Things a new L/D and PP nurse should know

NurseNora, BSN, RN · Jan 12, 2007

The best way to impress your preceptor is to be very clear about your learning needs. If your preceptor's style is not helping you, say so. Do you need more or less hands on help, do you learn best with her over your shoulder telling you what to do as you do it, or by letting you figure out what to do next with her only commenting at the time if something unsafe is about to happen, then discussing it afterwards? How many times do you have to do something to be comefortable. Tell her/him all this. Don't ever be afraid to ask a question because you might look dumb or foolish or you think it's something you should already know.

Review your OB textbooks. Refamiliarize yourself with the terms that are specific to OB (station, position, presentation, and so on) and the drugs commonly used (Oxytocin, Methergine, RhoGam, Hemabate, etc). Read your P&P manuals; study any standing orders you have; ask for a copy of the instructions that are sent home with the PP moms so you know what they are to be taught.

Watch all the nurses in the unit. Everyone does things a little differently, pick up tips from everyone. Make sure everyone knows you want to learn; ask them to show you anything that is a little unusual (You have a patient who is breech? Would you ask her if I can do Leopolds on her? A baby with a heart murmur, can I listen? A villamentous cord insertion, may I see it?)

Good luck and enjoy

NurseNora, BSN, RN · Jan 12, 2007

Join AWHONN, your professional organization. Can't believe I forgot to put that in my list of suggestions

MIA-RN1, RN · Jan 13, 2007

Figure out the whole jaundice/coombs stuff before you have to explain it to a patient.

Remember that your patients in post partum are, for the most part, not sick.

Follow the lactation consultant for a day--you will REALLY learn a lot.