JentheRN2007

I just got weekend option at my work which will start in August. I will work Sat-Sun nights from 7p to 7A. We do not have to work holidays unless they fall on the weekend which is nice. We still have to do on call once a month....sometimes twice a month which I don't like ...but am grateful to get this 2 day shift with the full benefits.

We chart everyn 15 minutes as well while the patient is on pitocin....or in labor...

Hi Nora - I am responding to you post questions...She did know the patient was having lates...the baby's Heartrate dropped to 90's and she called a stat c/s and to take off O2....my preceptor told me that she documents everything the OB says and that that group is known for that kind of practice... Thing is..that group's head is the chairman of that dept...so go figure...I want to protect my license and even more importantly take care of a potentially hypoxic fetus...I mean it doesn't hurt and can only HELP...it is crazy....

Hi all, I am a month into L&D and have seen some scary things...such as OB's going against hospital protocols...my question is what is my responsibility as the nurse in cases such as these....? Example: my patient is having repeated late decels...we flip her over to her side, increase IV fluids and administer oxygen per protocol. The OB comes in and says "take off the oxygen...makes her look sick"....ummmmm I know I am new but giving oxygen to a mom experience late decels is the norm...plus is scientifically proven to help by increasing O2 levels to the fetus. Apparently this group of OB's do not like to use oxygen.....for some reason their egos do not correlate to practice...this obviously bothers me...and I just want to know...what are my responsibilites to the OB, patient and hospital policy? I want the best care for my patient as well as to protect my license....Does this make sense??????

Thanks...I will try that... The last thing I want to do is stoop to her level... Oh, I know my run-ins with her are NOTHING compared to how she can really be....scary thing is though that I got those comments by simply standing there....not even working directly with her. I can't imagine what she says when I have to do something for her...UGH.. I like the physician/harrassment 'movement'....thanks for tip.

Thank you all for your support. LaborlovingRN, I do agree that I need to do this....I also admit I am afraid but can't let this go on...I think I will wait until I come across her again and then hopefully muster up the courage to do it. She is such a loud mouth and I am afraid she will just try to embarrass me when try to address her.....I am a little wimpy...not pushover but just don't want to get teary or stutter... I will keep you all posted. Thanks for your replies!! (oh please ignore two spelling errors in my first post!!)

Hi all. I am in my fifth week of orientation and have come across the nightmare OB of the unit. She is known by all to be rude, unprofessional and condenscending to all staff. Of course I have the priviledge of crossing paths and on two separate occasions she has been rude. It is obvious she does it for pleasure. I will give an example: Her c/s was scheduled for 1245, she knew I was being oriented (my preceptor told her we will be a little while with admission) We get done the admission, and are in the OR (of course OB wanted to start early to be spiteful) at 1215 and an emergency case is called for next door. Our case was held due to having only one anesthesiologist available. OB states well we would have been in here at 1200 but the shave and foley took awhile. My preceptor says "no, we were waiting for anesthesiology she was like not uh. Then she watches as I am pouring water for the OR tech saying what when I called out the date...(none of her business of course) and there is one other incident along the same lines. I haven't done anything wrong and am trying to learn my job...however, was told by many staff to 'put her in her place' and then she will leave me alone.. Any suggestions of what I should say? I think I will have to work with her again tomorrow unfortunately.....

Hello! My name is Jen and I just started on a L&D unit this past week. My question to you experienced L&D RN's is this....what would be the best course of study for me as I learn my new job? I have a strong passion for L&D and have been reading everything I can get my hands on but wanted to know from the real experts (you) what my main focus should be on after my first week. Any suggestions? BTW: I have seen four births...it is exhilarating and stressful (so much to learn) but I love it. Thank you in advance.

Hi, I am currently a daytime employee on a med surg floor and am going to apply for a L&D night position. I recently had a baby (still on leave) and also have 9 1/2 year old twins and think this switch would be good for my family life. I have read many posts about night shift so I could consider the pros and cons...and wanted to bounce off my perception of this new change in my life and whether you all experienced night nurses agree, disagree or have additional advice.... I figure I will: -work three nights in a row (stay up until 2am the night before 1st 12 hour shift, sleep until 8am and then take afternoon nap to prepare myself for the first night). I figure the next morning I will be tired and sleep until 3pm, do the second night and then sleep until 3pm and then do the third shift, sleep until 1pm the following day...get up and be tired enough to go to sleep that night to get back on the daytime schedule. My idea is to work while my children are sleeping...being there when they are awake...my girls are in school...I will be waking up at 3pm when they get out...I will have until 630 with them on my work nights (when I work days I get home at their bedtime)...as far as the baby I will have 3pm until 6:30 as well but will still be able to see him a little in the AM when I get home and more in afternoon before I go to work....does that sound reasonable? I am the type of person who can sleep during the day....and I figure since I will be on orientation that nights are generally more quiet and will be a better atmosphere in which to learn....I read all of the other tips about bringing healthy snacks...staying busy, reading charts on downtime..etc and would definitely use those as well.... If you are still with me after this long post, I really appreciate it....and thank you in advance for any advice you may have....

caliotter this post [color=pink]"if i had employers asking me where i was, i would start giving them the name of a different bar every time. then i would start telling them i was conversating with guinness or jack daniels with plans to get down and dirty with somebody named dan or steve or frank. i don't drink and i forgot what male companionship is about but i sure do appreciate my time off!" is hysterical :roll. you are exactly right...what gives any supervisor the right to say 'where are you' on your day off?! as nurses, the only person that is going to look after us is ourselves (unfortunately) and considering that nursing is a burnout job...we need to take extra special care so we can actually avoid it and take pride in taking care of people :)..

Maybe I don't understand how it works but can't you report the agency for breaking the 24 hour rule? These rules are made for a reason and I understand the shortage problem but doesn't it just get worse when further nurses such as yourself are being taken advantage of like this...? I know you need the job now from what you said but do you think you could hint to them that you may need to research your rights into this matter since you are getting nowhere with them?

Hi, I currently work on a med-surg floor and am thinking of moving to OB. Out of curiosity I was wondering how most OB MDs are in your opinion... Are most mild mannered, patient? (they seem so during office visits...I think) Are they available most of the time? (like if they know their patient is in labor...they are close by... maybe even check on them :)? Do they get angry if your measurement d/e is off? The surgeons I work with are generally nice and approachable (which every MD should be) but they are in the room SO fast and out SO fast that I am often the one who ends up explaining everything the MD just said to them and what they need to do....not that I mind but just wish that they stepped back and realized they are still dealing with people that are sick, and just had surgery.....and are concerned about their recovery.... I guess it all depends on the person/MD eh?

Wow, I just can't imagine putting my hand up there and knowing what I am feeling :) but I know it is an acquired skill like any other...Thanks for your help!!

I agree with the above posts..BE ORGANIZED....every morning I write out all the basics...what does this patient need today, are they off to any tests?, what are the times they are due meds....any wound changes...and I go from there. I do my assessments and teaching (use your incentive spirometer, walk today etc) when I give out am meds and try to document right away. Then I go back for dressing changes etc... By the afternoon, charting is done, most meds are given, and big tasks are done...I check the charts periodically...if there is a new order, I will put it on my list...At 3pm when I pick up a new patient I do all my documentation right away....and then usually by 630 just doing the chart checks and saying my goodbyes to the patients. Now this is on a perfect day :chuckle.....things do pop up constantly at the last minute....however, if you have the main stuff completed already and something comes up...help out, get them settled and pass it on to the next nurse!!

First, congratulations on surviving nursing school!! Secondly, I have been a nurse for a year and a half and came out of school petrified of the same things you mentioned...here is some advice for what it is worth: Dont ever be afraid to ask a lot of questions...it is important to have a good preceptor that is open...if she/he isn't get another one. Don't be afraid to say you are nervous...it just shows that you are conscientious and take your job (which is taking care of peop) seriously. My charge nurse told me that nothing scares her more than a new grad who 'knows it all'...it can be dangerous and is how a lot of mistakes happen. She also said it takes about two years to start feeling 'comfortable' as a nurse. Jump in....meaning take every experience you can...volunteer for the situations that scare you....once you see that you are NOT alone and can do it...it takes the anxiety away. There are nurses, doctors, PA's etc on staff that are there to help you and work as a team. You will always run into someone less helpful and if you do...just move to the next person....most should be helpful (varies..I know) You will get use to seeing the same dx, orders, treatments etc and before you know it you will know what S and S are pertinent to that particular patient's condition and what to do..if you don't recognize lung sounds at first, ask someone to listen behind you...There is NOOO shame in trying to be the best you can.....Like everything else, it just takes time....with that your experience will grow as well as your confidence!! And believe me, this is coming from the biggest scaredy cat ever :chuckle Best of luck you will do great.