New to L&D and I have completely forgotten how to be a nurse!

[Little_Babycatcher]

It's not as drastic as the title implies, but some days it truly feels that way. Upon graduating, I worked in med-surg for almost 2 years, then switched to postpartum for a year. Now I'm on L&D (where I really wanted to go in the first place) and some days I am making the most RIDICULOUS mistakes. The other day I even put a foley into the lady parts and we didn't realize it until 2 hours after the fact. Now, granted, it was a very obese and squirrely patient and I really should have verified placement..but still. STILL. I (We were switching it out from another catheter so I wasn't really surprised not to see urine.)

Prior to coming to L&D I hadn't placed a foley in about 2 years, but it is just so mortifying to realize that I have made such an elementary mistake.

I am happy beyond reason to finally be with laboring families, but this has been such a difficult transition for me. New hospital, new unit, new coworkers. How long until I stop feeling like I'm back in my first clinical rotation as a student?

I suppose this really turned into a venting post rather than a question. Sorry!

[RN520]

I totally get your feelings, OP. Especially the Foley. The last time I placed one was during my maternity rotation in school and I didn't get it right, either (but I did great in skills pass-off! Go figure!) I feel like I need to find a you tube video or something to refresh my memory. I get confused with all the steps involved, and inevitably forget something! I think for me, it's usually a case of placing really high expectations on myself and then not allowing myself to make a mistake - REALLY?? I am not that awesome. LOL. I think it'll come to you. Just remember why you wanted this specialty and allow yourself time to get used to the new surroundings. This is a huge life change, so it makes sense for you to feel this way. It might take another couple of weeks, or it might take 3 months or more for you to really settle in. Don't put time limits on that. Hopefully you have some supportive coworkers who will be happy to help you out, but until you find out, keep coming back here. I think this website serves a great purpose by creating a place where we can vent. I don't know if you're in a relationship/partnered/married, but if I try to explain to my husband why work is stressing me out, it's hard for him to understand because he's in a completely different field. It's better if I just say "I had a really crappy day at work today. I need a hug." But WE know what you're going through, to a certain extent, so we can understand the details. Don't worry. You'll be okay. It will get easier/better, and just remember, you are a GREAT nurse!!

[babyktchr, BSN, RN]

Oh honey. Breathe. Its normal. It happens. Even the most seasoned nurse will have a brain fart from time to time (don't ever let anyone tell you they haven't). I came to OB from ICU and had mad skills. OB took those mad skills and laughed, and then made them better. You will find your groove. The key is letting yourself be the learner and not want to be the rockstar right out of the gate (we all do though). You will have that AH HA day. I promise. Time, my friend, time.

Foleys can be challenging, especially on the laboring patient, regardless of fluff or not. Labor does "things" to that area. Here's a trick for you. After you have placed the cath, you are still sterile so lube your fingers and do a quick vag exam. If the catheter is in the right place, you should feel it right above your fingers in lady parts. I check all my placements there when I get no urine back immediately.

Good luck to you. You will be fine and a rockstar in no time.