AprilInAZ

I labored in the tub after SROM for baby #1, and got out to push. For baby #2 I had a CNMW and labored and delivered in the tub. That was all before I started L and D nursing. I work in a very conservative/high induction rate hospital now, and we don't do waterbirths.

We use the QS system, and it's all I know so I love it.

You guys are wonderful! I tried the starting posterior, then moving anterior method last week, along with warm hands, slow and describing and had MUCH success. I do WISH my fingers were longer. Thanks again. April

I am a relatively new grad (May 04) and took my first RN job in Labor and Delivery. I finished my "orientation" period in October, and so far so good... I have a long way to go in many areas, but I do feel like I am progressing at supported and not overwhelmed.. all that good stuff. My problem is I am still finding some cervical exams really difficult. I work nights, and do a lot of inductions, so a lot of gels, and every once in a while, I just CAN'T find that dang cervix. Then I get the more experienced nurse to come in and do the check, and describe where she found it. THis happened twice last week and it's killing any little bit of confidence I was starting to get. So I would like to arm myself with little tricks -of -the -trade that I can use BEFORE i call in the other nurse. I know about the hands under the hips to create more of a tilt, and I think that is about it. Are they ever so high that I might not be able to reach them? Any pt postioning tips? Thanks for any input. I really want to find it myself. April

Hi Rose I am a new grad also training in L & D. I am in the middle of orientation, so I don't have all the input you are hoping for, but here's how it's going so far. [How many weeks was your orientation/how many hours per week? I got 6 LONG weeks of 40 hrs/week of "classroom" time. This included NRP, Fetal Monitoring, Circulating in the OR, Fetal Demise and Bereavement, a slew of different classes at local hospitals, lactation, etc... Along with that we "shadowed" an experienced RN doing very little pt care, but observing and asking ?'s. Now I am 1 week into my 12 week preceptor guided orientation. I am also on nights, and I adore my preceptor. The only thing that seems difficult (aside from learning the job) is that nights are not as well staffed, and sometimes she is needed to carry a heavier load, and we don't get as much time to be "taught" as I think we should, and I feel that I slow her down on these nights, but I think when i can start to do a little more, i can fly solo for the easy stuff (admitting the pt, paperwork, iv starts, reviewing the strips) then she'll have time for my questions, and to quiz me etc... Was it only in the labor room or did it include postpartum/nursery? I did "shadow" a few days in nursery, attended births, and had to catch a few babies. How prepared did you feel to go on your own at the end of your orientation? Gosh, I hope I will feel prepared. I can't imagine it right now. I do know that the night crew has been extremely supportive, and I can't imagine any of them letting me sink, or not helping me if I needed it. What would be one or two things you had wished you learned or had more experience doing before being on your own? N/A not on my own yet. Did your preceptor have you work with one patient from start to finish or one week do only labor and the next week do only neonate? one pt from admit to end of shift, or recovery. Starting with no complications (i haven't had a mag pt yet) I am really nervous about being on my own some day too! Best of luck to you. April