New Grad going to L&D. Advice?

Katie71275 · Jun 20, 2014

I was a new grad in L&D a year ago. I love it. I would advise you to get a small spiral notebook to keep track of things. There are many procedures and interventions that go on in L&D that will be something you do many times and it would be good to have a list to refer back to in case you forget something. For example, my facilities policy on amnioinfusion and the rate to run them was at a certain rate then decreased to another rate. Forever I hadto ask what the rate was! if I had written it down, I would not have had to ask so often lol. Also make sure to enroll(or have hospital enroll you) in a fetal monitoring class. Pay attention, ask questions, don't be too confident that you know what you are looking at. I will still ask my more experienced nurses if I am unsure about my strip or if I have run out of interventions for suggestions.

RunBabyRN · Jun 21, 2014

Congratulations! I just got my license today as well! I'll be in postpartum, where I precepted (and cross-training in L&D).

I agree about carrying something to write on. I created a Word document that I continually updated with protocols for postpartum (and will take with me when I return), but knowing things like the pitocin protocol, how to read strips, and comfort measures are really good. Keep your eyes and ears open, and take it all in! Best of luck to you! :)

pvnurse2014 · Jun 21, 2014

Thank you! My hospital has us already registered from several classes including the fetal monitoring, neonatal resuscitation, etc. I am a note taker! So this will work great for me.

pvnurse2014 · Jun 21, 2014

Congratulations! I just got my license today as well! I'll be in postpartum, where I precepted (and cross-training in L&D).
I agree about carrying something to write on. I created a Word document that I continually updated with protocols for postpartum (and will take with me when I return), but knowing things like the pitocin protocol, how to read strips, and comfort measures are really good. Keep your eyes and ears open, and take it all in! Best of luck to you! :)

Thank you! I will definitely take all of your advice! I am so excited! I start on Friday (6/27)

NurseNora, BSN, RN · Jun 21, 2014

I've been a labor nurse for over 40 years, track Intermediate and Advanced Fetal Monitoring and I still ask others to look at my strips. Don't be afraid to ask questions--ever. Have daily or at least weekly discussions with your preceptor about what she thinks you're doing well and what you're missing. Share your feelings about what you're getting comfortable with and what you think you just aren't getting. If you and your preceptor don't mesh, ask for another one. The biggest thing I see is people just finally start to get it and feel comfortable and then something happens and all at once they feel like they know nothing and will never get it. You will, relax, be prepared to study as hard as you did in nursing school, and be gentle with yourself

SmilingBluEyes · Jun 23, 2014

You have received wonderful advice. Keep your mind open, take every learning opportunity and get feedback often from your preceptor how you are doing. I just want to you wish the very best. Happy for you!

Nikki_BSN · Jul 11, 2014

I'm a new grad to L&D also. It's been about 3 months! There is lots to love, but with being a NEW nurse, it can be challenging. Be open to learning the different ways people do stuff, stay tough because some nurses/OBs do talk down to you, and take lots of notes! Good luck.