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Hi. I am beginning my fellowship on a post partum unit in just a few weeks. I was wondering if any of you have suggestions for a good stethoscope. I just used a fairly cheap one for nursing school and need a new one. I think the nursery has them there already, but I would definitely be using my own for the mothers. And as long as you are all making recommendations, what about shoes? There are no specific requirements for footwear at the hospital where I will be, so I can get whatever works best for me. I'm really not particular, but I also know that with just a few exceptions, I've not worked full 12 hour shifts yet either, and that makes a huge difference! Thanks!

Hi. I will be graduating as a new nurse in just a few months, and it is time to start figuring out where I want to be. I loved a preceptorship in the ER, but they aren't nuts about new hires. When I was in the ER, I was particularly drawn to the ortho patients, especially anything sports injury related. None of my med-surg clinicals have been on ortho floors, but I'm guessing the majority of patients are total hips and knees, and that I wouldn't see many sports injury situations on a floor as they are often out patient. Is that correct? Any advice on what to expect should I decide to head this direction? Thanks!

Hi. I will be graduating as a new nurse in just a few months, and it is time to start figuring out where I want to be. I loved a preceptorship in the ER, but they aren't nuts about new hires. When I was in the ER, I was particularly drawn to the ortho patients, especially anything sports injury related. None of my med-surg clinicals have been on ortho floors, but I'm guessing the majority of patients are total hips and knees, and that I wouldn't see many sports injury situations on a floor as they are often out patient. Is that correct? Any advice on what to expect should I decide to head this direction? Thanks!

I am a student who just finished a preceptorship in the ER last week. It sounds as though your goals are very similar to what mine were. In my program, there is no ER clinical rotation, so I knew I wouldn't have the opportunity to experience the ER during school unless I did a preceptorship there. I have to say that it was, BY FAR, the best rotation I've had in terms of learning opportunities. I saw so much, and was able to get my hands on so many things. I think it really was invaluable both in terms of hands on experience, and confidence boosting. The key will be to have a preceptor who has the time and patience for a student. The ER where I did mine was not super-busy so there was time for my preceptor to explain things as we went. Good luck!

How old is your daughter? Is she by any chance in the middle of a growth spurt? I know that the long bones grow faster than the ligaments, so sometimes in the midst of a growth spurt, you will find kids are in joint pain (Severe's Disease, Osgood Schlatter's come to mind), especially if they are active kids. If you aren't happy with, or can't find a good pediatric orthopod in your area, you might try looking for a physical medicine specialist.