New grad in OB!!

[pamelaRN06]

Hello everyone!!

I graduated in Jan 2012, took my boards in March, and FINALLY got a job in OB! They are starting me off on mother/baby then will transition me to L&D. I'm so excited! The thing is, I feel like it has been so long since I've been in school. I've already pulled out my text book and have started brushing up on a few things (assessments and what not). Any recommendations on what I should be brushing up on? any books specific to this specialty that are recommended? I would appreciate ANY kind of advice...even words of encouragement :-) Thank you all in advance!!

[Kayla.J.RN]

Congratulations! I am also a new grad who recently got hired for a full-time RN position on L&D. I started orientation on August 7th and so far I love it.

My advice would be to ask as many questions as you can during orientation and try to absorb as much as possible. I write things down during my shift that I think I need to brush up on or I'm not familiar with and I go home and read a bit more about it. For now.. it would be good to know a normal newborn and postpartum assessment.. what to do for postpartum hemorrhage... OB meds etc. Eventually when you get into L&D you will need to know more about fetal monitoring and assessment.

I wouldn't go crazy though because you will learn a lot on orientation. Good luck.

[serenity1]

Intrapartum management modules book. Excellent for new nurses in OB. Congrats!

[pamelaRN06]

Thank you both for your advice!! I will continue to read my maternal/child health book. I am a combination of excited, nervous, and anxious. This is why I busted my butt in nursing school! Thank you again! Best of luck to you Kayla.J.RN!!