looking back. Good luck to you. I think you have to do what's right for you. Walk into work with your head up and a positive attitude it can make all the difference. OB may or may not be what you think it is, if you don't like it you can always fall back on the experience that you had on the floor.

PegRNBSN · Mar 3, 2008

I worked for three years on a med surg floor. I was only going to work for one and then transfer, but got complacent and just stayed where I was. It was the hardest work I have ever done, but also, gave me experience I know I would not have gotten in labor and delivery. I would say the three most valuable skills that I honed there were, prioritization, physical assessment, and organization.

While all are used in labor and delivery, the setting of a med surg floor exposes you to a wide variety of experiences that you will rarely if ever see in labor and delivery. I found when I transferred to labor and delivery, being much more comfortable with some of the sicker patients we took care of, even over nurses with many years l and d experience.

I work in a level three, high risk unit and thinking about the nurses who work there, the ones who are the most organized and skilled when it comes to the high risk patients are those who had med surg experience.

Amorypaz22 · Mar 4, 2008

Thank you very much for all your advice and experiences. I'm trying to figure out what to do. I understand I will gain lots of experience in med-surge, but is it worth it to hate what I love to do?? I guess all the stress build up is consistent with the transition of student-nurse, where you now have everything to learn, and lots of resposibility. I appreciate everyones reply because I don't know anyone doing L&D, and I wouldn't want to go into this area without knowing what I'm getting myself into. Again thanks a million..... Love uuuu :redbeathe:redbeathe!!!

mimmy · Mar 7, 2008

I was a med/surg nurse for 12 years. My unit closed and I was given the opportunity for an OB position. I was so thrilled when I got the job, as I had always wanted to work OB! Let me tell you...after being med surg for so long, it was hard to learn a whole new style of nursing.

As you know, med surg is a routine~ as well as dealing with issues that arise thoughout the day. L&D is usually a one on one. You always have to be on your toes for subtle changes in your strip, etc. At the beginning, I would go home every night wondering if I made the right decision. I would worry every day on the was to work if I would know what to do with each situation. I had been so comfortable in my med surg job, that it was very intimidating to not know the answer to everything.

So, do I think that some med/surg is important for a foundation? Yes, to a certain extent. I think it is probably easier to learn new skills and be more open minded, when you are not set in your ways. If it is L&D you want~ I so "go for it"! I know alot of nurses that went right into L&D from school and did great! Good luck:)

I

KayleighTravelNurse, RN · Jun 17, 2011

Go into L&D you will love it.

melmarie23, MSN, RN · Jun 20, 2011

I have been working my first RN job in med/surg and acute rehab for the past 2 months. I have an interview for L&D this week. I plan on keeping my current as both are per diem and then after a year or so try to get hired into L&D full time.

I thought I'd hate med/surg, but even in my two short months, I have learned so much, all of which will help me in any area of nursing. L&D has been my passion though. I did my exernship and capstone project in it while in nursing school. I really hope this pans out for me.

I say apply. The 4 month med/surg will only help you land an interview. The hospital I am interviewing for wouldnt even consider me as a new grad. Now that I have some experience (albeit short, but whatever!) in med/surg, they are now granting me an interview.

Good luck! Keep us posted!