LaborLandRN

It might be reasonable to approach the doctors, and ask for a specific order for 20 minutes of EFM/monitoring per hour, so that their patient can be more comfortable up. I ask my patients before they get into that active labor stage what they want for care, what will make their birth experience what they want it to be. When in doubt, just ask--does this feel good? Better like this or like this? (think eye doctor visit). If she is telling her hubby to shut up, then try to keep your voice calm and low, and only use short sentences infrequently, with sensitivity..."after this next contraction..." and if they don't like to be touched but the counter pressure feels good, roll up a towel and place it behind her lower back when she is lying down. I always recommend our younger nurses go to the lamaze and childbirth education courses at your hospital just as an observer--where your nurses will be teaching dads those techniques :)

Often times if you call the nurse working for your doctor, she can explain the terminology more clearly for you.

Transferring within the maternal child departments is definitely a rough go! Communication styles are different, responsibilities are different, and your confidence gets shaken when you switch spots! Just a few tips: --now your patients are well until they prove ill, so relax, they aren't "ill"--enjoy the wellness! --You were an "expert" as a NICU RN, you will feel shaken to your core becoming a "novice" again--hang in there-you didn't learn to be comfortable in NICU your first week;) it took many months to figure out your "system" and ooze confidence! --communicate if you need more time on orientation, but remember by that last week or two you might feel more comfortable! --it is disconcerting how all "over the place" labor and delivery is--I use a special clip board of my own--it has my own checklists for duties and phone numbers to call, special order codes, etc. It is better than my brain on a piece of paper but lets me carry around my daily brain along with all my patient clipboard info...It's bright pink with a flip open compartment so I can store papers, yet can easily wipe it down between patients, shifts, etc. I love checklists :)--they help me feel in control! --Find the system that works for you to feel like you have all the answers in one place-- --GO EASY ON YOURSELF! You can't play Mozart the first time you sit down at the piano--you start with scales and work your way up--the same is true in L&D--start with the basics Best Wishes!!