New OB Nurses, Grads and Students, Please Feel Free to post your questions here:

Specialties Ob/Gyn

Published

Mugwump had a great idea offering services to new grads as a mentor (thank you for that!)

So, I thought having a "sticky" for new grads, OB nurses, students, and others with questions who want to post these can do so here. We also seem to see many of the same questions over and over, so perhaps this would help serve as an ongoing discussion of common issues/questions we all seem to have on our minds. This could serve not just for those asking directly, but others who may be "lurking" and looking for information or considering a career in OB, newborn, GYN nursing, or midwifery, doula services, childbirth education, lactation consulting, or other related work.

So if any mod thinks this is a good idea, mind stickying this?

Let's give this a go and see how it works out. We have many potential "mentors" here among us who, I am sure, would LOVE to help a new nurse/midwife/doula or student on his or her way to a rewarding career. I know I would love to help out!

Deborah,

I would urge you to reconsider direct entry. I, as well as several CNM programs, believe that to be a successful nurse midwife you should have a background as a nurse. There are essential skills in your practice as a "nurse" midwife that you have to learn practicing as a nurse. Not to mention earning the right to market yourself as a competent, experienced professional with the respect of your colleagues. I urge you to consider the fastest route to an RN, either an associate degree program or accelerated BSN program (if you already have a bachelors in something else), get your RN and work in Labor and Delivery while completing your CNM program. I guarantee you'll be the best provider you can be with this course. I don't mean to rain on your parade but I have seen some disasterous results and some extremely wonderful CNMs as a result of the proper preparation, education and work experience. Good Luck!

thanks so much for your response!

I think I just used the wrong terminology--the route I'm considering is an alternate entry masters' program--so I would get my BSN in the first 15 months, and then probably work part-time in L&D, while I did the masters' program......wow---a long, long process :o), but I'm sure it's worth it. I wouldn't feel comfortable with any less preparation!

How long have you worked in this field? Is it still deeply satisfying to you?

Happy holidays~~~~~

deborah

Hi. I am new here. I am a 2nd yr student nurse and I have no NCP book. Pls help me out in thinking of interventions for Pain, Altered Rest and Sleep Pattern and Anxiety (all) related to my patient in labor. Please help me. Thanks!

Hi OB RNs,

I am an ICU nurse (6 months experience) and I don't really love it. I am not sure if it is because I am a newbie and still getting my feet under me or if it is just not my thing.

So I am doing some thinking and remembering back to nursing school and what I liked. I enjoyed L&D because for the most part people were happy. I also liked the combination of OR and patient care experience.

I would like to hear from current L&D RNs that made the transition from Med/Surg/ICU to L&D and how they like it. Also from L&D RNs, things like what is the best and worst part of your job, how was the learning curve when you were a new nurse, how is the team work in L&D, etc.

Right now I am annoyed with the tasky work of the ICU and the babysitting patients that are not really that sick. I also don't like having the same patients every day at work. I hate being on edge, watching pt.'s to make sure they don't get out of bed, tying them so they don't pull their tubes out, etc!!!

I would love to hear from everyone!!! the good and the bad, please don't spare the details!

Thanks!

Hi CaliRN~ I actually started in adult ICU... After 2 years I got enough gut to admit that it wasn't for me... but it took me 2 more years to get enough gut to leave!!! :o Yikes! First of all- it really does take about a year to figure out if it's for you or not... being that it's only been 6 months for you, it's hard to say if you really weren't meant to be an ICU RN.

In school- ICU and L&D interested me the most. So- after 4 years of ICU, I finally got out- tried to get in L&D, but no positions were available. SOoooo, I took the next best thing: Couplet Care (postpartum and nursery combined)- and I LOVE IT!!!!! :heartbeat I was so grateful to just get my foot in the door down in our Women's Pavilion... Well, now I've been there for 9 months, and there ARE positions in L&D, which I just applied for- and the manager has given me a full time day shift L&D position (sweet!!!!).

So- my advice to you- keep trying ICU until you are without a doubt sure you really don't like it anymore (but, PLEASE don't make yourself miserable, like I did, and stick it out just because you "thought it's right for you"). Be courageous and try L&D if you feel ICU isn't cutting it. What do you have to lose? That's what is SO great about nursing- we can do a million different things- and always go back to where we started, if we choose.

Lots of luck- I wish you the best!

~Krista

Specializes in ICU, PACU, Cath Lab.

Hello!! I have a question for any LDRP nurses...I am a nursing student in my last semester of school. I am currently doing clinicals on an OB floor. Well yesterday while I was helping in the NICU with a 32 weeker I was talking to the nurses about how NICU/Labor Delivery is a field that I would really like to get into, but how so many want you to have OB experience prior to hiring you. I mentioned that I saw on the hospital web site that they had a number of openings in the unit like this. She told me that eventhough I did not have any OB experience I should still apply and that requirement is not always upheld. Now I want opinions...am I going to look like an idiot if I apply for a job that clearly states Exp. Required, or I am just going to seem to have initiative? I am an EMT so I have been trained in Emergency OB...deliveries and procedures, but have never practiced. What do you think...should I listen to the nurses on that floor and apply, and see if I even get a call on an interview or should I just let it go?? Thanks for any replies!!!

Hello!! I have a question for any LDRP nurses...I am a nursing student in my last semester of school. I am currently doing clinicals on an OB floor. Well yesterday while I was helping in the NICU with a 32 weeker I was talking to the nurses about how NICU/Labor Delivery is a field that I would really like to get into, but how so many want you to have OB experience prior to hiring you. I mentioned that I saw on the hospital web site that they had a number of openings in the unit like this. She told me that eventhough I did not have any OB experience I should still apply and that requirement is not always upheld. Now I want opinions...am I going to look like an idiot if I apply for a job that clearly states Exp. Required, or I am just going to seem to have initiative? I am an EMT so I have been trained in Emergency OB...deliveries and procedures, but have never practiced. What do you think...should I listen to the nurses on that floor and apply, and see if I even get a call on an interview or should I just let it go?? Thanks for any replies!!!

I am relatively new myself (graduated in May) and got my postpartum job right out of school. This is how I approached it---apply for every job that looks interesting. Experience required or not, if you want that job, what does it hurt to apply? You do have experience in your EMT training anyway, even if you've never done it you have a leg up. I applied for every job that looked interesting. The first couple (at a different hospital from where I work) wanted overnights (turned it down) or wouldn't take a new grad. Oh well, I came to my present hospital and got hired almost on the spot. Initiative is important, tell them how much you want this position, how its something you've always wanted. How you would love to look into further educational opportuniites such as NRP. Sell yourself. you can do it!

Cardinal RN,

Thank you for a message of hope!! I am going to check out our L&D, Post Partum area!

Thanks for the luck and best wishes on your new position!

Specializes in LTC, MSP, ICU.

Hi!! Student here needing some help with an assignment. I was given the task of doing a prenatal/L&D cost analysis as my maternity nurse teaching project. Any info I can get from you experienced nurses. Part of it is doind a 30 year ago cost vs modern day cost.

If I called a hospital billing dept. do you think that they would help me out?

Thanks

Ali

Why don't you see more male nurses.. in Labor and delivery...

Specializes in med-surg, OB/GYN, pediatrics, geriatrics.

Even before entering nursing school I knew where and what I wanted to do, e.g. working with the family unit, Moms, babies and significant others in Labor and Delivery. Since positions in that area seem to be scarce and want nurses with prior experience, I decided to lay my foundation by surrounding *all* Women's Care and issues inherent. My personal 10 year Career Plan was altered somewhat after graduation with an ADN with lots of prior medical experience (former P.A.) but *no* L&D time.

Continuing my studies for a BSN, I also worked in clinical Ob/Gyn, hospital-based female Med-Surg, private out-patient gyn clinics, pre-op counseling and recovery. Attending an occasional birth at home, with a CNM I learned even more about caring for the whole woman and was challenged in the need for providing the individual's nursing care, taking note that they were always under physical and emotional stress their family systems dictated as well as whatever brought them in for medical-surgical intervention. The nursing challenges quickly became harmonious for me the more I experienced.

Whew!

My personal style of nursing and professional growth actually determined the direction my career eventually took. The key component I use in all aspects of my nursing practice is communication in all its parameters. Take the woman in labor as an example of the power of verbal and tactile communication, be it between professionals, mom, or the family present.

It transforms ideas into realities, is the basis for all nursing care, used as a simple or complex tool. If used skillfully, it can ease a Mom's fear and perception of pain, allow her to learn cognitive constructs and breathing patterns and concentration which can alleviate and even physically encourage progression of labor. She can become empowered rather than overwhelmed and also may use positive communication with her support person. This allows for support, acceptance and understanding of what must happen for her baby to follow a natural path, thereby facilitating

childbirth.

As nurses, we typically teach, guide, support, listen, and interact; this is communication. Any type of nursing opens its doors for you who desire L&D positions if you seek out opportunities to sharpen your skills and broaden your knowledge of the basic pieces of hands-on nursing. These experiences will be evident when you do apply for that unexpected OB opening:-) You will find as you construct your resume that you have all the experience you need to work effectively and joyfully in the complex arena of L&D nursing.

Good Luck!

Kathleen

Ok do you L&D nurses feel like you can't work somewhere else like med surg ect. I am a new grad, and was offered a job in L&D. Yeah i know, doesn't happen often. I did my preceptor there during my final quarter (which i had to beg to get) and after that they offered me a job. I'm so excited, do you think this is a mistake, should i start in med surg.

Hi...I am a student interested in labor and delivery. I have already applied to two nursing programs and I am waiting to see if I'm accepted. I am also volunteering in a labor and delivery department. I guess I am just really confused as to whether I should pursue nursing. I am really enjoying my volunteering in labor and delivery...i've seen two c-sections and hoping that soon I will get to see a natural delivery..problem is I have volunteered on other floors and hate it. I don't like what nurses do on other floors, they are always so stressed with so many patients. I don't see myself doing that...but I do like labor and delivery. So I guess my concern is: should I even pursue nursing if I have such a narrow focus? I've heard it's hard to get a job as a L&D nurse. I have gone to hospital websites and searched for what kind of jobs are available and they have maybe 1 or 2 openings for L&D, if any...i'm really worried that I'll end up in an area of nursing I don't like. I would appreciate any comments, advice, etc. Please help!

Thank you!!

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