I am a nursing student going into my OB clinical rotation. I am very nervous for many reasons... 1) I don't have kids yet and 2) we are likely to see a lady partsl delivery and/or C-section. I have never had the opportunity to observe any kind of surgery and I am terrified at the possibility of passing out! Honestly even the thought of seeing a live lady partsl delivery scares me! I don't have any issues seeing blood or doing things like IV's and such with needles. I have seen a few procedures like a bone marrow biopsy but nothing that was an actual surgery. Anyway, I was wondering if anyone had some advice for me??? I know to eat a good breakfast before clinical but is there any other tips/tricks you may have? Thanks in advanced!
Im right there with you. For my L&D rotation, I actually got to hold one of my patients legs while she was pushing. And later, I got to stand directly behind the doctor, and got a clear view of everything.
Off point but I think it's a ridiculous position. Seems better to let gravity help and have Mom squat. Squat and deliver!
For OP - don't watch the incision, if any. Stay out of the way unless directed otherwise. I think you'll be fine. As others have said, if you do feel faint or nauseated, try to sit down or find a trash can to throw up in. And there's no reason to be embarrassed. We all started at Step One. Including the doctors. Hey, good luck and here's wishing you all the best.
Well, I must have been lucky to be up close and involved when we did L&D. The hospital I was at was about 50/50 OB/Gyn and midwives. The mom we had laboring was using a midwife and with the mom's permission, I was right up there holding a leg back for her while she was pushing.
Other people have great advice already. The only thing I would add is if you start to feel a little funky, just excuse yourself and step out of the room. You wouldn't be the first and certainly not the last to get woozy! Good luck :)
If you are holding a leg or whatever, don't drop it. Make your situation known quickly, loud and clear, so someone can relieve you right away, to prevent any harm to the patient, like throwing up in the wound or whatever.
I am a nursing student going into my OB clinical rotation. I am very nervous for many reasons... 1) I don't have kids yet and 2) we are likely to see a lady partsl delivery and/or C-section. I have never had the opportunity to observe any kind of surgery and I am terrified at the possibility of passing out! Honestly even the thought of seeing a live lady partsl delivery scares me! I don't have any issues seeing blood or doing things like IV's and such with needles. I have seen a few procedures like a bone marrow biopsy but nothing that was an actual surgery. Anyway, I was wondering if anyone had some advice for me??? I know to eat a good breakfast before clinical but is there any other tips/tricks you may have? Thanks in advanced!
I would gently suggest trying to alter your mindset, if at all possible. I was present at a live, natural, homebirth. I was probably 12" from the lady parts. And, honestly - it was one of the most beautiful and powerful things I have ever witnessed.
Thanks for all the suggestions! The first poster was right, I was totally in my own head. I had absolutely no problems in L&D. In fact, I came out thinking how amazing it was. I will admit, during my first one, I was so nervous. Once I got that done and over with, I was ready to see as much as possible! It was the best clinical I've had so far! I got to do and see so much! Unfortunately, during my med surg clinical, I didn't really have the opportunity to see any surgeries only a few minor procedures. One of my fellow students was able to see a BKA! :0 I am not usually squeamish, but I also had not observed a surgery until now. I was just unsure how I was going to handle it and didn't want to be THAT girl that passed out lol :)
I did make sure to eat a good breakfast, exercise and I brought plenty of little healthy snacks that I could stuff in my pockets.
Kooky Korky, BSN, RN
5,216 Posts
Off point but I think it's a ridiculous position. Seems better to let gravity help and have Mom squat. Squat and deliver!
For OP - don't watch the incision, if any. Stay out of the way unless directed otherwise. I think you'll be fine. As others have said, if you do feel faint or nauseated, try to sit down or find a trash can to throw up in. And there's no reason to be embarrassed. We all started at Step One. Including the doctors. Hey, good luck and here's wishing you all the best.