Tips or suggestions for Postpartum New Grad

nurse carla espinosa · Feb 1, 2012

first, relax. i was in your shoes a few months ago (new grad started in mother/baby) and let me tell you, you'll be fine.

for your orientation i recommend taking a notepad and taking notes. eventually all the little things will come to you as second nature but at first its nice to have things written down so you can refer to them.

i carry around a stethoscope, pens, marker for the boards, scissor, tape/alcohol pads (but you could probably get this from your floor).

my nurse educator gave us a maternal nursing book from AWHONN so maybe you can ask if you'll get one or if there are any resources she/he recommends? in the meantime maybe read over the postpartum section from maternity, esp like the s/s of pp hemorrhage, infection, problems with HTN.

so relax, ask questions, take notes and good luck!

Hi Everyone,
I'm a new grad starting my first job as an RN in my dream unit (postpartum). I will be starting my orientation soon. I'm so excited and anxious at the same time. Is there any advice anyone can give me as far as how to prepare? What's in your pockets? Any suggestions on what I should brush up on? Reading material? I've been out of school since May and the only experience I have is my clinical rotation. I want to make sure I am as prepared as possible. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

PinkNBlue, BSN, RN · Feb 19, 2012

I've worked on Mother Baby as a tech for 6 years but will be started as a new grad nurse resident in March. I am thrilled (as it is also my dream job and a long time coming.. darn nursing school). Anyway, just wanted to wish you the best! I'm sure we'll be fine :) Congrats!

NJRN33 · Feb 20, 2012

I'm a new grad also but my first job will be psych I'm really interested in L&D how do I go about it? Any info is greatly appreciated :)And good luck to you all

ibambamama · Feb 25, 2012

First of all, congratulations! What a wonderful opportunity. I am also, somewhat new to to pp, although I have been doing L&D for awhile now. So here's a few good tips I've gotten from friends and more experienced nurses on the floor:

#1: Get those ladies moving!

Everything is better when your pp ladies get up and about.

2. Make sure they pee!!!

One of my girlfriends had warned me about this - make sure your ladies pee, especially within the first 4-6 hrs pp. it will

save you- and them! - and lot of trouble in the long run (i.e. pph!)

3. Carry a flashlight

especially if you will be working nights and want to avoid disturbing ladies as much as possible. Plus, super useful for really getting in there to check on perineums

4. When in doubt, skin-to-skin

naked babies on naked mamas is the best place for them to be - especially during the first transitional hours.

Hope this helps - and good luck to you!

tablefor9, RN · Feb 25, 2012

1. Read the recommended books on the sticky at the bottom of this forum.

2. Join AWHONN.

3. Remember that although the peripartum period is not risk free, it is a state of health, not illness. Use your time wisely to encourage healthy behaviors, family bonding, and the mother's belief in her ability to parent.

4. Find a mentor. Don't believe all of what you hear about the nurses you'll be working with. Listen & look more than you speak and find the nurse you most want to emulate. There's a potential.

5. Keep a reference in your locker or bag and look up what you don't know.And a couple thoughts from the high risk OB side of my brain:

6. Never assume pph can't happen after 12 hours. Delivery doesn't cure pre-eclampsia. And if mama looks at you and says she's going to die, you better pay attention.

Kaymm89 · Nov 19, 2018

Hello, I couldn't find the note with the names of the books you recommended?

Kom · May 18, 2019

Hello,

can you please list the names of the books you recommended? I am a new grad starting in LDRP and would love to read those books.