nutsaboutOBnursing

Well on one hand it sounds like maybe you could be that positive personality they need at this facility and maybe you could make a real difference in the atmosphere. On the other, I would hope that the somewhat negative atmosphere that seems to exist there would not cause you to become bitter about your job. I don't have any experience to compare your story to since this will be my first job in the hospital. We all know there is no such thing as the "perfect job", but since the NM shared with you about the negativity present, I wonder if she was trying to prepare you for a very difficult situation. I attended a pre-orientation/greeting meeting this week for my new job which starts next week. My experience was quite the opposite. Everyone was so positive and shared about how much they loved working there. So, I'm not sure. I think I might be a little concerned. It would be good if you could talk privately to a staff nurse. Have you had that opportunity or have you just spoken with the NM?

My interview process was very stressful. Evidently an extremely large number of Spring 2005 nursing graduates in my area decided that OB was for them. I had 4 interviews and at every one of them I was informed that they had more applicants than they had ever had. I was fortunate to recieve 2 offers one of which was the local "hospital of my dreams". I definitely attribute it to a lot of time in prayer but beyond that . . . I let them know how extremely passionate I was about L&D. The interviewer (who will now be my director) responded very well to this stating that she was looking for people who knew what they wanted and were passionate about it. I also think it's very good to prepare some intelligent questions to ask them. I asked about morale in the unit. How do the employees handle stress on the unit? Describe the relationship between the doctors and nurses on this unit. If I were to ask one of nurses in the unit "what is the best thing about working here?" or "what is the most challenging thing about working here?" what do you think they would say? Actually the latter question prompted the interviewer to say "let me let you ask them that question", and I was introduced to the staff. She may have introduced me anyway but the question does open the door for that kind of response. You'll do great! Just go in dressed professionally, with a big smile, an air of confidence, and a passion for what you want.

Thank you all so much for your input! I'm excited and ready to be where you all are, with some experience behind me and in a position to share the same encouragement with others. Thanks so much!

I graduated from nursing school in May and will begin an L&D internship next week. I'm so excited but also apprehensive because of the unknown. I would love to get some feedback from some of you who have been through an internship. I had the opportunity to spend most of my last semester clinicals in L&D and as a result was able to perform a lot of skills used in L&D during role transition. I was hoping that the beginning of the internship would sort-of be like an extension of role transition. I guess what I'm asking is . . . . how much do they expect you to know coming into the internship? How much supervision vs. autonomy in the beginning? I know they wouldn't put me "in over my head". I'm just curious as to how the beginning of the intership feels to the new graduate. I know you will know what I'm asking if you've been there. Thanks so much for any input!