Trouble with Paps

[OncRN2015, DNP, APRN, NP]

I am having trouble visualizing the cervix on most paps. Not sure what exactly I'm doing wrong. My results have been coming back conclusive so I'm getting a good enough sample but I feel like a lot of times it's a guessing game. Any tips for good visualization? 

[B.MartinFNP]

Hi, sorry you hadn't received a response yet. New NP here. However, in OB/Gyn clinical, I initially felt like it was a guessing game also. I finally asked the MD what should be my key target upon entry. The MD told me basically the vaginal rugae is key! So, once you have the speculum in, you want to angle it at a downward angle as, most of the time, the cervix is pointed downward. If you see rugae at the top of the speculum then you just need to angle down more! I asked him why wasn't I told that in the beginning, and the response was that no student had ever asked and most were just digging for gold! I have not had an issue since and can find the cervix in seconds!