New Grad to L/D

[RogerThatRN5]

So I started working in L/D as a unit secretary in 2006. I worked there through nursing shool. After graduating in 2009 it was very difficult to find a job for new grad RNs. Therefore I took a job at the same hospital in the new graduate fellowship position in med/surg. I worked there for a year, and then was contacted by my previous manager in L/D. She was basically offerring me a position as a new grad on L/D. Returning to my old unit, I feel ok, however from the nursing point of view I am somwhat overwhelmed. I question myself everyday :can I do this? I am constantly scared I am going to make a mistake or not be able to handle a situation. Tonight will be my first shift without a preceptor and I am not going to lie, I am terrified. Any words of advice at all?Thanks.

[Traveldee]

Oooh I've so been there! I did my senior preceptorship on a Women's Unit (LDRP & nursery) and was hired on as a new grad when I graduated. I was blessed to have a thorough orientation, however, it took me about 3 months to not walk into work with quite a bit of anxiety. I have been an LDRP nurse for a year and a half now. My advice? Don't be afraid to ask questions. It's good to be confident in the skills you have, but you need to know when to ask questions. If you're fortunate, you will have a supportive team who will back you up when you need it (e.g. your first precipitous delivery, an unexpected post partum hemorrhage, your first HELLP patient (#$%&!).) When stuff hits the fan, take a deep breath, keep your cool, and ask for help. Also, keep a journal! You will be amazed at how much you will grow your first year as a new grad. I try to learn something new every shift and articulate what I learned, be it clinical, psychosocial...whatever it may be! Best of luck to you! Hang in there, you will rock it! :)

[MKPRN]

I have been an L&D nurse for 10 years now and still have times where I am questioning myself. When this happens I go to my coworkers. They can be a great wealth of knowledge and help to you. We have all be the new kid on the block before and know what it is like to be there. I feel that it is my responsibility to educate new nurses....especially when it comes to L&D.

When I first started working OB I found myself always wanting to learn more. I attended educational classes as much as I could and would read anything I could get my hands on. If I didn't know something I would stop and grab a book and look it up. This is how we learn. Give yourself time, you are going to make mistakes but I promise you will learn from them.

[Fyreflie]

I've just passed my four year mark and I still have days when I'm terrified and unsure! I think everyone does. It's when you stop feeling that feeling of slight panic that you get relaxed enough to make mistakes...

My first year in particular I think I called my floor after every shift, sure I had forgotten something that was going to kill someone. Good colleagues are a godsend. Don't worry too much and embrace that feeling--it's your friend. It pushes you to learn and adapt and grow!

Just know that we all go through it :)