New to OB nursing!

[tlynn_0804]

I am a fairly new grad, graduated May of 2015. I've been working Med-Surg since last August and I love it. I just had an evaluation at work and they would like me to begin training in LDRP! The hospital I work at is very small and critical access. Eventually when I become fully trained I will be on call by myself. I'm a little worried about that and told them not to rush me through training. I will let them know when I feel ready. In the meantime I will still be doing Med-Surg, but being pulled in with the OB nurses when a laboring mother or other OB pts come in. I am so excited but scared. This is what I have wanted to do ever since I first started thinking about nursing school while pregnant and on strict bedrest in 2006. I also plan on taking a CLC course in October.

Does anyone have any good advice for a newbie like me?

[MWmomRN]

I too am a new grad, I just started in PP. all I have to say is that experience in med surge will be a huge asset. It would have benefited me greatly. I wish I could have gotten my feet wet in m/s first, but I could not turn this opportunity down. I find myself fumbling esp with fresh C sections, so just know even a short amount of experience in m/s will serve you well!!

I am also signed up for a CLEC course. Many of our patients need a lot of support with breastfeeding. You will do a lot of patient education. If your hospital gives out patient education materials to new parents, I suggest studying those.

Best of luck!

[SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN]

Certainly suck up all the information they give you. There will be a lot! From NRP to EFM to STABLE, L&D nursing is full of a ton of population-specific knowledge, so approach it with that same excitement and do your best to drink it in!

Going in with med-surg experience is definitely a plus. You will have more confidence having dealt with patients before and better assessment skills. Try to meld that knowledge with the OB-specific stuff you're going to learn.

Most importantly--if you feel like you're being rushed into levels of independence you don't feel comfortable with, make sure you speak up. There is a lot riding on you as an L&D nursing and safety is paramount. Don't ever let anyone intimidate you into something you're not OK with.

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