New OB nurse

[04stan]

I'm new to the OB department, moved from complex pediatrics, and am feeling way out of my depth. I was hoping some seasoned OB nurses could give some pointers, like their top three things to remember or one of the most important things they've learned, to try and help me feel more solid. Thanks :)

[cb970308]

What exactly are you unsure about? Assessments, relating to the patients, what to say when they ask you questions?? I've been doing OB/GYN for 5 years and I don't have any kids. So when they ask me questions I let them know that upfront and I usually answer with what I've seen or what other nurses have said. Have you tried asking some of your coworkers for pointers?

[LLLovely, BSN, RN]

Somebody said this to me when I was getting discouraged as a new OB nurse and it was tremendously helpful. I have since passed it on to several people at work.

The first 50-100 cervical checks are just for practice. Usually, it feels like a bowl of goo in there when you don't know what to feel for, but keep taking another nurse in with you (not always the same one) and having her give you tips on where and how to feel a particular patient's cervix. One day, you will glove up, reach in and realize that you know EXACTLY how far that patient is dilated. It will truly be a wonderful lightbulb moment and I promise that it WILL happen.