Not cut out for L&D

[camay1221_RN]

I had been orienting in L&D since the end of November, and I found, as long as things were running smoothly, I was fine. It was when all he** broke loose that I had major problems adjusting. My preceptor was an adrenaline junkie, and I hoped some of that would rub off on me, but it just didn't.

I sat down a couple of weeks ago with my director and educator and we discussed how I thought I was doing. I pretty much had a meltdown and explained to them I felt like I was a failure because I couldn't aclimate myself to the job. I guess, they had an idea I was struggling, but they were trying to give me my space, as my preceptor was telling them she was seeing improvement with my performance everyday, but I would need more time orienting. So, they let me have that time.

The day I sat down with them, I was on my second day of shadowing a PP RN so I could see how things are done there. I have five years experience PP, but I just needed to learn some of the paperwork. I felt like I belonged there!

I was caring for two pts I was with during their c-sections, and I so enjoyed the nurturing time I was able to give them without worrying about the strip on the fetal monitor! I also discovered that I am much more comfortable dealing with a baby misbehaving outside the womb, opposed to in utero!

I am very blessed to work for the hospital I work for, and the people I work for, and with. My director told me she would make a place for me in PP if that was where I wanted to be. The hospital I used to work for would have shown me the door!

I have a greater respect now, of what goes on in L&D. I also consider it to be a different level of critical care nursing, cause you never know what to expect and never know what is going to happen!

I am a much happier, and less stressed RN as a result of this change! I thought some of the RN's from L&D would think less of me for my decision, but I have had nothing but support. My preceptor praised me, saying, it takes alot to admit you aren't cut out for a job. I didn't feel it was fair to my coworkers, and more important, the pts for me to remain where I wasn't 110% comfortable.

So, to all of you L&D RN's out there..., My hat is off to you! Thank you all for doing the job that you do!

[prmenrs, RN]

Good for you! I'm glad you found "your" niche! Nothing feels better. You will find that those months you spent in L&D will amplify your skills in PP in ways you can't imagine.

Good luck in your future career! And thank goodness for management that understands.

[babyktchr, BSN, RN]

Finding your niche is such a good thing. It sounds like your hospital and immediate directors are good people.

L&D takes a long time to "get". You really don't feel comfortable after about 2 years. I had a HUGE time adjusting to it, and I came from ICU. I hadn't worked harder till I started orientation in labor and delivery. I am also one who has to know it now, and the whole learning experience was one big frustration for me. You aren't alone in how you are feeling, and it can be heartbreaking. I am just thrilled, though, that you have such a great system of support there, and managers and preceptors that look out for you.

Good luck to you...and thank you for what you do!!!

[SmilingBluEyes]

Oh My Goodness, lord KNOWs we need wonderful PP nurses. There is NO shame at all finding your niche in PP. Those mommies need a nurse who loves what he/she is doing to care for them and teach them what they need to know about breastfeeding and self/infant care. My hat is off to YOU for finding what works so quickly and going for it!!! Congratulations and I wish you a wonderful career in PP/mother-baby!