Pregnant in this Pandemic

[Navikay]

Hi everyone!

I've been working on a PCU floor going on 5 months now and I just found out that I'm pregnant... Which is exciting, but I'm worried that the workload of my floor, coupled with the Covid patients that we see, would put too much stress on my body for a healthy pregnancy. This is my first baby and I just want to do everything that I can to have a safe and healthy pregnancy and this covid-era nursing environment doesn't feel safe at all. Has anyone else been in the same situation? Did you have options? I'm kind of hoping I can transfer to another floor that sees less critical patients and is a little less strenuous in that regard. I feel trapped because I really need 1 year of acute care experience to become an L&D/Postpartum nurse and enroll in a nurse-midwifery program which is why I decided to become a nurse. I never wanted to work in acute care, but here I am. At this point, I just feel like I made a huge mistake in becoming a nurse and am feeling a little down. Does anyone have any advice? 

[hardworkpaysoff, MSN, RN]

I worked with no issues up to 36/37 weeks on a step down floor (actually felt like it helped to stay active & probably could’ve squeezed in more shifts) but everyone is different.  This was pre-Covid and dayshift. Now I’m nights and a few years older during a uptick of Covid and hoping to get through this and keep a positive attitude. 

1.) It helps to know you are not alone.  Look around and you will realize you are not the first or the last to be pregnant. You are building life. It’s a beautiful thing.

2.) As much as they need their staffing right now, managers are used to this! It’s OK. 

3.) Look out for others & they will look out for you

4.) Know your limitations. 
(use whatever equipment/resources you need)

5.) As soon as you feel comfortable, let your charge or manager aware for the purposes of isolation risks when doing the assignment 

6.) Listen to your body. Call off if need be but your patient’s still deserve good care so go in prepared to work and feed yourself positive thoughts.

7.) Speaking of feeding. Feed yourself. Bring extra snacks, nausea remedies, fruit, things to sniff, etc.

Wish you the best.  Congrats! I would advise to stay if you can instead of trying to learn a new unit but do what’s best for you and take care of yourself.

 

[JKL33]

Congratulations!

Focus on #1 from the previous poster.

Talk with your OB regarding your concerns. They are in the best position to advise you if any modifications to your work schedule are necessary.

Enjoy your pregnancy. Do everything you can to support your physical and mental health.

https://www.CDC.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/pregnancy.html