mimmy

Here in Michigan I make $33.00 an hr with 13 yrs experience. There is no difference in med/surg versus L&D pay scale. By the way, I should point out that I am in a union. Not sure what the shift/weekend differential is...but not much.

We use 50/50 for our c/s

I was a med/surg nurse for 12 years. My unit closed and I was given the opportunity for an OB position. I was so thrilled when I got the job, as I had always wanted to work OB! Let me tell you...after being med surg for so long, it was hard to learn a whole new style of nursing. As you know, med surg is a routine~ as well as dealing with issues that arise thoughout the day. L&D is usually a one on one. You always have to be on your toes for subtle changes in your strip, etc. At the beginning, I would go home every night wondering if I made the right decision. I would worry every day on the was to work if I would know what to do with each situation. I had been so comfortable in my med surg job, that it was very intimidating to not know the answer to everything. So, do I think that some med/surg is important for a foundation? Yes, to a certain extent. I think it is probably easier to learn new skills and be more open minded, when you are not set in your ways. If it is L&D you want~ I so "go for it"! I know alot of nurses that went right into L&D from school and did great! Good luck:) I

I am fairly new to L&D, but the answer to #1 is straight cath/empty bladder. Sorry, I do not know the other two-maybe some of the veteran nurses will help out:)

Well, it happened to me today. Had a multip at 5cm and baby delivered 25 minutes later! Her epidural was so good...she didn't feel a thing.

Well, it sounds like you are doing great if you have only been there a month and loving it! You will find yourself getting into a routine every shift, which is wonderful. But you have to learn how to be able to drop what you are doing, deal with an immediate problem/situation and then go back to what you were doing. This takes time, give yourself credit for starting out on a busy med/surg/tele floor. My report is my lifeline! If I lose it...EEKK! I start by checking med sheets, etc., assessing my pts. I write all my little notes by each pt., and go back to chart later. That way I know that all my pts are alive and breathing first:)

We use Talwin 30mg IVP. Works great at relaxing Mom...baby gets sleepy too though. Most Moms at our hospital get an epidural. After having my daughter 22 yrs ago with pit, forceps and no meds- I love to see how comfortable Moms are after an epidural:)

It sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders...too bad your preceptor does not. When I was a new grad, I had a wonderful preceptor and I was so thankful and learned alot from her. I recently changed from med/surg to OB and lets just say my preceptor must be related to yours! Try not to take her critism and remarks personally. I know it is hard, I went home in tears many days. Having been a preceptor myself, I cannot believe that these nurses can feel good about their teaching styles. Just take each day one at a time and learn from the nice nurses...trust me there are some out there that do not eat their young. And keep smiling:)

During my orientation to L&D, I wish there would have been classwork, workbook, etc. before "hands on" learning. I came from 12 yrs of med/surg and needless to say, my OB nursing school knowledge was pretty much buried too deep in my brain to reach easily. I had a real hard time adjusting...and I still am anxious going to work some days. I think because people knew I had been a nurse for a long time, they expecting me to know things that they took for granted. I almost think it may be easier for a new grad. Don't get me wrong, I have a lot of background knowledge...but I felt so dumb and inexperienced. I also had a preceptor that had a power trip and liked to point out my errors/lack of knowledge for all to hear. The manager was clueless and I did not want to go be a "tattle tale". I think better communication between the manager, educator and myself would have been very benefical.

Thanks for your words of encouragement! It helps to know that you felt the same way. After orientation I literally cried everyday and questioned my decision of going to OB. I would get panic attacks while punching in and prayed I would get post partum. Now I still get nervous...just not everyday, So, I guess I am getting more confidence. I am midnights now and going to days next month...eeeekkk. I am afriad of the faster pace (mostly csections) of days. I hope after a couple weeks...it will be okay. Thanks again of your kindness!

I have been a med surg RN for 12 years. A few months ago, I switched to L&D. It is very hard for me-going from being comfortable to feeling like a new grad all over again. Every once in awhile, my med surg experience pays off. I am okay with the norm vag delivery and inductions. But when it comes to emergent csections, etc...I admit- I get very nervous still. I enjoy the one on one and seeing the miracle of life. I think it just will take more time and experience for me to be comfortable. Back to the issue at hand- (sorry, I got carried away with my own experiences) Med surg takes alot of organizational skills and time management as you have many pts to deals with, pass meds, etc. L&D is a more intense one on one. They each have different kinds of stress. I hope this helps:)

Thanks for the reply. The policy just states that you follow the guidelines for a sterile prep....Did I miss this is nursing school? The only OR training I had was a day of observation, standing behind the CRNA. I am trying to hang in there, but some days I go home feeling very incompetant. I have been a med/surg nurse for 11 yrs, and am new to L&D. I didn't expect to feel so intimidated and inadequate. I just keep trying to tell myself that it will get better with time, but I go in to work each day with so much anxiety...it is hard some time.

OK guys, I need your help and expertise!...I need to know how to do an abd prep for a csection. I have looked online and on this site for hours. I really do not want to go and buy an OR book for this procedure. My preceptors have showed me different ways each time. When I get into the room....I panic!!!! I need to see a video or picture of the correct sequence to follow. Please help...I need to sleep at night:)

I have been a RN for twelve years and just began orientation on the LDRP unit about 4 weeks ago. The first two were in triage and the last two were in L&D. My manager said orientation would be 10-12 weeks, and I plan on taking all the time I can possibly get! I cannot believe how incompetant and nervous I still am. I did not expect to feel like a new grad all over again. Do my years of experience mean anything? Each day seems to get a little better, but I think I expected to be comfortable by now. Any advice would be greatful!

What you are feeling is totally normal! I have been a RN for 12 years and just recently changed positions (med/surg to L&D) and let me tell you....those same feelings, incompentencies, nightmares have returned. I was a precetor for new nurses and now I just feel...well dumb. I hope this can make you smile a little. And I am counting on the line I used alot while precepting others- give it time, it does get better.