What to know about L&D Nursing?

There is way too much to know in L&D to answer that here. Most importantly, have good assessment skills. Know when something is going downhill before it goes downhill. You can avert a lot of disasters by preempting them rather than trying to catch the ball already rolling down the hill. Know your strips. Know who to ask for help and know when to ask for help. Have good work ethic. Always volunteer to perform any skill (if you have time) so you will become the go-to person. Watch, listen, read, and learn. There is always something new in obstetrics.

Be a team player! On our unit, we always try to jump up and help each other out because *crazy stuff happens*.

L&D can be super fun and rewarding and sometimes really difficult/sad/physically and emotionally draining.

I agree with "know your strips." Read the mosby book by Miller, Miller, Tucker on fetal monitoring for a great understanding of the physiologic basis for EFM so you know how to advocate for your patient with the docs.

Position changes and peanut balls are your friend

You very quickly get to know your patient on a very intimate level-- it's a special bond. A woman never forgets her L&d nurse, so make sure you err on the side of too much love and care. Labor is hard and nursing a Laboring woman is a very special job indeed. Enjoy. It is a rewarding (but hard) job.

Also, if you think you need to eat or pee-- take the opportunity to do so whenever you can (don't put it off). You never know if you are going to get the next triage patient that winds up in the OR for the next two hours and your bladder will thank you. :)

Agree with all of the above. I would strongly emphasize continuing education, even on your own time. Take the time to review strips and read textbooks if you've got the availability. Keep up on new research and always, always, always honestly educate and advocate for your patient, even when that means disagreeing with the doc.