pgws0212

I agree in that you should not be "pushed" out of orientation before YOU feel ready. Your previous 2.5 years of experience is basic at best. Five years is the least to be considered "expereinced". Besides, while you are considered "in orientation" your time should not come out of the unit budget, so that should not be an issue. I also agree that you should be working with a check list and your mentor and yourself should review it daily. Hang in there, it's like riding a bike, you may be a little off balance but the concept never changes.:roll Best of luck to you and keep us posted!

I also started nursing school knowing that L&D was my choice of nursing. Everyone in my class laughed at me and said someone has to die for a position to open. HAHA to them. During our FIRST day of clinicals, we met the nurse manager of the L&D unit. I walked right up to her, introduced myself, told her my goals, (working in her unit). I started working float pool in that hospital my second semester of college, and in January before my graduation the nurse manager of L&D called me to work in the unit as an extern until graduation. Now who's laughing! That was in 1991 and now in 2005 I have worked in many different units and even tested the waters of travel nursing for a year. That was a great learning experience, and the pay is like nothing you'll ever get in a local hospital. My advice is "go for it", never be afraid to ask questions, soak up the knowledge and experience of "seasoned" nurses and remember that you're not considered an "experienced" L&D nurse for 5 years. BTW, your mentor will help you learn to read fetal strips but the unit/hospital SHOULD send to to at least a basic fetal monitor class before releasing you from orientation. Good luck and best wishes to you in your nursing experience.