New to Postpartum- words of advice?

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Specializes in OB (with a history of cardiac).

I accepted an internal position in postpartum- I'm coming from cardiac/ICU stepdown, so it's going to be a bit of a change. I'm really excited to do this, I think it's going to be a good fit for me and I have high hopes. I was wondering if anyone has any words of advice on what to expect. This unit has a VERY low turnover rate of employment- according to the manager, about 75% of the nurses have been there for 15 to 20 years. There were two nurses retiring this year and so their positions opened. I know that I'm taking someones place and will be joining some very seasoned nurses, so I'm certainly not going to be taking that for granted.

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Congrats! Postpartum is really great. Will you be doing mother/baby or just taking care of the moms? I do mother/baby and I love it. It may not seem like it but your experience will help you a lot. One of the best things I've learned is to always ask questions, especially from a very experienced postpartum nurse. We have an LPN on my floor who has been there for 8 years, and I have really learned a lot from her. It seems scary at first, especially when you have been used to ICU patients. I did med/surg before postpartum. But postpartum is so much better and very rewarding. Be prepared to do alot of teaching. I think I do more of that than anything. But I love it!

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Specializes in OB (with a history of cardiac).

I think I'm doing mom/baby- this is the hospital I delivered both my children at, and so I recall having the same nurse look my kiddos over as did me. The job is listed as "Maternal/Child" so I'm guessing child means baby. I'm excited for the teaching, I'm going to start working toward becoming an IBCLE. Nights like tonight on my current unit make me pretty excited for my next destination. They expect me in 6-12 months to learn L&D as well, and that's pretty dandy too. I wonder if anyone will remember me from when I had my daughter?! That would be weird. I have 2 friends who will be delivering at this hospital too ACK! Good times. Good times.

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Quick assessment: BUBBLE HE. Breasts: feeding method, tender?, teaching about comfort measures. Uterus: firm? below umbilicus?. Bowel: BM?, diet, hemorrhoids, bowel sounds, flatus Bladder: Foley, able to empty. Lochia. Episiotomy: or incision/lacerations, intact? swollen? Homans: ambulating? SCDs Emotions: bonding? support for mom.

You'll do great!

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Your job sounds a lot like mine. I will also be training for L&D soon.

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