geminiRNC

lol. Yeah, I uploaded the wrong article. But I do stand by what I said....

I've worked L&D, LDRP, and just postpartum. Out of all three, I would have to rank postpartum as the most "low stress." I say that very cautiously, depending on the facility. In a high risk facility, your pp patients can be VERY sick. We are talking cardiac issues, brittle diabetics, pregnancy complications, etc..In a high risk facility, you probably have a NICU or nursery--that elimates your responsibility for a baby. That is a plus. But, if you work at a smaller hospital, I do believe that it becomes more difficult. You have more autonomy and rely on co-workers more. I have worked at both types of facilites and do not take away from ANY nurse in either. In a smaller facility they are moving more towards LDRP's (combined units). You are responsible for mom & baby from admission to discharge. You need to know your stuff-on both ends. You don't have NICU, interns, or CNM's for backup. But, at a high risk facility, your patients are usually more acute. I know my advice sounds contradictory, but I don't mean to be. I just don't want you to think that because you work "postpartum," it is a walk in the park. It could be. But, it can also turn BAD--very quickly....and you need to be competent, educated, and ready for the unexpected. (and have patience of steel for breastfeeding, lol)

Trouble reaching for a cervix that's in China, call me....Think you feel toes, call me....can't place your IUPC, call me...I'm every co-workers back-up if needed....and every man's envy.....lololol

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/08/31/us-induced-labors-preterm-idUSBRE87U18420120831 Not in all cases---but I really can't help but to find this article hilarious...Didn't we already know this gals?? Pregnancy is a condition...not an illness....stop the unnecessary inductions. Stop the insanity....:rotfl: (yes, this called for a smiley face, haha)

In L&D you can't imagine what I've heard family members/friends say. There is one that always gets me though. They're not talking to me, but I can picture myself tying the efm cords around their necks lol. A mom is laboring naturally, feeling every ctx, and breathing through them. And then it never fails--someone sits in front of the monitor and everytime a ctx is about to come they get all excited and say "oh, no....this is gonna be a big one!" Over and over. Really?? Is this helping?? lol Sooo irritating and idiotic.

Take the psych job...I started out in psych and learned a lot of valuable experience that has carried over with me to NICU and L&D. You always utilize those "people" skills, crisis intervention (rampant no matter where you are), and a proactive approach. You will learn to always be looking five steps ahead-which is so important no matter where you work. On our psych unit, we pulled lab levels-so I was able to take IV courses. And of course you will become a master at IM injections We also had a great relationship with the ED and I floated there numerous times when our census was low. I learned a lot. Just take any extra's that you can. Don't let the naysayers psych you out (pun intended!) and let you believe that you aren't a "real" nurse. If you like it--do it.

I am not a new grad, but I feel your pain. After my first semester of school--I knew that nursing was not what I really enjoyed or wanted. But it was my only option and I was determined to finish and then pursue another career. Fast forward almost 12 years and i'm still here--still nursing--still not enjoying it. Life, kids, husband, and bills have a way of putting some dreams on hold for a while. I'm always told that I am a great nurse and I still always give 100%--my patients deserve that. But some days I wish my car would veer off the side of the road on the way to work I always look at other nurses or my friends & family that basically enjoy what they do. One word--ENVY... Try some other areas of nursing--there is such a great variety. Something may peak your interest...but don't mistake achieving the goal of becoming "an excellent nurse" as your instructor suggested, as happiness. You can be very competent and the best on your unit--but it won't make your career choice any more fulfilling if you aren't content.

Not sure where you're from...but...I applied to Umass Boston in Feb 2012....I've been patiently waiting for my response and finally called undergraduate admissions when my application changed from "complete" to "incomplete." When I spoke to someone they informed me that they are no longer accepting students from out of state for this program. I am from Virginia. No call, no application refund, no letter, no change to their requirements on their website--very unprofessional--and I told her so. Still, this was very discouraging. They seem to have a great program. Just wanted to let you know. I

And at that moment, Dr. Smith had an epiphany...."maybe I won't have an attitude next time she calls me at 3 am"....

Sourflyhony-that comment about general anesthesia is HILARIOUS! There are many legitimate reasons for inductions...but let's remember "pregnany is a condition-NOT an illness." Your back hurts, your feet are sore, your can't get comfy, you have heartburn...sorry, goes with the territory. Induction should not be an option for these things-which they so often are. That falls on docs that should not be engaging these women because it fits better with their schedule, etc...I remember attending a CE class where there were many nurses from hospitals larger than mine. They were AMAZED-and I say that with as much emphasis as possible-that at our facility we very rarely induced before 40 weeks...Sometimes 41+ weeks (GASP!) with no medical complication or indication to proceed before. I've worked at other facility where anything goes. Nothing worse than seeing the 38 week primip come in for an IOL for backaches and end up with a primary c/s.....so avoidable.

I LOVE having my delivery done; pp checks complete; mom voided; bed remade; baby breastfeeding well; visitors gone; lights down.....such a sense of accomplishment in a hectic last few hours....(and then I remember the five hours of strip checks that I still have to do!)

"If you're poopin'-you're pushin' right!!!

I have applied to a couple of hospitals for Clinical Documentation Specialist jobs-without any response back. I have ten years of RN experience-psych, NICU, L&D...My question is this---to get your foot in the door would it be helpful to have a medical coding class under your belt? My local community college offers a three semester certification course and then encourages you to sit for a national cert. class. Two--four years of college for HIM or HIT is out of the question for me. Any additional info would be GREATLY appreciated. Perhaps it is the economy or the fact that I have never technically done med surg nursing that is obstructing my path...From what I understand this is a real up-and-coming-evolving field within the nursing realm.

I have applied to a couple of hospitals for Clinical Documentation Specialist jobs-without any response back. I have ten years of RN experience-psych, NICU, and L&D....My question is this--to get your foot in the door would it be helpful to have a medical coding class under your belt. My local community college offers a three semester course and it then encourages you to sit for some national certification class. I am unable to go to school any longer than that-for HIM or HIT. Any additional info on this would be GREATLY appreciated. Enrollment is next week. I don't know if it is the economy or perhaps the fact that I have never worked med surge?? From what I understand, this is going to be a real up-and-coming field within the nursing realm. Thanks, so much. And no longer a allnurses virgin!! My first post!!