Ob to ER

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing, CPEN, Pediatrics, Obstetric.

I just have some soul searching to do, as for the past 2 years i have worked in ob/L+d/nursery. I have recently been thinking about taking an ER position at a smaller hospital, and half an hour less drive than I make now. I don't know about pay difference yet, but I was wondering if any of you have gone from being ob nurses to er nurses. I know I'll have a challenge learning to take care of sick adults again, but other than that, do you regret gong from ob to er? I know severl who have gone from er to ob, and want some input on going the other way. Thanks alot.

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I did just that a year ago next month!! All I had ever done was OB/NBN. I went from driving 1 hour to driving 4 minutes and I went to working at a smaller hospital in the ER.

It was an adjustment and I am still learning tons and tons and tons of wonderful stuff. I really do enjoy the ER and am happy with the change. I found that most of the people in ER are scared of pregnant women and itty bitty babies with problems - heaven forbid a woman walks in and has a precipitous delivery in the ER. They think I'm crazy because it doesn't bother me at all.

Get your ACLS and TNCC as soon as possible and insist on a good orientation. Good luck and enjoy the change in your life.

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Specializes in Trauma/ED.

I think traditionally we (ER Nurses) tend to be very uncomfortable with a women in labor and your experience would be a welcome one. Plus I just stink at getting FHT's in any mother less than 20 wks...:)

I agree with the above post get your PALS (you probably have it?) and your ACLS, the TNCC can probably wait and actually helps you learn if you have at least been exposed to trauma.

Good luck and HAVE FUN!

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