Need Help: L&D or PP?

[CallMePatti]

Hi all,

I'm looking for some input from experienced OB-GYN nurses. I'll try not to turn this into a novel.

I'm planning on graduating in May, taking my RN boards this summer. I've been offered a position in both L&D and the postpartum floor (no LDRPs here). Not sure which one to go with, and this is where I need help. (As a side note, I'm 39 years old, married, with three kids).

L&D:

Pros- not routine, never knowing what's walking through the door, like the opportunities to jump in the OR with cesareans, have experience in labor support as a doula, am a childbirth educator

Cons- When I've been on the floor, I haven't really "connected" with much of the staff, and the explosive personalities of some of the docs intimidate me

PP:

Pros- I love the nurse/patient relationship that is built over a couple of days, am a breastfeeding educator, have personal experience with postpartum depression and am very interested in screening for that, this floor is more routine, I think my assessment skills would improve at a more manageable pace, I feel more comfortable with the staff there

Cons- I might get a little bored after a while, but then again, maybe not, having 4 moms and their babies as my patients also intimidates me

Any advice/input? Thanks!

[SmilingBluEyes]

Since you have no experience in L/D or PP, I would start in PP and then do L/D later. Not that PP is easier, because it is not, but it is less intense and the acuity tends to be a bit lower. You will learn how "normal and healthy" newborns (and moms) look and behave and be of much use teaching new families about infant care and breastfeeding. And you will learn what warning signs to watch for in your patients and this knowledge will carry you into L/D later, if you choose to go there.

That is my advice: PP first, then L/D after a year or two in PP. GOOD LUCK whatever you do decide.

[Ivanna_Nurse, BSN, RN]

I just came back from an interview at a facility that does LDRP. Interestingly enough, she said that I will orientate and work pp before LD so that I may see what normal healthy moms and babies look like. How strange to hear that same phrase from 2 different places today!

[SmilingBluEyes]

Because it generally holds true. I have precepted and oriented a lot of nurses in 10 years and the ones who do best are those who do PP first then L/D afterward. They seem to be MUCH more comfortable doing things in this order.