OB Clinicals

GJH-RN · Aug 26, 2005

It was my best clinical rotation to date. I really loved it and it helped me to decide to go into the NICU to work when I graduate. I was told horror stories about how the pt.'s will refuse this and that and you will have nothing to do, etc. NEVER happened. It has to do with the person and the approach. I felt very much at home and at ease. Of course, I don't worry about how I look to others, it is such a waste of time. I think that people are more interested in how good of a nurse that I am, not if I have testicles and a member or not. I went in and went out of my way to provide excellent nursing care, just like I did in every other unti that I have been on and the pt.'s and families all appreciated their care.

I think that some people are surprised at how well male nurses provide care, but I see that breaking down those stereotypes as part of my mission in life to make it easier for male nurses in the future.

In response to asking pt.'s about their preferences and reassignment I have a problem. Do units ask their pt.'s about what gender/sex nurse they want ? Of course not. So why ask on a OB unit? If the pt. states that they want another nurse I will try to find out why and discuss the issue with them, if they still would feel more comfortable with a female nurse, then so be it. But I am not going to ask. I have been told by my OB patients that they received better care by me than by a female nurse and enjoyed the birthing experience more.

I also worked on a Med/surg unit for a year and a half and had more objections to my care (because of my sex/gender) than I ever did on my OB rotation. The objections were handled one of two ways, one nurse would go in and tell the pt., "He has as much experience and is as professional as I am, either you allow him to care for you or you won't be receiving care." And second by other nurses, I would be reassigned. I went with the flow either way. Sometimes this topic makes me mad at other times, I just resign myself to the fact that some people are narrow minded and short sighted.

I think that because of my experience however, I have become more sensitized to the fact that in every other profession, women are treated differently and not given opportunities based on their gender/sex. I can see why they are pissed off. They have every right to be. IT IS ABOUT THE PERSON NOT THE GENDER.

firstclass · Feb 25, 2006

can anyone sugggest any good websites for the obgy

SweetieRN · Feb 25, 2006

I loved OB clinicals - and that's why I'm an OB nurse now :nurse:

I can't imagine doing anything else!

Works2xs · Feb 26, 2006

can anyone sugggest any good websites for the obgy

My clinical instructor suggested: Assoc. of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses at http://www.awhonn.com/

In all my copious spare time I haven't managed to check it out. But since my instructor was really on the ball, there's a good chance it's worth a visit.