Reasons why you love OB nursing?

Published

Specializes in ICU.

I am an RN in a busy ICU unit. I recently applied for an OB position within my hospital. I like my job but I'm not loving it. I have always been interested in OB, L&D, NICU....I'm nervous about the possibility of transitioning only because I don't want to get there and wish I hadn't left my ICU position. I'm hoping some of you OB nurses can tell my why it is you love your job and give me some insight into a day in life of an OB nurse:)

Thanks so much:):heartbeat

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

I love my job because it's usually the happiest place in nursing. At 2am when I've caught up with my charting, I can snuggle a newborn and get paid to do it. It has a LOT of patient teaching, which I love.

The main reason I love it:

When a person goes to the hospital to, say, have their gallbladder removed, it's generally not an event where they remember every moment, every word spoken, every person involved in their care, for the rest of their life. When a woman comes to the hospital to deliver her baby, she generally remembers every moment, and she will forever think about her labor nurse with much fondness (if she's a good nurse). That's an awesome responsibility to have, but I feel very privileged to be in that role, and to share one of the most memorable events in a couple's life with them.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.

I love watching men and women make the transition to fathers and mothers. I love watching people's eyes well up with joy when they hold their babies for the first time.

I love watching breastfeeding work like it's supposed to, and I like being the one helping make that happen.

I like the teaching aspect, like klone mentioned above. It's not always hearts and sunshines, but there is something to be said about being there for families at those moments no one wants to experience, too. (fetal deaths, sick babies, etc.)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in all things maternity.

Hi. I totally agree with the above posters. I have been doing OB nursing for many, many years. Still, I am in awe of the miracle of birth. Nothing compares to seeing a new baby take its first breath and watching the reaction of the new parents.

The next part of OB nursing that I absolutely love is the teaching aspect. New parents need LOTS of education. Especially first time parents. And there are many different topics to be taught. There is coping with labor and birth. postpartum care, postpartum depression, newborn care, and more. And I love it all!

:yeah:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Postpartum, L&D, Mother-Baby.
I love my job because it's usually the happiest place in nursing. At 2am when I've caught up with my charting, I can snuggle a newborn and get paid to do it. It has a LOT of patient teaching, which I love.

The main reason I love it:

When a person goes to the hospital to, say, have their gallbladder removed, it's generally not an event where they remember every moment, every word spoken, every person involved in their care, for the rest of their life. When a woman comes to the hospital to deliver her baby, she generally remembers every moment, and she will forever think about her labor nurse with much fondness (if she's a good nurse). That's an awesome responsibility to have, but I feel very privileged to be in that role, and to share one of the most memorable events in a couple's life with them.

YES YES YES YES YES!!!!!!!!!! I am 31 years old and my brother is 33 years old......TIL THIS DAY, my mother still has very vivid and fond memories of her experience of having both of us!!!! She says she had awesome nurses!!! I am a postpartum nurse. I come to work with a smile on my face EVERY DAY, because I love what I do. i try to make an impact on my patients and the other nurses daily. I love working in my area because it is a joyful environment.....I had to go upstairs to the medical/surgical unit last night to help them set up a PCA pump and the nurses there were stressed out with arrythmia patients and patients on ther verge of death...I will take Women's Services over med/surg ANY DAY!!!! :heartbeat:D

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, Home Health, Camp, Travel, L&D.

I actually started out as an ICU RN, and when I left, many of my friends thought I'd lost my mind. I am pleased to report that, contrary to what they may have believed, I was not body-snatched. :cool:

Many of the same things you probably love about ICU, you will love about OB:

1. Teaching...it's still family-style teaching, and just as vital.

2. Lower pt ratios for more 1:1 time...not always the case, but I do L&D & Nsy.

3. Adrenaline rush! Can you beat having a baby? And, it's mostly a happy ending.

4. High Acuity...ever take care of a patient you couldn't see? And nobody goes to crap faster than a bad L&D (HELLP, Eclampsia, PPH, cord prolapse, abruption). Not saying we like to see these things happen, but losing your skills isn't a worry, alright?

5. The heart factor...the same way you can be deeply moved by your unit pts and their families, so can you carry a part of your laboring family with you always. There is never a time when I am tired of being there the moment a family becomes, or stretches to add another heart.

I have had the occasional moment when I missed ICU. And, but you know, if you lay down, the feeling will pass in just a few minutes! LOL. When you've found your niche, you know it, even when there's stress & compassion fatigue. Impossible to know online, but your post doesn't sound like ICU is your passion. What have you got to lose by broadening your horizons?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

Thanks so much guys for taking the time to reply to my post:) Tablefor9...i feel as if you were able to look into my soul...lol. I have actually applied for an OB position at my hospital and my app is under review by the recruiter. Who know's if I'll even get a call but at least I've taken the first step towards making the transition. One thing I do know for certain is....I LOVE ME SOME BABIES:) lol

Thanks again guys:heartbeat:heartbeat:heartbeat

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac.
I love my job because it's usually the happiest place in nursing. At 2am when I've caught up with my charting, I can snuggle a newborn and get paid to do it. It has a LOT of patient teaching, which I love.

The main reason I love it:

When a person goes to the hospital to, say, have their gallbladder removed, it's generally not an event where they remember every moment, every word spoken, every person involved in their care, for the rest of their life. When a woman comes to the hospital to deliver her baby, she generally remembers every moment, and she will forever think about her labor nurse with much fondness (if she's a good nurse). That's an awesome responsibility to have, but I feel very privileged to be in that role, and to share one of the most memorable events in a couple's life with them.

wow,exactly why I want to be an L&d nurse!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

So my app is now under review by the hiring manager....again, don't know if I'll get a call for an interview but I guess what is meant to be will be:) I'll keep you all posted. Thanks again for your insight!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac.

call her! let her know you saw the change in status and that you really want it! good luck

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Good luck! I am a new graduate and just got a job in a L&D area. I am so excited! I was nervous but these posts are really helping!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Oncology, Med-Surg, Nursery.

I'm a Nursery nurse, so I can't answer your question as someone that takes care of Mom & baby. However, there is nothing in this world that can't be made better by snuggling a sweet, precious baby sometime during your 12hr shift. I just adore my babies, miss them when I am off work, and always look forward to seeing them & their parents when I go in!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion