New L&D Nurse and Overwhelmed!!!

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Hello all you experienced nurses out there. I had my 3rd day today on my unit and I was hoping to see a birth today, and I definitely got that! I was present and did minor assisting for 5 deliveries. I am just feeling like, it is sooo much to learn, which I already know it is. To the point, I was wondering if any of you know of a small pocket reference guide for L&D nursing that wouyld guide me as far as clinical decision-making. Thank you. Heather

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Hello all you experienced nurses out there. I had my 3rd day today on my unit and I was hoping to see a birth today, and I definitely got that! I was present and did minor assisting for 5 deliveries. I am just feeling like, it is sooo much to learn, which I already know it is. To the point, I was wondering if any of you know of a small pocket reference guide for L&D nursing that wouyld guide me as far as clinical decision-making. Thank you. Heather

I believe it is called L&D IN MY POCKET and the author is Polly Perez. It is excellent!

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you can order Labor & Delivery in my Pocket online, here's the link: http://www.inmypocketbooks.com/ldpb.htm

It's a great book. It was recommended in the sticky recommended books thread, so I got it and it's been a great help to me!

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Thank you both so much. And so quickly a response:) I will defintiely purchase it! Heather

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Thank you for the reply about the L&D book--I just ordered it!

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

I have that one, good book. Also, be sure to check out the books suggested at the sticky on the forum. And make sure you get some good classes on fetal heart monitoring, breastfeeding, obstetric nursing, etc. these things are great ways to get and share information, as well as really stimulate your own practice. you never quit learning, trust me! If you feel "stagnant" ever, go to a really good seminar or conference and learn some more!!!! good luck!!!!

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Hello all you experienced nurses out there. I had my 3rd day today on my unit and I was hoping to see a birth today, and I definitely got that! I was present and did minor assisting for 5 deliveries. I am just feeling like, it is sooo much to learn, which I already know it is. To the point, I was wondering if any of you know of a small pocket reference guide for L&D nursing that wouyld guide me as far as clinical decision-making. Thank you. Heather

By the way.......just relax and take it easy. You are only three days into this!! It takes a good YEAR to begin to feel really comfortable about doing L&D more or less on your own. Never forget to ask those experienced nurses around you for help. That's what we are there for!! HA!! :p

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

Took me TWO years to feel any true competency in L/D nursing. And I am still learning so much after nearly 8 years----- the key is to keep self-educating!

One CARDINAL RULE: never, ever pretend to know what you do not. ASK if you are not sure----no question is DUMB!

Also, join AWHONN! Every L/D nurse is held to those standards in the USA, after all. You need to know what their standards ARE!

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

For info on AWHONN:

http://www.awhonn.org

the price is steep, but well worth it, in discounts on educational materials, conferences/seminars, etc. And you are held to this standard, like I said. Would be good to know what those are! I work an extra shift each year to pay my dues......it's important to me to stay current. :)

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Hi! I know how overwhelming being a new L&D nurse can be. I've only been working on L&D since June 2004 and still feel extremely overwhelmed at times. The best advice I have received is to ASK QUESTIONS no matter how silly they may seem. Also, I keep a small notebook in my pocket with procedures, policies and things that i have trouble remembering like phone numbers, etc. It has been very helpful (if you can fit it in your pockets hehe) Well good luck! Any other advice on being a new nurse? Thanks :)

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Specializes in L&D, NBN, PPOB.

Hi Heather, I usually teach new people L&D. relax, you WILL feel more comfortable I promise. What I can reccomend is find someone on your unit that LIKES to teach and stick to them like glue. There are those of us out there that are closet teachers and we love doing that. Please feel free to e mail me ANYTIME and ask what you want. But hang in there baby! It'll come

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Specializes in OB.

Defintely takes a good 2 years before feeling comfortable. Even then there may be things that you don't get to see as often and have to refresh yourself on. When I first started I wrote EVERYTHING in a small notebook that I kept in my pocket. It was my security item. If I ever had a question, I just referred back to my little book. Maybe you could do something like that.

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