New hire. Any advise?

rpbear · Feb 17, 2004

Thanks Smilingblueyes,

I am sure it will get mentioned when I start on the floor. I have to suffer through basic hospital orrientation first.

SmilingBluEyes · Feb 17, 2004

It's ok anytime. If you have further needs or questions please ask me. I am happy to help a newcomer anytime. It was not that long ago, I was one myself.

JenniferNRN · Feb 18, 2004

I just got hired in L&D as a GN. I start all my hospital classes on Feb 16th and after two weeks I will start in L&D. I am so excited about my new job! Does anyone have any advise for a newbie in L&D?
Thanks

Congratulations! :balloons:

I too started in L&D right after graduation almost 3 years ago, and I would never want to be anywhere else.

I would have to reiterate that you ask a lot of questions of many different nurses. Each nurse has something unique to add and you can take away a little bit from each to find your own style. Always listen and take interest because I see the quickest to fail are the ones who have the attitude that they "already know" everything, so other RN's lose interest in teaching them.

Also, jump in and do things over and over when you can. Do a lot of cervical exams to practice finding different cervices and assessing dilatation. It takes a while to know what you're feeling in there, and even after many years, we still question ourselves and ask other nurses to check behind us. The more you do procedures, the more comfortable you will be.

I could go on and on, but my final piece of advice that was given to me early on is, never get complacent. When you get complacent and think you can relax because you've got it all down, that is when it will turn around and show you that you don't have a clue. Always good to stay aware and ask, ask, ask if you are unsure.

Hope that helps and doesn't scare you. L&D is a wonderful place to work. There is a lot to learn, and it may feel overwhelming at first, but it is worth it to hang in there. There is nothing like feeling a baby's head before it has made an appearance, or placing a bundled up newborn in a proud parent's arms. It is truly rewarding.

Good luck on the NCLEX! :nurse:

nekhismom · Feb 18, 2004

rpbear,

How's the new job going? When do you actually get to the floor? Let us know!! I'm so excited for you. I can't WAIT to get out of my current place and get to Texas and start my L&D job!

rpbear · Feb 18, 2004

How's the new job going? When do you actually get to the floor? Let us know!! I'm so excited for you. I can't WAIT to get out of my current place and get to Texas and start my L&D job!

I have not started on the floor yet, so I don't have much to tell. I have been stuck in hospital orrientation classes the last two days. Can't wait to get on the floor and start learning and practicing my new skills!

I didn't know you got a job in TX. I thought you were working NICU? You don't like the job, the facility, or the location? Where in TX? When are you moving?

verock · Feb 21, 2004

Congrats! I also got hired 6 months ago as a new grad in L&D, and it can be very overwhelming at times- so be prepared! I really love L&D because there is so much to learn plus you help bring a new life into the world. Best advice is to always ask questions to the nurses, docs, and even the ob-techs! My co-workers are always telling me that it takes about a year to get your own routine, but always expect the unexpected! Good luck!

nekhismom · Feb 23, 2004

I have not started on the floor yet, so I don't have much to tell. I have been stuck in hospital orrientation classes the last two days. Can't wait to get on the floor and start learning and practicing my new skills!
I didn't know you got a job in TX. I thought you were working NICU? You don't like the job, the facility, or the location? Where in TX? When are you moving?

I'll PM you about that!