loving2

I'm looking for information on 2nd degree options/bridge programs for RN-MSN. I have a BS in Health Education. I also have an ADN and currently work as a hospital staff RN. But I have no BSN. I'm just gathering info at this point, as I am undecided on which path I want to take. Either MPH or MSN, but I know that I want to bridge and I want to take classes online. Thanks!

I am terrified of cord prolapse. I've been in L&D for 3 years and each time I check a pt I am literally sick with fear that I'll feel a cord. Will it be obvious (like strong vibrating)? FHR? So I will feel it immediately upon vag exam? I don't like to go fishing in there, but you know some of those cervixes are very posterior.

Besides cephalic and footling, what are some other presenting parts you've felt? I've heard chin, ear, double footling, scrotum, lady parts and even rectum (the nurse actually put her fingers right inside baby's rectum on exam)!Have you ever had a pt get to "complete" before you/doc realized baby was not vertex? Obviously I've had this happen and I guess I'm looking for reassurance that it does happen (even to the most experienced nurses).

No mandatory call requirement at my job. Thank goodness! They should hire more RNs

Many LD nurses on my unit are young, some unmarried and don't have children. They get offended when a patient or family member remarks that they've never been through childbirth. I can attest that these nurses are excellent! The same goes for a few nurses that I know that have only given birth via c-section. They have never "pushed". They, too, are very knowledgeable and great LD nurses! What are your thoughts on this? Do you feel that nurses without personal childbirth experiences are not as "connected" with their patients? Do you feel that personal experience is necessary/helpful?

Unfortunately we require continuous EFM so our moms are limited to how far the cords will reach (which isn't far at all). They really can't walk around except to the BR. I usually tell them to "take plenty of time in the bathroom" and walk around the room when they finish (wink, wink). We don't have birthing tubs, nor do we have balls. I've noticed some women don't like to be touched so counter-pressure doesn't work. And some women, strangely, want to stay in bed. I don't want to aggravate them by doing something they don't like I guess I'm just wondering what RNs do at the bedside while their pt is in active labor or transitioning? Do you stay quiet and just "be there"? Many (if not most) of the RNs that I work with do not spend much time at the bedside. My preceptor once told me that I needed to "get in and get out". So I never observed how to really "support" mommas.

I've been in L&D for almost 2 years. I'm almost embarrassed to ask this, but I need some suggestions on supporting momma's choosing med-free labor. The majority of our pts choose an epidural so it is very rare for me to care for a pt without one, unless they walk in and precip. Specifically I need comfort techniques. Unfortunately I never had this training on orientation. I could also use some suggestions on books to read. Thanks.

Thanks for your advice! I'm not really worried about falling off the career track. I plan to stay in my specialty for a long time. I've found my niche :) I just need to make sure I work enough to keep up my skills. Besides, I feel that working nights is already a disadvantage since I'm not visible to administration. I'm planning for this to be temporary. My oldest will start Kindergarten this fall and my middle child will start pre-K in fall 2013. I'll go back to FT status then. From what I understand (I need to confirm this), the scheduler on our unit asks the PRN staff which days/nights they can work. They organize the FT staff around PRN availablity. I know that is really crappy, but we are short staffed so that is how they they fill in the gaps (just a little backwards in my opinion). There are some PRN staff that request to work the same schedule each week and their request is honored. I know I will financially need at least one shift per week, possibly two. We always have a "needs list" posted so I know I there are shifts available. I'm just nervous that I'll regret dropping to PRN. For instance, I will give up my FTEs and won't be able to bounce back into a FT position when I want to. There is a high turnover on our unit, but there are some major changes happening (for the better) that I'm afraid will slow the turnover rate. I really want to jump into a "day" position in a couple of years and I'm afraid I will be knocked off the list.

I'm currently working night shift (7p - 7a...ugh) and I hate it. I'm also pregnant so that makes things 10x worse. Anyway, I was thinking about switching to PRN after my baby is born. It will give me more time at home with my 3 kids and I can choose between day shift and/or night shift. I'm planning to work at least one 12hr shift per week, possibly two. I will also earn at least $10 more per hour (not including shift diff). I don't need benefits since I'm covered under my husband's health insurance. Anybody have advise on PRN status? Experience? Good idea, bad idea?

Would you commute to a job that you love even if it was 1 hr away? Or would you work at a job that you don't like even though it is more convenient (i.e. much closer to home, better hours for family)?

I believe there may be a *day* WEA available too. Currently, DH only works 3 days/wk. He's trying to get full time work. I never work the same days each week. Fortunately, I work 3 consecutive days, but the days are different each week so it's not a predictable schedule. WEA would be more predictable, but I would have to commit to a strict contract (only 4 days off/yr, no sick calls, etc.) I'm so torn.

I currently work days, three 12 hr. shifts. I'm new to L&D. I have two small children, ages 2 & 4. I love the hustle & bustle of days, but I'm considering switching to a night weekend alternative position. The hours would work better for our family since we won't need daycare and the shift diff is great (we need money!). My concerns are lack of sleep, and possibly losing my "day" slot if I wanted to return back to days in the future. Day positions are hard to get. I'm lucky I got it. I worked one overnight shift and I spent the next day sleeping, with LOTS of interruptions from my kids. I only got 4 hrs sleep in the middle of the day. I feel like I wasted a whole day. What are your thoughts? It seems like the most experienced RNs are working nights. How hard is it to adjust? My kids won't be in school for another 2-4 yrs.

How long are most orientations/preceptorships? What characteristics make a good orientee? What is a typical timeline? For instance, what tasks should the orientee be proficient in by one month, 3 months, etc? Does your orientation include didactics/classroom instruction?

I'm new to L&D. I've had a few people, (mostly non-healthcare individuals, but also another nurse) mention that a good L&D nurse should have gone through labor herself. That way she truly knows how the patient feels. What is your take on this? I have 2 children. I labored with my first child and ultimately gave birth via emergency c/s. My 2nd child was born repeat c/s. There are a handful of nurses on my unit that don't have children and I feel they are very skilled and compassionate.

Thank you so much for explaining this! I talked to my preceptor today and she agreed that it takes practice. Today is only my 3rd day. :)