KatfshhRN

I started out in L&D as a new grad. I still love it, and don't regret my decision. However, currently our unit is only hiring L&D experienced nurses. If that is what you want to do in the long run and you have the opportunity take it. There are two schools of thought and many people feel like you need the med surg background. However, L&D is so unique that I don't feel like the nurses I train from med surg are any further ahead of the new grads that I have precepted. At times we have patients that are antepartum and s/p some other sugery and that knowledge would be helpful. But, I got enough experience on L&D though the years to feel comfortable with that sort of patient. Also, we do have C-sections, so you get comfortable with the post op aspect of nursing from that if you do post-partum at all. We do at times because we have to float or we are holding when MBU is full.

I have been a L&D nurse for 10 years. My right upper arm is starting to have some constant pain. I think it is from using it during pushing and vag exams. I stopped holding legs a few years back. I try to get the patient to have her husband on one side and another family member on the other side to hold legs. I also use nursing students to hold legs when they are there. This job is very physical and I noticed after this many years that it is taking it's toll on me physically.