Postpartum Nurses-Love it or hate it?

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Hi

I recently accepted a position on a postpartum unit. I originally applied for L&D because I have always wanted to work there but the unit was filled. One of the nurses on my floor suggest that maybe I should start in postpartum to get my feet wet since this is a totally different area.

I just see some comments from nurses who have worked on a postpartum unit, as to whether they like it or not and why.

I was out of nursing for five years and applied for L&D when I wanted to come back in. The only openings were in PP. I accepted a position, thinking that I would bide my time and make a move when I got the chance.

Now, after a year in PP, there is no way I would move to L&D. I'm not a spring chicken anymore and L&D is a bit more physical than I want. And PP is where you really get to know the families and do a lot of teaching and encouraging. I don't want to mess with monitors and reading strips and making scary judgment calls. I want to help young moms learn to breastfeed and teach parents how to swaddle their newborn and give a one-hour-old baby her first bath.

I work nights and there are times that I just sit in one of the nursery rocking chairs, feeding a wee one and smiling, thinking I get paid to do such a satisfying thing. There are other nights that I'm running my legs off because I have 5 mom/baby couples (normal is four), but I even like those nights too.

Postpartum is a wonderful unit to work on.

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Thank you so much! Please pray that I get this position. It would be such a life changing move for me.

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Hello, I am a student and would LOVE to work in this area of nursing also.

I have a question....Do Labor and Delivery nurses make more than PP nurses?

Thanks

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I am not sure that I am "qualified" to answer this question because I dont work in either area. I know at in hospitals in NY all nurses have the same starting salary regardless of specialty area. Nurses that make more in my hospital make it based on years of experience, accreditations, education, etc... I know that some hospitals might pay ICU or ED nurses more but u generally would NOT find that in NY.

Hello, I am a student and would LOVE to work in this area of nursing also.

I have a question....Do Labor and Delivery nurses make more than PP nurses?

Thanks

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Specializes in L&D, PP, NSY.

The big thing to keep in mind with pp is that you are there to support and TEACH...If this is what you enjoy doing there's no better place. I love having my couplets..not only do you get to interact with the family, but you really get to do patient CARE... something there is so little time for in other areas. Even with mom's that have other children..there is still so much to teach. If your ideal vision of nursing is spending QUALITY time with your patients and really getting to know their dynamics to better advocate and care for your patient...the pp is it!

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Everyone has their calling. I prefer L&D, but cover PP when I have to. Actually I find PP easier than L&D. Lots of down time because moms are tired from labor/delivery and want/need to rest. Most of the time there are no complications and they just need support, typically breastfeeding. Occasionally, the PP hemorrage or pain control. Nothing too exciting. A lot slower pace than L&D. To each his own...

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I have worked in acute rehab for 13 years and I have been thinking about L&D for a change of pace. What are the positives and negatives in this specialty? In school I disliked it because all of my pts had severe complications. I am curious about it now, I think, because I can't wait to be a grandma, but sick kids make me cry. Should I try it?

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Hello everyone!

I really enjoy reading all the quotes in the allnurses forum because I too have questions concerning a transition to another unit. I have been a psych nurse on an adult unit for almost three years and I was considering going to mother/baby. I really would like to know in more detail the responsobilities of a PPN and the about the length of orientaion. Do they usually have 12 hor shifts?

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

Look at the "sticky" thread above. Lots listed about the duties of OB nurses there. Will give you a great idea what to expect.

Welcome to our forum!

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Specializes in Corrections, neurology, dialysis.

I hate to be so ignorant, but a lot of times when you folks post initials I don't know what you mean.

For example, what is LDRP?

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Specializes in L&D.
Hi

I recently accepted a position on a postpartum unit. I originally applied for L&D because I have always wanted to work there but the unit was filled. One of the nurses on my floor suggest that maybe I should start in postpartum to get my feet wet since this is a totally different area.

I just see some comments from nurses who have worked on a postpartum unit, as to whether they like it or not and why.

I am so glad you posted this. I am in the exact same situation and was wondering the same thing! Yay!

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Specializes in L&D.
I am putting in for a transfer to PP as well. I have worked ICU and am in the flex pool now. I am tired of staph tb, poop, 7 patients at a time, and getting yelled at by all the rednecks. I know I may still get yelled at but the patients have got to smell better than my current patients.[/quote']

HAHAHAHAHAHA! Love it!

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