One week 'til off residency!

Published

Hi there! I am a new RN graduate, just one week away from completing my 18-week OB Residency! Starting next week I will be taking my own patient assignments. Despite all of the training, I obviously still have a lot of fear/anxiety about the fact that I NEVER know exactly what kind of night I'm walking into. There are certain scenarios that I simply was not able to see while on orientation, so I thought I would post this forum just to see what kind of last minute advice/suggestions you more experienced OB nurses might have for me! I have been getting lots of positive feedback from my preceptors, who seem to think I am more than ready to be "on my own." It's comforting to hear that, but I still feel like a mess when it comes to the crazy, rapidly progressing deliveries! I welcome and appreciate any tips/advice/suggestions! Thanks for reading.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Behavioral Health.

You will certainly develop those skills with time! Best wishes and good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.

Those fears/anxieties are natural for new grads. You will encounter scenarios you didn't get a chance to encounter while being precepted, but make sure to ask questions for the things unknown. Don't forget to give yourself time to continue to hone those skills; you're a new nurse and can't possibly know everything. Write down anything that's new to you, so you can look back on them.

Good luck and congrats!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Obstetrics, Labor and Delivery.

The thing I love about L&D nursing is that you never know what is going to walk through your door :) Any delivery can go to an emergency in a heartbeat. Which does cause some anxiety if you think about for too long! But you are ready or they wouldn't let you go on your own! You always have the labor nurses to back you up, to ask questions too, and to help you in every emergent situation. Help always arrives when you ask for it (or scream down the hallway for it..."Shoulder!!"). Just remember to always ask for help early, rather than late. Be confident, yet humble. Write down what you learn and study it. And your ultimate goal is a safe mom and safe baby. Have fun!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks, everyone! So far, so good. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

What you are thinking and feeling is very normal. It would be a bad sign if you felt fully competent and knew what to do in any situation! You will be extra careful, ask for help, keep notes, consult your lists, consult your books, beat yourself up for small mistakes, etc. Its ok. But one day you will be amazed to find that after an urgent situation, you jumped in there, without over thinking or questioning and did what needed to be done quickly and seemlessly, your more experienced coworkers might ask you to review a strip or try an IV they missed.

You already know more than you think. Know your drugs cold, don't be afraid to ask for help, check things twice if you need to. And know that nurses who have been doing this for 15 years still haven't seen all the possible scenarios!

Congratulations, btw, it's an exciting time for you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you very much for the kind words!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment