NorthpoleRN

Hang in there! I totally understand what you mean. I went thru the same thing when I started L&D a almost 2yrs ago. I was very excited to start working here, but I didn't understand a lot of the risks that come with this territory. I remember feeling like I was stuck between a rock and a hard place. I didn't want to go back to med-surg and I didn't wanna leave too soon. I had to face my fears. It was very overwhelming and scary learning all the new stuff. Once I started getting confident in myself, I felt like I could do anything. I can now say that I love and enjoy working L&D. I'm glad I stayed. It's definately not for everyone. I'd encourage you to hang in there for a little longer and see how you feel in 6months. It normally takes about a year to feel "comfortable" working L&D.

FFP is a blood product and should be treated as blood. At my facility we use the blood tubing and also have NS piggy backed to it. I would definately ask someone who might know the policies in your facility. They may need to write one up if they don't have one already.

I'm glad to hear that you didn't apply for that nursing home position. I know how you felt. I've done that before. Shortly after I got off orientation I told a pt that she was complete. We called the MD and got set up for delivery. He comes in and the pt was only 8cm!! Thankfully, he was so nice about it. He mentioned to me that I must have checked with a contraction. The cervix will stretch out more during a contraction and that's probably what happened to you too. Ever since I only check between the contractions. Keep up the good work and don't get too discouraged when you mess up. we all do.

In my facility we change q24 hrs, but clean q8rs and PRN (depending on the type of cannula).

Thank you for sharing with us! It's been interesting to see how everyone has responded. I hope you don't stress out about this. It's a great learning experience for all of us. I'm glad your facility decided to do and inservice that you found helpful. Keep up the good work!!

My understanding of crepitus in this pt is that he had crackles in the lungs due to all the fluid accumulation. Did anyone listen to his lungs? I don't believe you are at fault. You did not D'C the suction. You simply followed the orders.

Your frustrations are totally normal! Sometimes I wonder why in the world I do what I do??? We are in a stressful and a challenging profession, but very rewarding. I know no one can pay us enough for what we do or go through. I noticed you mentioned something about pushing phenergan. Does your facility still do that? My facility stopped all IV-push phenergan a few months ago due to recent studies that have shown that it is a vescicant that causes a lot of damage to the veins and surrounding tissues. We only give it IM or IVPB. just curious???

It would be a scary thing to not have a code cart ready when you need it. I certainly hope this doesn't happen often anywhere! At my facility, usually the charge nurse is responsible at the beginning of each shift to make sure the cart is ready. Any trained staff member can do the code cart check. It's a big relief to know at the beginning of your shift that in case of emergency, you have what you need.

It's pretty annoying and I would definately say something. There's a time and a place for everything.

It's a shame that this happens.

I highly encourage med-surg experience before specializing in a specific unit. It not only helps you connect everything you have learned in nursing school, but also helps build your skills in many different levels. I worked med-surg/Oncology for 2yrs right after nursing school and it was the best experience. You see a variety of patients with all sorts of things and you learn very quickly how to prioritize, organize and delegate.

That was hilarious!!! LOL:lol2: