sazeyplus2

glad to do it; I'm a new nurse and that's surely where the crazy wording came from! :)

What I meant was, she put her hand up to support the head so it didn't come shooting out. Didn't think it was that confusing to warrent all the faces...

Sounds like quite a delivery! I am also an L&D new grad nurse in my 7th week of training. I know this at least- your preceptor should have told the Dr. about he GBS status, and anticipated that he would absolutely want to hang abx. I'm really surprised your preceptor didn't know the p&p on this. Second, your preceptor should have known w/a pretermer, NICU should have been notified first- and by 8cm at least. It sounds as if you did great and learned some lessons you (or your preceptor) won't soon forget! I'm reallyy impressed with all you did as a new grad: trying to hold the head in and counting heartrate in such a stressful situation shows you already have a good foundation. Thanks for sharing your experience!

Today was my first day with my preceptor out on an extremely busy L&D floor (over 8,000 deliveries/year). I was immediately thrown into (without warning), a fetal demise case. I walk into the room, and there is a 1.2 lb dead baby and distraught mom. Needless to say, it was a long day. In the breakroom later, older nurses (including the charge), didn't hesitiate to share that most new nurses end up quitting because they just can't handle the pace. Thinking back on the day, I did learn a lot, but like most of you, I was so overwhelmed w/the emotions and things to know it was unreal! I cried all the way home and I know it won't be the last time! I can't tell you all how great it is though, to hear I'm not alone! Every scenerio, from nice nurses, to nasty ones, endless policy/procedure/paperwork to learn, and always the overwhelming terror I might do something to harm my patients is staggering. I promised myself, though that I'd stick w/this a year and reevaluate it then. To anyone else feeling totally lost and overwhelmed, you are NOT alone!!! Hang in there- I will if you will!!

Thanks so much for the info. I feel better knowing people are managing. I guess just like anything else, it will be an adjustment-hopefully not too rough. I'll keep you all posted! :)

Frankly, it sounds like working night shift is a nightmare! :eek:I'm freakin' out a little because I just accepted a position in L&D working 3 (12's) each week. I have 3 kids- 5, 8, 10. planned on doing all others said, in bed by 9am, up by 2:45 (to pick up kids from school), darkened room, no phone, etc. I've oftened wondered about the sleep-aid thing. Many night nurses seem to rely on Benadryl. Is this ok on a regular basis? I mainly want to be safe for my patients, and not torture myself and my family by being exhausted all the time; am I asking too much?? Also, how crazy is it to have to work one night, have the next day or two off, then work 2 nights in a row- and never have it be consistent, ya know? How does your body ever adjust? Any words of wisdom would be great :uhoh21: