Question from a new nurse in L & D!!

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Hello everyone!

Somehow I landed my dream job in L & D and I have the most wonderful preceptor :yeah:....she loves teaching and has an MSN in education. I just started and was told I have a 16 week orientation. I absolutely love it so far but am afraid that the 16 weeks will fly by and I am starting to stress about the overwhelming amount of learning that is involved with this specialty.....and wow....the amount of paperwork is crazy :eek: Do you all think 16 weeks is sufficient? Is this pretty standard? Also, you all that have started in L&D as a new nurse, how long was your orientation and did you feel ready when you were done?

Thank you sooooo much!!!!:nurse:

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Specializes in ER.

Lucky lucky you! I started in the ER as a brand new grad and only got 6 weeks of orientation. Having the MSN in education is a big plus for you and your preceptor. I think you will be fine.

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I just got off orientation and it was 6 months day shift, 6 wks of that was OR rotation as we learn to scrub/asst/circle, and then 1 month night shift, so a total of 7 months. At our hospital it is usually 8 months, but it depends on experience. I had a yr of Med/Surg experience so that helped me as I already had some basic skills down. I think it all depends on the person and the preceptor. Don't start stressing about it is enough time, just take it one day at a time and ask questions!! I have a fabulous staff that is always there to help and answer any questions that I still have. I was told I wouldn't feel completely comfortable until 2 yrs, and I am fine with that. there is alot to learn in L&D, and it can be overwhelming esp at first. it does get easier each day..

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Specializes in L&D and OB-GYN office.

16 weeks is more than I got. I got 12 weeks in L&D which included some classroom time with other new grads. I think it was enough. 16 weeks will be enough for you to take your own patients, but you will still be learning after that, and that is okay and expected. The rest of the staff knows that you will still be asking questions after your orientation. In my mind, I didn't really feel comfortable for about 2 years, but I was made the charge nurse on some shifts after only a year, so I guess my manager though tI was ready. You are so fortunate to get a new grad orientation in L&D. Congratulations! Like the other poster said, be sure to ask lots of questions. Also volunteer to do things that will help your skills. The paperwork is a lot, but it gets easier.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.
Lucky lucky you! I started in the ER as a brand new grad and only got 6 weeks of orientation. Having the MSN in education is a big plus for you and your preceptor. I think you will be fine.

Thanks! Wow, only 6 weeks of orientation??? You are brave!

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Specializes in Pediatrics.
I just got off orientation and it was 6 months day shift, 6 wks of that was OR rotation as we learn to scrub/asst/circle, and then 1 month night shift, so a total of 7 months. At our hospital it is usually 8 months, but it depends on experience. I had a yr of Med/Surg experience so that helped me as I already had some basic skills down. I think it all depends on the person and the preceptor. Don't start stressing about it is enough time, just take it one day at a time and ask questions!! I have a fabulous staff that is always there to help and answer any questions that I still have. I was told I wouldn't feel completely comfortable until 2 yrs, and I am fine with that. there is alot to learn in L&D, and it can be overwhelming esp at first. it does get easier each day..

Thanks for your response! You are right, there is sooo much to learn! I have to learn to scrub/assist/circulate too. After the 4 months on day shift, I will be trained on night shift..not sure how long that will be...hopefully at least 2-4 weeks.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.
16 weeks is more than I got. I got 12 weeks in L&D which included some classroom time with other new grads. I think it was enough. 16 weeks will be enough for you to take your own patients, but you will still be learning after that, and that is okay and expected. The rest of the staff knows that you will still be asking questions after your orientation. In my mind, I didn't really feel comfortable for about 2 years, but I was made the charge nurse on some shifts after only a year, so I guess my manager though tI was ready. You are so fortunate to get a new grad orientation in L&D. Congratulations! Like the other poster said, be sure to ask lots of questions. Also volunteer to do things that will help your skills. The paperwork is a lot, but it gets easier.

I can't believe I was hired as a new grad in L&D! This hospital usually doesn't hire any new grads into OB, I was just at the right place at the right time. Your post made me feel better knowing that you felt fine after 12 weeks of orientation. My preceptor said that everyone will keep a sharp eye on my strips for a while, thank goodness!

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I got about 8 wks orientation to L&D so you are lucky. It will take atleast 6 months before you feel like you even have a clue and about a year until you fill comfortable. And you will always have questions and that is ok. Good luck!

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