Sixxer

I am trying to get a better understanding on why my co-workers hate doulas and I am pretty sure it comes down to control. There are 2 local hospitals with L&D and one welcomes doulas and mine hates doulas. The other hospital knows some doulas by name and greets them warmly. If a patient is sent for a section, the doula almost always accompanies the mother (along with the FOB or main support person) to the OR. It's very different where I work. I hired a doula and sensed the hostility towards them at my hospital. My co-workers didn't know prior that I was going to have one there. I knew I had a strong possibility of a section and I wanted emotional support to avoid medication in hopes to avoid a c-section. I did end up with a section... because I work there my doula came to the OR with me. But, NEVER have I seen another doula go back there. My doula does not want to take patient delivering at my hospital anymore. She has been treated so poorly. I am now friends with a few doulas in the area and they all say the same thing about my hospital. I took care of a woman with a doula a few months ago. I did not know this doula at all. I smiled at her, addressed her by name and when ambulating the mother, I accepted her assistance when she offered it. At one point I offered to get the mother and doula a water. She followed me out of the room and told me that no one at this hospital has even been this nice to her. I'm not surprised to hear her say this. The sad part is that I didn't give her special treatment, I just acknowledged her as a human being. When I ask my fellow co-workers, they have said, "I just don't see the point of a doula/Why not just have your mother there?" (This is when I mention that studies have shown that doula support can increase your chances of an unmediated birth as well decrease your chances of c-section. I can give many more reasons for a doula vs. mother/sister/friend.) And they have told me that doulas give their patients medical advice and they don't like that. Or that doulas are pushy and always suggesting position changes or decreased monitoring. One of my doula friend knows a charge nurse. We have all suggested having a "meet the doulas" day. This way the nurses can ask questions or even create boundaries on what is considered medical advise and maybe we can all work together without tension in the future. This ended up fizzling out. I know the only nurses who would come are the very few that like doulas. One of the other nurses confided in me that she was a doula prior to becoming an OB nurse, but she didn't want anyone else to know. Thank you if you took the time to read all of this. I would love to hear some of your perspectives.

Does anyone have any Mother-Baby Unit potential interview questions? I FINALLY have an interview and dont want to blow it. A few of my friends have interviewed on this floor and only one has been hired... I am so excited for the interview... but realize how tough it is to get in... as long as I do my best I will be happy. Any advice to prepare?

Hello Fellow Nurses... I have been in my position for 6 months. I just found out that I am pregnant and just started nights on my unit. I have never had depression before - but I am in it bad. I can't get out of bed, I am always crying and have lost my appetite. Although normally I would be happy to have my clothes fit a bit looser - this is not the time. I spoke with one of my bosses and told her my situation and how I am feeling. She was very kind, but isn't going to have any positions on days for 6 months to 2 1/2 years... Everyone says that the first while on nights is the hardest and I am trying to get through... but this is the 3rd week and I feel the same way. I asked about going part time and she said that there is a chance that will work... she's checking into it. I will lose a lot of money that I need - but my mental health is worth it. (I will still have benefits, but will pay more for them and loose my sign-on bonus and I am living paycheck to paycheck as it is.) I would really like any advice I can get - I hate feeling this way. I am suffering and my wonderful 4 year old is as well. He is my saving grace at this point. Luckily, my family is very supportive and is helping out with the 4 year old.

I did the HURST program (which gives you an all over review & tips for questions) I knew that book very well, the labs, insulin chart, ect and then did 3,000 questions after that. Of course I did not feel prepared (I am not sure if you can ever feel prepared) and left thinking I had failed at 75. But, I passed!

I went through many books and it depended on the books. In Sauders I always did a little bit better and some other books I struggled. I passed the NLCEX with 75 and I believe it is more the content that you are exposing yourself to that is important than your scores. It was discouraging at times with the score - but I did 3,500+ questions and I believe that made a big difference.

I think I had a 96% chance of passing and that was before I had studied. A friend of mine went to another school and in order to graduate they were required to have a 99% chance of passing (and their school has an NCLEX pass rate of 100% - or so she says.) I think its a good tool to use.

Congrats Everyone!!! I also PASSED. I was convinced that I hadn't and cried when I found out! What a relief. My mom is an RN and she had her mother open her letter from when she took the boards... and I had my mother check for me. It was pretty awesome! I think my mom felt honored that I wanted he to check and I knew that if I hadn't passed she would be the best person to tell me. She knew how hard I studied (she takes care of my son when I am at school or work) and how much this meant to me because she went through it herself.

I just took mine this afternoon. It shut off at 75 & I had about 30+ SATAs and only 1 math. I didn't feel like they were hard level questions, but I never knew the best answer. I feel the same way. Almost every time I clicked I felt like the last answer was wrong.

I did the HURST review which I really liked and am now doing Saunders questions. I also have an NCLEX made easy book. My scores are usually in the 70s. I now feel unprepared. I have trying to do 100 Q a day at this point.

I have been going through the review books and trying to keep track of how many questions I have been doing. I am also keeping track of my score and I have been consistently averaging around 68-75% (sometimes better) per about 100 questions. Does anyone know if this is about how I should be doing in order to pass? I have the NCLEX in two weeks and am starting to panic!!!

Hello, I am a nursing student entering my last year. I am going to be writing a research paper and currently looking for topics. I am looking for something that I am passionate about to make this paper interesting to me, but having trouble coming up with ideas. Preferrably the topic will be a real life issues that pediatric nurses face. Here are my only thoughts: I am very interested in breastfeeding, but not sure what specifically I should research. Possibly the success rates with a lactation consultant. Adolescents smoking and the nurses role or parental smoking and the effects on a child? I need to be very specific on the research topic and would appreciate any feedback about where more research could be useful.