starry nights

I would like to say that getting through this experience will make you a better nurse, as like someone else said, there is 100% odds that you are going to be working with someone like this when you graduate. My experience is that these people know that they are like that, some are almost "proud" of it, and its almost like they think they have to "test you" by seeing how far you go until you break. You earn their repect and trust by standing up to them, asserting yourself when you have to, and by not letting them break you. No, it isn't right, but unfortunately certain fields of nursing attract strong personalities, and you learn from these experiences and take from them how you want yourself to be. Its great that you did talk to others about it, and they certainly are supporting you so any bad things the preceptor may say will be taken accordingly and you will get great points for sticking through it, and it WILL help you in future employment situations.

Hi - your age and life-experiences will help you out tremendously in the area as well, in ways that reading books would not - and as in any fast-paced area, feeling uncomfortable and slightly "on-edge" will help you to be more observant and ready to act; take advantage of the knowledge of the more experienced nurses, and ask, ask, ask - I have learned so much, there is still tons to learn but it is getting better!

Hi - only once have I ever got an order to turn down an epidural, and that was because she was so numb she couldn't even move her legs let alone try to push....in our facility we leave the epidurals alone until any needed suturing is done then shut them off, and she is usually ready to stand to shower in about 90 minutes. I had a prim who was pushing for almost an hour, had good sensation and effective pushs, but she was tired, said she wasn't going to do it anymore and promptly went to sleep - the dr said that was fine as the strip was good, the pt slept for an hour, woke up to the head just starting to show, and she was able to continue pushing for a good delivery soon after...you are right in saying that it depends on the personal experience of the nurse or physician as to whether they agree with this practise or not, as well as the time of night or day....

I will remember that 9 cm for sure!!! Thanks for the tips and encouragement - I also feel it makes more sense that way.....the "ending the shift on a bad note" was basically why was I waiting when she could be (maybe) having her baby before change of shift and getting out of there - as soon as I went to give report to the incoming shift the nurse that went to cover started her pushing, and I a) felt angry because she hadn't been with this pt at all and it was unfair to the pt as well as gave the impression to the family that here comes the nurse that knows what needs to be done and b) felt like a loser and I should have been doing something more as she was pushing well and the baby was coming down nicely and c) that extra hour of contractions really saved her a lot of work! (and now I feel better about it so thanks a bunch!)

Hi there - I have been browsing here for awhile and greatly appreciate all the knowledge and tidbits you all pass on...I was wondering what most of you do regarding an epidural when the pt becomes fully dilated with little sensation to push - one Dr tells me to wait at least an hour (with a prim - usually the mults know which muscles need to be used in order to push effectively) before starting to push so that the head comes down more and the pt doesn't get too tired; some nurses agree with this and some don't - yesterday I was working with the ones who didn't and ended up the shift on a bad note...any suggestions or advice for me would be appreciated...Thanks so much p.s. when she finally did start pushing it was less than 1/2 hour till delivery