Greetings
There is a reason my post name is lovewhatIdo. It is because I work in L&D and would encourage anyone to give it a try if you are thinking of taking the plunge.
Pro's are numerous-as previously mentioned-seing new life, the autonomy and ability to do quite a lot of intervention without having to check with the physician. In otherwords, we get to use our brains/experience in a way that I havent found on other units-(except ER-I haven't worked ICU) You have to be prepared for anything. (which, I like that aspect) You do antepartum, labor and delivery, c-sections, newborns, nursery and triage. You have to know alot! And it is not boring or routine. Each labor is different and the potential for problems are always there-but there is nothing better that knowing that the nursing work that you did helped save a baby and/or mother's life. And for the times that dispite all and you still lost someone.you can be such a great source of comfort and strength.
It is usually a happy unit. Generally healthy young women.
Con's-As mentioned, when it goes bad, it goes bad. Had a mom the other day that had an abruption and uterine rupture. We lost the baby. Mom is ok now, but can never have anymore kids. Those situations are tough. Or when You have a healthy mom through and amniotic emboli and die. But you face death in most units in hospital.
You can see alot of dysfunction. It is amazing to me how we really don't have that many families that are intact, not drug addicted or some other major problem and that are stable loving and healthy. Of course, you can be very helpful in getting people plugged in to support/services etc, but it can be dishartening.
And yes, the disrespect from others that don't know what all we do. But it's ok, WE know and there is such deep satisfaction in that and no one can't take that away or diminish it.
Good luck in your search for place in nursing for now!!
LovewhatIdo:)
