3 weeks in L&D and wanting out

Published

Hello all!

I'm needing some advice! I recently transferred to L&D. I have almost 2 years med-surg experience. I liked my last job, but didn't feel super passionate about it. I'm 3 weeks into orientation. I am seriously considering talking to HR about going back to my old floor. I realize it's only been 3 weeks and L&D is a huge learning curve. But I am finding I hate not knowing what's going to walk through the door, the adrenaline rush, taking patients for sections etc. I'm missing my med-surg routine. My question is it is possible to learn to love the adrenaline and urgency that is L&D or do I just not have it? I don't want to waste their time and money training me if I know I'm going to leave as soon as possible. Thanks for any advice in advance :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

You're out of your comfort zone. The feeling is normal when you do something new. It will get better and easier. Give it time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The first six month of L&D for me was a tough transition from med/surg. I felt completely out of my element, and struggled with doing cervical exams and reading strips. I thought more than once that I wasn't cut out for this work, although it was exactly what I had wanted to do. Once you start having some comfort in all the new skills, you will start feeling much more "at home" although there are always new things to see, new scary situations and emergencies that make you feel like your a new nurse all over. All the long-time OB nurses tell me that if your not always on your toes for something - then your in the wrong place. Give it more time. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You have to know your personality type. I used to work in ICU and the ER and what I've learned is that I hate emergencies, codes, not knowing what to expect when I walk in the door. Therefore, I decided to go to post-partum, which I love love love. I have my routine down pack and don't have to worry about the stress. Even when there is a PP hemorrage or an emergency I feel within my comfort zone.

Others will tell you to stick it out, it gets better. I disagree, not everyone is meant for every specialty and that is OK ! So talk to HR and go back to medsurg if that is where your heart truly is. If you are passionate about L and D then stick it out and give it some time. Best wishes and let us know what you decide.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in L&D.

Give it some time, especially if L&D is your passion. Stick with your preceptor, do what she does. You'll get more comfortable. Are you in a teaching hospital where there's at least residents and interns there on your floor all the time? I think that's what helped me feel "safe" knowing they were there to help in emergencies until the attending arrived for a crash section. I no longer work in a teaching hospital so I feel the stress more, especially when I'm lead nurse not knowing what's going to walk in that door. But OB is still my passion and I still look forward to going to work (most days) í ½í¸œ

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in peds.

At least give it 6 months and finish orientation med/surg will always be there. It will take a while to develop a new routine.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It may be harder to get out of if later if you stick it out...keep that in mind.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in L&D.

Go back to your old floor where you will be happy.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion