elaineRN

All the things a new nurse has to learn can seem overwhelming at first - but don't give up! It will get better with more time. One very important thing is to not be scared or intimidated to clarify orders. We do have one particular Dr. whose handwriting is just unreadable. There were so many complaints that the doc had to go before some comiittee and was required to dictate orders (which were transcribed immediately and printed for each particular unit.) This worked great until the doc slowly but surely tapered off from being compliant with that method. Now each nurse just tries to catch this doc before he leaves the unit to read over his orders with him listening. Great for that particular nurse but not the ones coming on afterward. More complaints may have to be made. Try getting another nurse in your unit to help you work on that particular issue. Do you have a preceptor or have you completed that phase? Make yourself a plan on how to tackle this problem. Anyway - like I said before, just don't be afraid to clarify orders if there is a question - remember - you are responsible for the "5 rights." It really does get better.

Welcome! One of the best things you can do for your nursing career in whatever area you end up in, is to be a pt. care assistant. There's not much glamour in it but boy do you learn alot! Once you are a nurse, the experience as a pca will help you appreciate them all the more. Also - when you get into the nursing program, some hospitals will hire you as a "Nurse tech." I did this at a hospital and was area specific to l&d. I loved it, learned alot, and it confirmed that was the area for me. As for any specific classes, they are all important for the area of l&d. Stick with what is required to get into nursing school - you'll have plenty to do with just those. Hope this helps.