New nurse in Labor and Delivery

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So I am a new nurse.. just took and passed my boards and I got hired in Labor and Delivery.

I wanted to know if anyone has any advice to avoid pit falls or common mistakes.

Im nervous and need some advice :uhoh3:

Hi all,

I am a soon-to-be new graduate and currently am interviewing for jobs. I may have an opportunity to decide between Med-Surg or L&D at the same hospital.

Everyone keeps saying "med-surg" for a basis to start....but what if I do med surg and want to change my mind to L&D? would it be better to just start with L&D first or Med-Surg.

I'm so confused! Any help/advice/info would be greatly appreciated!

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Specializes in ICU.

I graduated in Dec 2010 and went straight to ICU, even though I have been wanting to work in L&D. It is very hard to get into L&D and I am so excited to say that I was offered a position in L&D yesterday and at the hospital I really like. Starting orientation in Dec!!!

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Specializes in ICU.

Jeanster, I had always wanted to work in L&D, even before starting nursing school. Then when I had my interviews for L&D it just didn't work, they didn't want me. I started in ICU and learned SO much, I am kinda glad I did. You could start Med/Surg and later cross-train in L&D!?

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I dont mean to sound immature or gross, but how does working in LD work when there is a woman that is stinky down there or has std's? Id love to bring a baby into the world but I dont know how id handle that stuff.

A quick shower, if there is time...peri-care...STD/s you just deal with...

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Specializes in Cardiac telemetry (Surgical Unit).

Hi Emily, I am a nurse with 2.5 years of experience on a tele floor and I have accepted a position in L&D. I also feel I got the job for several reasons like being bilingual, being involved and in school. I'll be transferring soon. Any suggestions for me?

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Hello. Im also a recently new nurse to L&D. I too was a transfer from a telemetry floor. It was a hard the first 2 weeks. I felt so completely out of my comfort level. I worked on tele for 4 years and just then started to feel more confident in my work but when I transferred it was hard to let go of my autonomy and just take one day at a time. I had to put tele out of mind and focus 100% on learning OB. Once I finally succumb to bring a new student all over again it got easier. And now I've got to say Im enjoying my job that much more...I know I will always have my tele/medical knowledge which I know will be come in handy in the future with my OB patients. Don't know if this will help but I thought I would share:-)

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Specializes in pedi.

Those who got hired in L&D right out of school, where did you get hired?

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Specializes in L&D.

I'm a new grad and will be starting in L&D. I'm in Louisiana and will be working in a teaching hospital.

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Specializes in pedi.

which hospital are you at? women's?

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Thanks for posting this. Although, this wasn't meant for me but it was helpful. I just started in Jan 2013 and I feel like I went to nursing school for nothing. It is very nerve wrecking because like you said, you have patients lives to deal with. I want to do right by my patients.

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Hi! I'm like you too. Not a new grad but starting new in L&D soon. So nervous!!!!😓 but excited at the same time. Haven't worked nights in so long, but I'm ready for the opportunity. I think we just have to remember to be patient with ourselves and to ask questions.

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Specializes in PICU.

What hospital? Are you still there?

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