New Grad in Postpartum

scaredsilly, BSN, RN · Apr 19, 2015

I got my dream job in L&D shortly after grad. Close enough? Answering by the numbe:

1. I bought a pocket sized book on OB from amazon. OB/GYN & Peds Notes: Nurse's Clinical Pocket Guide (Nurse's Clinical Pocket Guides): 9780803623323: Medicine & Health Science Books @ Amazon.com Carry it on the first day. It helps a lot and it impressed my preceptor that I had it. I bought a neonatal stethoscope, but the facility supplies them so I didn't need it.

2. Ask questions-write down the answers and don't ask the same question twice. If she is about to do a procedure, ask her to walk you through how to do it. Offer to answer all call lights, if your facility has nurses carry a phone, offer to carry it. BUT, don't get in over your head, ask before doing anything you aren't completely trained to do. If you have down time, help other nurses as well, you will be working with them later, you want them to know you are a team player!

3. never say "I don't know how" or "No one trained me on that", instead say, can you show me how to do that. Never say "that;s not my patient", help wherever you are asked to help. Never leave the floor (even for the bathroom) without telling your preceptor where you are going. Do not have your personal cell phone on the floor.

4. A good brain sheet is essential. Otherwise every unit is different. You will manage to figure out what works for you within a couple of weeks. As for charting, do it as you can, don't wait til the end of a shift to try to do it all.

Your first shifts are going to be rough. Whatever your expectations are-that is NOT what you are going to get! You will feel incompetent, stupid, 'not cut out for this', and all sorts of other negative feelings. This is normal, we all go through it. Just keep reminding yourself that the NM knows what she is doing, you were hired because she saw your awesomeness, so even when you don't feel awesome, know that you are! It takes time to learn all you need to learn, I am in my 8th month and just now feeling competent. The first day on the job you are going to find out that nursing school did not prepare you for this, that you don't know a darned thing and that you have fears that you didn't know existed. ALL NORMAL! Remember, they are NOT going to let you kill anyone! They are not leaving you alone until you are ready! This is new to you, but they have done this before loads of times, they know what they are doing. Trust them to train you, and soak up everything you can.

As soon as you are done with orientation and on your own, ask to be cross trained to transition and L&D. You will be glad you are the first time census is low and they are calling you off!

Congrats on your job!!!!

iPink, BSN, RN · Apr 20, 2015

I'm a PP nurse. We have an influx of new grads on my unit and I'll give you some tips that the experienced nurses have a problem with regarding the new grads. We know you're fresh out of school and your knowledge base is big but you don't know everything. As long as you can take constructive criticism and advice to improve your skills as a nurse you'll go a long way.

Being precepted, you'll be doing things that has worked well for you preceptor. When you come off orientation, you can come up with your own ways of doing things, but in the meantime follow their way until the time comes when you're on your own.

Study PP hemorrhage, write down common pain meds and their side effects. Many moms will ask and you want to be able to answer. Know what meds are considered Level 1 for breastfeeding moms. There are some moms who may be dealing with cramping pain but scared to take a pain med because they're breastfeeding, so it's your responsibility to educate her. Education goes a long way and you will be doing plenty of that as a PP nurse.

A binder that includes hospital and unit protocols will be helpful for you to refer back to. Watch YouTube videos about breastfeeding so you can be prepared for a mom who wants your assistance. Read up on infant norms and abnormals, such as HR, T, RR, newborn rash, murmurs, molding, caput, etc.

Take things one day at a time. Ask questions and never assume.

Good luck!

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WinterPineapple · Apr 20, 2015

Thank you so much!!

I will take all of this to heart and never give up. I appreciate all the advice