Pt / Nurse Ratio - and things you like about post-partum

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Jul 15, 2005

I'm contemplating a change from surgical post-op to post partum (switching hospitals, too) - and wonder what is the "normal" patient load in a community hospital's post-partum unit. Is 8 a lot? (not couplet nursing at this time at this place I'm contemplating)
And what do you like or dislike about nursing on a post-partum unit?

I just want to wish you the best of luck. Have you applied at other places? Have a wonderful day :)

BETSRN · Jul 15, 2005

I'm contemplating a change from surgical post-op to post partum (switching hospitals, too) - and wonder what is the "normal" patient load in a community hospital's post-partum unit. Is 8 a lot? (not couplet nursing at this time at this place I'm contemplating)
And what do you like or dislike about nursing on a post-partum unit?

I don't know how much "adrenalin rush" you like or are used to but if you do like that feeling, you will find Post Partum extremely boring. It is very repetitive. I work in an LDRP, where we do labor/PP/NSY (when there is one)

and personally, PP bores me to death. It is nice every few days but that's it. There is lots of teaching to do, but little else: especially if these are basically well women. Just my opinion.

BookishRN · Jul 15, 2005

"boring"

I've had so much change in the past year in other areas of my life, including my own graduation just one year ago into the nursing field - that "boring" and "repetitive" at work sounds like a positive feature at the moment.

I started at UVA, my husband thought I was going to have a nervous breakdown, then we moved to a different area of VA and I went to this post-op unit - which is easier than what I started out in at UVA, but still has variety. But I'm working nights and having difficulty staying awake on my drive home. Very scary at times! A closer hospital sounds very tempting - and as a person who still finds myself watching "A Baby's Story" on TLC these 17 years after my last born child was born, I thought it might be a place I'd enjoy. I'm definitely not the "ER" personality - not yet anyway. Perhaps I'm a slow bloomer?

But - That's the great thing about this field - it could feel like a different job every time one changes places/field.

nurstudnt546, BSN, RN · Jul 17, 2005

I'm a recent new grad RN - graduated in December 2004. Prior to graduating I was a nurse extern on a "step-down/intermediate care" unit for 6 months. I was not one of those nursing student who knew exactly which specialty I wanted to go to (but I knew I really didn't want med-surg), basically I could see myself in just about any area of nursing ... so I stayed in my unit after I graduated because it seemed logical to help with my transistion as a new RN.

Now, 6 months later, I have recently switched to post partum. I was getting tired of all the stress that my previous had brought me on each shift (the endless calls, stat orders, confused patients, complete/total care patients, finishing late, etc.), I literally still could hear IV pumps beeping in my head when I got home. So the "boring-ness" that others consider PP to be is now a blessing to me at the moment. I also am not the "ER personality" type, although I love to watch those shows on TV.

What I like about PP is that it's A LOT more laid back, there's more time to spend with the patient, pt teaching, the patients can do their own ADLs, most things are not that urgent (of course the main ones are ABCs) and this is what I need right now in my life (who knows, maybe I will get bored later on but I can always go back to critical care, etc.) as my 5yr old is going to be starting kindergarten and we are trying to conceive. BTW, my PP unit is couplet care and the ratio is 4:1 with no CNAs. :) Hope this helps!

BookishRN · Jul 17, 2005

What I like about PP is that it's A LOT more laid back

Thanks for your thoughtful reply. I think if they make an offer, I will take it. It's hard to contemplate change again - - since I have definitely enjoyed some of the relationships with co-workers at both places I've worked. But I'm interested in finding the right fit for me. This hospital is the closest of the four that are within 30 miles of where I now live. A big plus!

nurstudnt546, BSN, RN · Jul 17, 2005

You're very welcome BookishRN.

I'm just curious myself. You mentioned that you'll have 8 patient but it's not couplet care. So what type of patients will you be receiving? Post-op GYN pts, c-section, etc.?

I hope you get an offer that you can't refuse and that you'll be happy at your new position. I also commute approx. 35-40 miles to and from work (about a 35-40min).

gypsyatheart · Jul 17, 2005

I don't know how much "adrenalin rush" you like or are used to but if you do like that feeling, you will find Post Partum extremely boring. It is very repetitive. I work in an LDRP, where we do labor/PP/NSY (when there is one)
and personally, PP bores me to death. It is nice every few days but that's it. There is lots of teaching to do, but little else: especially if these are basically well women. Just my opinion.

I have to agree w/BetsRN on this one, but I think so would most true L&D nurses. L&D and PP are 2 completely different worlds. I personally just can not stand it when I have to do PP. At first you may say...oh this is OK, not much going on, but the real picture on a real PP unit is a revolving door. Admit after admit and discharge after discharge, and the paperwork... :rolleyes: . Most SVD's go home 24 hrs p/delivery and c/s go at 48-72hrs out. Tons of teaching, but it is the same repetitive spiel....over and over. And I know for a fact that pt's retain very little of this info, but we are required, obviously to give it! In a former job I used to pick up some extra shifts for Home Health, the OB dept and do the "early discharge" visits, we would go into the home weigh the baby, assess etc and then review w/the mom all of the d/c teaching. These were moms who delivered in the LDRP I was working at full time. I can't tell you how many would say..."they never told me any of this stuff in the hospital"... :confused: But, of course, these gals are so overwhelmed by the birthing process and they get so much info literally shoved down their throats that by the time they hit PP, they are exhausted and just can't retain any more new info.It's all they can do to figure out how to feed their baby! Then it's time to go home. I do it once in a blue moon when I get floated to the PSCU, and we're dealing w/PP moms on mag, etc. Just not for me.

Good luck if that's what you're interested in;try it, some nurses really seem to like it. :)

SmilingBluEyes · Jul 18, 2005

I do LDRP. ever consider that? It's never boring that I promise you.

If not, try cross training to all areas that way you can float between L/D and PP and never get bored or burnt out. You have it all in LDRP, if you can find one.

BookishRN · Jul 18, 2005

You mentioned that you'll have 8 patient but it's not couplet care. So what type of patients will you be receiving? Post-op GYN pts, c-section, etc.?

I'll know more today - interview this morning. Not couplet care, but that's under consideration.

Since I only have had one year's experience as a nurse, and I think I might like this type of nursing, I am going to give it a try if they offer. Cross training at this unit is to the nursery.

I can pursue L&D later within the institution if I think I need "more stimulation". : - )

imenid37 · Jul 19, 2005

I do LDRP now and love it. I have done this for 8.5 years.Before that I did mother/baby for 7 years. Right out of school I did open heart stepdown/tele (for 3 LONNNNNGGGG years-it felt like 30). My kids were little and the tele was TOTAL STRESS. THe mother-baby unit was the right fit for me at the time and I never regret the time I spent there. Go w/ your heart and best of luck! :)

BookishRN · Jul 20, 2005

THe mother-baby unit was the right fit for me at the time and I never regret the time I spent there. Go w/ your heart and best of luck! :)

My interview went well and she said she'd call as soon as the positions got activated - something she thought would be in effect by then. So I indicated I would say yes. Now - to wait.

It's been great hearing from everyone. Appreciate the insights and hearing about everyone's experiences.