New Nurse New Job

Duncan,RNC-OB · Jan 24, 2014

You will certainly make a ton of mistakes. The most dangerous nurse is one who thinks they know it all. Ask lots of questions until you understand the answers. Don't worry about being embarrassed. Look at every second of a work day as a new learning experience. Most professionals in our field remember what it was like in your shoes.

I can remember the one or two who looked at me like an idiot for asking a question. Those were the kind of people who made others feel as if they were less so they may feel better about themselves. Understand the best way to learn is with experience and asking questions. Love your patients and stay up to date on standards of care. You'll do great! Congratulations and welcome!

sandseaandstone · Jan 24, 2014

I recently just graduated and passed my boards. I will hopefully be starting my L&D soon. As a new Rn and L&D nurse what advice cane you give me? I am just Really nervous I'm going to make a ton of mistakes and make a fool of myself.

I just started L&D about eight weeks ago...I had to do basic fetal heart monitoring, work through 15 hours of baby friendly material, did NRP and read an L&D book as if now. I need STABLE, and have been trying to get as much software (STORK) info/in house training that I can. It's DO MUCH information that you just have to ask about everything. My hospital has students all of the time, so most of the girls are helpful. I have two preceptors who I'm supposed to be with (sometimes that can't happen) and one of them I click with, but one of them just has me stand by and watch her do things---next week I have to be assertive with her because I have two shifts with her, and I haven't been getting what I need from her. I have a good story for you of how I looked like an idiot. We were in a section and we were assigned being the baby nurse (instead of circulating nurse) and the preceptor who usually does everything was stimulating a baby that wasn't crying/breathing yet and she says "listen for a heartbeat"---I hear nothing--- she says "are u sure?" And I said "I really don't hear a heartbeat" and the pediatrician says "I have 150 by umbilicus" and the preceptor took the stethoscope, put it in her ears, tapped on it, and TURNED THE BELL AROUND. Everyone laughed and I never felt so stupid--BUT I can tell you that won't happen again to me. That's why you'll be on orientation.....it's a period to learn, grow and ASK ASK ASK :))) congrats!!!