Bubbamell

I work on a m/b unit and I understand they may increase our patients to 5 couplets...we are now at 4! Sometimes 5. We are primarily a cs unit, I am guessing about the same percentage as your unit. You know how it is trying to make people happy and give good care to 8 pts. let alone 9-10! Our ratings went down and I am sure if we take on another couplet it will go down again. I don't have to tell you what can happen and how fast it can go downhill...a baby goes bad, pp hemorrage or something. Mother/baby is nothing like CCU,ICU,MSURG,or the ER, but it is exhausting. Those new mom hormones with mine are crazy!

If you are working in a hospital they will pay for it if you commit to one year with them usually. Good way to save $.

To the 30 year old male thinking about going to nursing school: First of all don't let ANYONE tell you that you are not the type. Believe me EVERYBODY I knew said that to me and behind my back. Well they all bit the bullet when I got my sheepskin and they had to throw me a big bash...and I was in my 40's! I was a bartender and a hairdresser and felt I was getting nowhere. I had no bene's, no retirement fund, nothing. It's not the best bene's but it is better than absolutely "o". I have respect now from all and guess who they call when the need medical advice...yep, me. So get your butt to your community college and find out what you have to do. Now trust me, it is not easy in anyway. You have to give up a lot if you are not focused and have no goals set for yourself. If you have any common sense you can do it. My daughter just fininshed and is preparing for her boards. I was an LPN at first and went back for my RN and it I was more relaxed because I had a job and they paid for my RN! I could go on but I have enough. Good luck and think of yourself. Nursing can be very rewarding, but there are days I ask myself what the heck am I doing. I am making a difference that makes me proud!