melmarie23 MSN, RN

melmarie23 is a MSN, RN and specializes in L&D/Maternity nursing.

melmarie23's Latest Activity

1. 

   How does your unit train Level II Nursery Nurses?

   melmarie23 replied to classicalcat's topic in NICU

   We have a SCN/Level II with the same population as yours and I got 4 months of orientation (at two,12h shifts/week as I am PT). I'm also to always be scheduled with a mentor immediately available, meaning a light floor assignment that can easily be passed to another RN, for another 6 months (at the very least--more if needed). I am halfway through the latter. They always put me in the SCN, except for my call shifts (I get labor then). We are a LDRP unit with the SCN, of which about a third of us are trained to the nursery.
2. 

   One quarter of our census are withdrawal kids

   melmarie23 replied to BittyBabyGrower's topic in NICU

   We've also have had a huge influx over the past couple months as well. It is indeed tiring...and it's even harder watching them going home to who only knows what.
3. 

   Bedadine for vaginal birth

   melmarie23 replied to twahls65's topic in Ob/Gyn

   We don't use a prep either. We just wipe away stool as needed.
4. 

   Sterile water injections - back labor

   melmarie23 replied to queenanneslace's topic in Ob/Gyn

   As for "selling it," show them the evidence. It's a low cost procedure and doesn't really require any specialized skill set to do. It doesn't interfere with monitoring mom or fetus. My advice is to try and get but in from a physician or two, as well as your unit leadership, and go from there.
5. 

   Sterile water injections - back labor

   melmarie23 replied to queenanneslace's topic in Ob/Gyn

   We still do this on my unit. It's part of our standing orders for labor. It's not often we do do it...but we can and do. It hurts the patient like no other and it's why we have two RNs to do it so that it's as quick as can be. But it usually works and gives them some relief for a good while after.
6. 

   C/s incision dressing removal

   melmarie23 replied to GabesMommy2014's topic in Ob/Gyn

   We have orders to remove post op day 1.
7. 

   Need to pick up your brains LD nurses!

   melmarie23 replied to Lurdes777's topic in Ob/Gyn

   LNA/CNA. Usually after a couple nursing courses under your belt and you can get certified.
8. 

   Banker to nurse - Would you make the switch

   melmarie23 replied to xinah's topic in Ob/Gyn

   I am PT and work two, 12hr shifts a week. Most L&D/mom-baby jobs in my area are 12hr shifts. I work on a LDRP unit that also has a SCN (Level II nursery) that I am cross trained to as well. I was hired onto my unit as a relatively new RN. I too was a career changer. I don't ever regret changing careers to nursing!
9. 

   Circ boards

   melmarie23 replied to mamagui's topic in Ob/Gyn

   We swaddle the arms. They're not strapped down...only the legs are.
10. 

    Is it hard ?...

    melmarie23 replied to MyPrnPleaseBSN's topic in Nursing

    I was hired as a PRN on my current unit. I had no experience in the speciality (OB). Had 6 months orientation, 3 to mom-baby, and 3 to labor, as we are a LDRP unit. Then I filled holes as a PRN. Eventually I got a part time position. So it is possible.
11. 

    Are there NPs who work as RNs in Massachusetts or NH

    melmarie23 replied to chincka's topic in Nursing

    Chincka, one is an acute care NP working in Worcester (worked in an outpatient surgical center prior to this) and the other works per diem as hospitalist covering the med/surge units and then in the ED Full time at another hospital (sometimes rotates to their urgent care center). All make well over 6 figures starting (in Lawrence MA and Manchester NH). So I guess it depends on the speciality and setting you get into.
12. 

    Are there NPs who work as RNs in Massachusetts or NH

    melmarie23 replied to chincka's topic in Nursing

    So in short, if you are close to finishing your program...then keep going! I don't think you'll regret it.
13. 

    Are there NPs who work as RNs in Massachusetts or NH

    melmarie23 replied to chincka's topic in Nursing

    I am not sure where you are looking for employment, but I have many NP friends in both states (I am in NH) and they all make significantly more in that role than when they were bedside RNs. All work in the hospital or urgent care setting.
14. 

    What would you have done? Episiotomy

    melmarie23 replied to AspiringNurseMW's topic in Ob/Gyn

    I am happy that someone finally decided to represent her! It's taken over a year and a half, even despite the video evidence which clearly shows her not consenting to the procedure. Most lawyers refused to take he case because nothing was "wrong" with her or the baby. There are so many things wrong with this that I don't even know where to begin...
15. 

    Vital signs on labor checks

    melmarie23 replied to MCmgr's topic in Ob/Gyn

    Q4 if stable, not ruptured and GBS-. If GBS positive and/or SROM'd/AROM'd then a temp q2 in addition.
16. 

    Curious about formula marketing practices in your hospital

    melmarie23 replied to LibraSunCNM's topic in Ob/Gyn

    We're a BFHI facility, no no formula goodie bags/swag here.