guest01

To NJS, We do not have LVN's in our hospital, but if they do in your area go for it. some nurses I work with say they can't believe why anyone would choose to give birth other than the best hospital with a good NICU. But I know it is from their horror experiences. I gave birth in the hospital where I now work 13 and 12 yrs ago. the last being in a birthing center in the basement with a midwife. Even though the NICU is only 2 floors away some nurses say they could never do even that. I was not a nurse then, but completely comfortable with my decision and still am. Most births are fine, it is a natural thing, not meant to be an institutionalized experience. And if the mom had good prenatal care and is not high risk, why not. Congratulations on the birth of your daughter. Thank God we can all have different opinions, this world would be boring without them.

Niccnurse_RN I'm sorry your orientation is turning out so badly. You are right on for expecting more. Don't give up sticking up for yourself, perhaps all of you will be a catalyst for change and help nurses who are yet to work there. I can't believe the nurse educator was not supportive. I just started in January, I have been a nurse for 4 years with some bad experiences. My orientation was good. We had 40 days of actual work in the nicu with our preceptors and classes in between, about 6 days worth of classes. Our first day we just watched our preceptors and learned routines. I read her notes to find out ways to chart and she mentioned reading what others have written before to see if there is a phrase you like, but never to copy anything-things could change. my preceptor helped me with everything I did, giving me a little more slack in the last week to prepare me for being on my own, but never not there. Other RN's watched me like a hawk for awhile after my orientation, they were not comfortable having me there covering for their kids on breaks until they got to know me, which is entirely reasonable. In my experience most nurses either precept or not, some hate it. Do the nurses have a choice where you work. What about switching, that has happened where I work if there was a personality conflict etc... What is happening is not safe nursing practice, look for someone supportive and ask what they suggest. And about that contract, have you spent your bonus already. You could lose your license if you're not properly trained. I would fight for things to change. I wish you the best, keep us posted.

I have been a nurse for 4 years. I have worked in a nursing home, pedi home care, step down medical cardiac, med-surge-telemety, and now NICU. Working in the other places helped me with organization to some degree, and how to handle stressful situations, so I don't know if I would change any of that. I was unhappy in most of those jobs as I knew I wanted to work in an NICU or with children while in clinicals. One year I thought about getting a bachelors degree, and the president of nursing told me that she did not believe you need to work in med-surge if you don't like it. And many nurses where I work started off in the NICU and they are great. Just make sure the hospital has a good orientation program. Mine lasted for 8 weeks. Good Luck, and I hope you enjoy whatever you choose to do.