I am applying for the nursing program next year (starting summer 2008). I have been posting on here asking questions and have gotten some really good responses. I also enjoy reading the threads of the RNs who are actually working out there and giving their opinions and feedback. I just have some general questions that I may have asked in other places but I know some of the threads are old so I thought I would just start a thread. I am sorry if you have already answered some of these questions! I am going into nursing because I truly believe that I want to go into OB nursing. I would love to work Postpartum(or at least I think I do...I know there is NO WAY to know exactly what you want to do until you are exposed to it).
What are your experiences in working with doctors? My husband seems to think that this would be a major headache. I realize that you will have some that are better than other (as with anything) but do you guys generally have good communications/experiences with the doctors? In my experiences (I have two children) my doctor wasn't around much during my hospital stay but I am sure there are interactions with the nurses since you guys are the eyes and ears.
I have seen on here where it is the opinions of some that it would be best to start in Postpartum (if the hospital you work out has the units divided). I really think this is where I would love to be in general. I love the idea of the education aspect with the mother and having a slower paced environment initially.(not that it would always be slower but I imagine it would be a little less stressful...especially for a new grad) I don't know if I would be confident enough to jump right into L&D. That may be what I would like to move into later on. The hospital that I would do my clinicals in is a teaching hospital and the areas are divided. They have Mother/Baby and L&D. What do you guys think? I know they hire new grads at this hospital. I know this can also be competitive but this is what I would shoot for. I hope I can network without being annoying during my clinicals.
I really think I would prefer night shift also. What is your opinions on this? I know different people like different things. Would this be too slow paced in Postpartum at night?
I know I am a long way from all of this but I do like to kind of have an idea up front. I have been working in Social Services for 8 yrs now. I have worked with the Mentally Ill and with persons with a diagnosis of Mental Retardation. I have worked with so many different people and learned so much. I do love my job but ever since I have had my children I really feel pulled toward OB nursing. I just hope that I am successful at it. I am really hard on myself. I don't want to cause harm to anyone and I just feel like there is SO MUCH to learn. When I read the threads on here I do admit that I get nervous. I haven't even been accepted to nursing school yet so I am way ahead of myself.
What is the worst part of your job? What is the best part? What do you think about working in the hospital vs an OB/GYN office? I have thought having children that working at a private practice would be great for my schedule with the kids but are those jobs hard to come by? I would actually prefer the hospital but I worry about balancing with the kids. Also I would imagine that if you worked private practice you would not get to use your skills like in the hospital environment. I know as a new grad I should take what I can get and work it out but if I am realistic I do have to consider my children too. Of course if I had no resposibility I would take whatever but I will have to consider them....of course! I just doubt sometimes I guess....can I be a good mother and wife and do this?
Ok I am sorry this is so long. Any feedback will be appreciated. I think you guys are awesome though. I think nurses have a very important job and they are not acknowledged enough!
Monica-Thanks for stating the pros and cons. That is really what I am looking for...the good, bad and ugly, hehe. Unfortunately there is no way to know things until you actually get into it and start doing it for yourself but it does help a little to hear from someone who is actually in there doing it.
Brandi-Luckily the pre-requisites I have transferred from my first degree. I will only have to pick up one class and I could wait and take it the semester they offer it along with my nursing classes but I am going to try and knock it out before hand so I can ease my way back in. I think it is normal to be nervous...especially when you have children to think about but I just refocus myself to the big picture. It is going to make me a better mother if I am more satisfied with my career and pursuing my dream. I guess I am really lucky to have the delayed progression program offered so I can go part time. I have already rallied the grandparents to help me out on my class and clinical nights. The kids will love spending time with them too so that will work out fine.
I have been thinking about an internship. (which may be crazy since that would add another day to my schedule) I really, really admire my OB and would love to work/learn under her and her nurses. She is just an amazing doctor and I have so much respect for her. I know that private practice office work isn't nearly as fast paced as the hospital setting but it would be really neat to see a different side and to learn under someone you have so much respect for. What do you guys think about that? If she were willing of course. Do you think that would count toward OB experience if I got out of school and wanted to work PP?
I have been thinking about an internship. (which may be crazy since that would add another day to my schedule) I really, really admire my OB and would love to work/learn under her and her nurses. She is just an amazing doctor and I have so much respect for her. I know that private practice office work isn't nearly as fast paced as the hospital setting but it would be really neat to see a different side and to learn under someone you have so much respect for. What do you guys think about that? If she were willing of course. Do you think that would count toward OB experience if I got out of school and wanted to work PP?
Does her practice offer nursing internships? I know with my internship I had to apply for a general student intern job. They are kind of tough to get, and everyone I know had one in a hospital. Not saying a private practice wouldn't have them though. And you would have to work with one of the OB nurses, not the OB. You would only do the nursing part. And from what i know, internships are usually the summer before your last year of nursing school. Some people do preceptorships in their last semester. You could get a nursing assistant job to help get experience, or volunteer at a hospital. I know somone that does the L&D tours for a hospital. I would think a L&D unit would have some volunteer opportunities. As a nursing student myself, with kids, I don't have time to do anything other than school, but some people do work and do just fine. My kids are 7 and 5 so I still need to be around for them as much as possible and school takes up so much of my time that I really don't think working during school would benefit me (my grades would suffer and I would suffer!) I did intern this summer on a med/surg floor. The OB unit at my hospital didn't offer internships (not sure why..) but some probably do!
I don't know if she offers internships...that is why I said if she were willing. She may not but it couldn't hurt to check into it I suppose. Also I know that I wouldn't be working with her the majority of times and that is why I stated her and her nurses. Obviously you would be working with her some of the time though since the nurses are often present with her during consults and procedures. I know that as an intern you wouldn't be involved in every single aspect of everything but to learn I am sure she would let you be present some of the time.(but maybe I am wrong) Also I guess I should have clarified that I am thinking way into the future. I am in the information phase. I haven't even been accepted into nursing school so I obviously couldn't do an internship right now. As for working and going to school....it is really the only way I can obtain my dream. I wish that I could just quit work and focus on school full time but that is not feasible in my situation. I think 2-3 days per week for a couple of years is not too much to take on to have the profession I desire. I know it won't be easy but I think I can balance. I hope so anyhow.
HopefulMichelle
35 Posts
Monica-Thanks for stating the pros and cons. That is really what I am looking for...the good, bad and ugly, hehe. Unfortunately there is no way to know things until you actually get into it and start doing it for yourself but it does help a little to hear from someone who is actually in there doing it.
Brandi-Luckily the pre-requisites I have transferred from my first degree. I will only have to pick up one class and I could wait and take it the semester they offer it along with my nursing classes but I am going to try and knock it out before hand so I can ease my way back in. I think it is normal to be nervous...especially when you have children to think about but I just refocus myself to the big picture. It is going to make me a better mother if I am more satisfied with my career and pursuing my dream. I guess I am really lucky to have the delayed progression program offered so I can go part time. I have already rallied the grandparents to help me out on my class and clinical nights. The kids will love spending time with them too so that will work out fine.
I have been thinking about an internship. (which may be crazy since that would add another day to my schedule) I really, really admire my OB and would love to work/learn under her and her nurses. She is just an amazing doctor and I have so much respect for her. I know that private practice office work isn't nearly as fast paced as the hospital setting but it would be really neat to see a different side and to learn under someone you have so much respect for. What do you guys think about that? If she were willing of course. Do you think that would count toward OB experience if I got out of school and wanted to work PP?
Michelle