New job in mother/baby?

[amymfr]

Hello!

I just need some input. I graduated school and worked med/surg for close to three years. My husband and I just relocated to Maine and I recently had a job interview for a per diem position on a mother/baby floor - no L/D, just mother/baby. It went well! I was told the patient ratio is 3-4 mother/baby couplets. Just wondering a little about how this would be. And also, the manager offered me a 6-week orientation period to start, and then possibility to extend if necessary. Do you feel this is an adequate amount of time to learn a whole new specialty? I obviously did a rotation in school and a leadership rotation on an LDRP floor, but I guess I'm just wondering if this is enough! I am trying to decide if I want to accept - assuming I get an offer! : ) I appreciate your help!!!

[Labor RN]

I would go for it, if per diem is what you want. If it took you a long time to get it down in med/surg full time, then you might need more time orienting being PRN. You might also ask how many shifts a month they think you might get and based on that answer follow up with orientation time.....

[amymfr]

Ok thanks! Good idea. I did about a nine week full time orientation on med/surg. The six week orientation for this job would actually be anywhere from 24hr/week to full time.

[ScrubCap]

Given your 3 years of med/surg experience, I think you will be fine on just a M/B floor, especially with only 3-4 couplets. The patients are healthy, self-care types - and as far as meds, you'll be passing Colace, PNV, Iron, and pain pills - way less than what you are used to on med/surg. Your biggest obstacle will probably be learning the care of the newborn and all that goes with it (STABLE, NRP certifications, drawing labs and PKUs, circumcisions, etc.). Make sure to ask your director for more time on orientation if you feel you need it - I think you'll do great given your background. Good luck!