New Grad- Starting a job in Post partum

[Scooter24]

Hi there!

I am a new grad nurse and just got offered a job in the Birth Place. I think I will be starting in postpartum and then will eventually be trained in L&D and the nursery. I want to prepare myself the best I can for starting on the floor... anyone of suggestions for books or websites to freshen up on OB info? or any tips or advice for a new grad starting in post partum? anything helps... thanks!

[iPink, BSN, RN]

Congrats. I started in critical care for a year then recently found my home on PP. I love it! You will be doing a lot of teaching...breastfeeding, newborn care, educating about PP norms such as uterine cramping, pain management, etc. If you have the opportunity to shadow a lactation nurse for a day, I would do it.

I work as a baby (nursery) nurse and mom nurse. Which means depending on the day, I will be providing care exclusively for one or the other or in rare cases when staff is short, I will be doing couplet care.

Take plenty of notes. I still carry around a small notebook that fits in my pocket to jot new things down I never encounter during orientation.

As far as books and great resource links, you can do a search here of threads where some were provided.

Sent from iPink's phone via allnurses app

[BSNbeauty, BSN, RN]

Never be afraid to ask questions. Do alot of studying at home on common PP complications for mom and baby. Soak up knowledge from more experience nurses. I love PP. Good luck!

[RunBabyRN]

Congrats! I'm a new grad starting in PP as well (once I've passed the NCLEX). I precepted on the unit, so I was able to get a good feel for the unit.

Definitely ask questions, and learn where your resources are located. Brush up on newborn testing and what it all means, breastfeeding, post-op care (for those c-section mamas), newborn VS, normal newborn stats (weight, HC, etc), remember where the fundus should be on what day, normal EBL for birth (lady partsl and c/s), s/s of shock, tx of shock, normal H&H for postpartum patients, bilirubin, blood glucose in newborns...

I keep a running sheet of notes, like everything to have for a new admit, including a separate list for c/s pts, what Coombs positive means, and a couple of the hospitals' protocols. Be a sponge and respect those older nurses- they are a wealth of knowledge and experience!

I used my maternal child textbook to review much of this prior to my preceptorship. I'll be reviewing more as I get closer to starting, as, like you, I'll be cross-training in L&D and NICU.

Good luck!