EnergeticRN

I'm an RN who has had plenty of experience in post-partum, L&D recovery, nursery, and in the wellness area in general, (plus other nursing experience.) I am curious to see a surge (can I use that word?) in the use of doulas in our area. Women want to choose a wise support person, my words, who will be certain to attend their birth. The numbers say that there's a huge cost savings when a doula is used. Of course there may be self selection, in that women who want a doula aren't looking for a scheduled C-section, for example. What is your experience with doulas? Are they generally very competent and helpful to both staff and their patient? Do you think it's a good idea, overall, for women to have a doula?

Re: "I'm fed up with rude and nasty patients and I cannot stand whining relatives." I don't think we need to accept abusive behavior. Are these same patients rude and nasty to their doctors? We can't personalize those behaviors, and we can be kind, compassionate and assertive re appropriate communication. Ask someone wiser who you respect how to respond to that. Or maybe management could do some training in this area. Abuse wears anybody down, but that's shouldn't be your excuse to move out of nursing.

No. What I know as a nurse makes my life rich. I also work for myself at this point, and God bless all the nurses who can still work in clinical settings. (There is way too much pretense about miracle drugs and invasive care practices for my taste at this point.) I've chosen a path with a focus on prevention. We have MANY options. As nurses, we (generally) have the respect of the public, are seen as helpers, hard working and not all that well paid. We could improve conditions by offering more respect to co-workers, engage management, and the list goes on. Hope springs eternal.