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 undecide...

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 l...

Besides cephalic and footling, what are some other presenting parts you've felt? I've heard chin, ear, double footling, scrotum, vagina and even rectum (the nurse actually put her fingers right inside baby's rectum on exam)!Have you ever had a pt get...

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...

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...

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...

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 choo...

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 night...

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 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 f...

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 ...

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 didacti...

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 t...

Ok, I'm brand new to OB nursing and I did my first vaginal exam on a pt. with an epidural (thank goodness she had an epidural ). Anyway, I don't know what I'm feeling and I have no idea what my preceptor is talking about. She said I had to pull th...

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. :)

You may/may not recall an earlier post about my horrible interview. My interview was with this crazy, inappropriate, unprofessional nurse manager on MedSurg. Well, 2 weeks later I interviewed in a different dept. (L&D) and the nurse manager inf...

Ok, let me say that I am THRILLED to have landed my dream job! I'm pleased to even land a job, period. Especially in L&D, as I've heard it is very difficult to get a job in L&D where I live. I know how tough the market is for any nursing s...

Ha ha. No kidding!

I got the job in L&D! The phone call came from HR.

I know, I wonder if I should have done that too. It's out there now. I am so disgusted with everything.

I have an interview tomorrow in L&D and I'm so excited, yet nervous. I have a BS in Health Education and the manager mentioned on the phone how glad she is to see I have a teaching background. I don't have any hospital experience, and that is my...

I can relate. I am (hopefully) leaving my school nurse job to work in L&D. My job right now is low-stress, and I get so much time off (weekends, holidays, 2 weeks winter break, spring breaks, summer break, etc). I have a toddler and preschoole...

I'm hoping to go for my IBCLC in the next year or so. Hopefully I'll get the L&D job that I interviewed with last week. That will help tremendously.

My interview for my dream job was one week ago. The hiring manager/head nurse basically offered me the job "informally" on the spot. We really clicked and she told me I have the job. She even walked me to HR to sign some papers to get the ball rol...