New labor and delivery nurse!! Tips/advice/stories wanted ;)

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Hello nurses!

This is my first post! I have been a nurse since 2011 and have finally snagged my "dream job" as a labor and delivery nurse. The past year in a half I have been working on a neuro telemetry unit. I'm writing this post because I need some advice! Although this last year has been amazing when it comes to learning, I feel being a brand new, no experience labor nurse, I do not know anything about being a labor nurse. Just the verbiage makes me nervous! Since I got the news of the new job I have been trying to do my research. I am asking for some advice, some stories, and what I can expect as I embark on this journey!! Is there anything i should research or focus on to help me understand some of the new obstacles i will face. So excited and looking forward to hearing from everyone! !

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Congrats! I too am transitioning from maternity, peds, and NICU float to OB. My biggest tip from floating there occasionally to help is to be open to what people have to say. Get to know people, ask questions, and show that you are truly interested in learning. Good luck!!!

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Thanks so much! Great advice!

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Specializes in ER, ICU/CCU, Open Heart OR Recovery, Etc.

Ask lots of questions, of staff, doctors, residents, anyone that has experience. You could go to continuing education websites and do some CE in your new specialty, go to conferences/seminars, join a professional organization. When you encounter something new, read up on it. Find evidence based practices and study them.

Most of all, congratulations! Keep us posted on how things are going for you.

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I was just about to post a very similar thread! Congratulations on the new job! I start mine Dec 14. I have been on med/surg/ortho for the past 5 years and have been trying once a year to get into L&D. Just a couple of weeks ago, I had 2 job offers and was able to choose! Now, I'm nervous and want to be the best L&D nurse I can be. I hope you don't mind my tagging along on the thread :)

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Specializes in L&D.

How's the new job? Someone showed me a little trick in the bag...... Tape a 1-10cm measuring tape (steal one from the NSY) on the back of your name badge... Comes in very handy when learning cervical checks.

good luck

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My go-to lately for new L&D nurses on this site has been the following blog:

https://cervixwithasmile.wordpress.com/2015/10/03/the-happiest-job-on-earth/

That post, specifically. There are other posts with stories and the like, but the one linked above should give you a really good idea of what you're going to encounter in L&D that you may never have thought about. I'm not trying to burst your bubble, but I also would hate for you to enter the field and not be aware of some of the burn-out factors in this particular specialty.

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Specializes in L&D.

And remember that fetal monitor paper in the US runs at 3cm/hr, so it's 3cm between the dark lines.

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Specializes in Med-Surg,Pediatrics, women services.

Late congratulations! I am transitioning from a pediatrics and women(antepartum/postpartum/women surgical) department to labor and delivery in a new state. I'm excited about the opportunity, but nervous at starting over in a new area. I'm hoping I can grasp it and do excellent patient care. I have been a nurse for 6 years, but told it will feel like being a new nurse all over again. Wish me luck!

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I am a new L & D nurse and I am really struggling with inserting IV's and cervical exams. Any advice? classes? videos? Thanks!!!

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