What is the typical day like for a labor and delivery nurse?

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I have a strong interest in med-surg and labor and delivery nursing...luckly the hospital I applied to have both openings for those area. Next week I will have an opportunity to speak with both managers of those two specialties and orginally I decided I would shoot for the med-surg position but now since I have a week to think about it I'm beggining to change my mind..so basically my question is...is it hard for the new nurses to begin on Labor and delivery room,what is the typical day like for a l&d nurse....or it is better to work med-surg first and then try out woman's health,thank you.

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I started in L&D as a new grad because I got into a formal 6 month training program that combined classroom and preceptor time. I have seen expereinced nurses try and cross train to L&D through a more "on the job" type of training. Seriously....L&D is the type of specialty where you really need formal education time with a nurse educator especially for a new grad.

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bummer....they told me they they are willing to train me for 8 weeks....:crying2:

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I am not saying it's not possible. You just have to understand that you will be required by your license and legally to be "just as responsible" as a 20 year veteran L&D nurse. The most important issue to me in any job situation is "do you feel supported by the people around you." If in 8 weeks your gonna be on your own with a staff that doesn't support your learning curve....that's a recipe for disaster. Everyone told me it would take 2 years before I got confident in my skills and ability to handle emergencies. I didn't believe them, but they were right. Also....how many deliveries does this hospital do, do they do high risk, what is their staffing? I am so thankful for the training I received in a large facility where I got to see EVERYTHING. As a new grad you OWE IT TO YOURSELF to put yourself in the best position to learn as much as possible.

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8 weeks!! That is way too short!! My orientation is 6-8 months varying on nurse experience!! I did med surg for a year before I moved to L&D and having that yr helped get the basic nursing skills out of the way like iv's, assessment, etc but after 8 wks there was no way I was ready to be on my own!! I would definitely be hesitant of any place that only trained for 2 months in such a high risk area!!

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Specializes in LDRP.

It is really hard to say what a typical day is like, b/c a day isn't typical...... you could have a normal labor patient, with or without an epidural and a textbook delivery. or, your patient could be in preterm labor with a crappy support person and her baby could be having decels necessitating several interventions in a hurry. Or, you could have no patient, waiting around, then someone comes in pushing.

some days are calm and fun. Some days are stressful, busy, never get to pee, want to quit. MOst are very enjoyable and rewarding, i do love my job. You do have to be prepared that not all days are happy. babies die for no reason. Moms who don't do drugs, smoke, go to the doctor every week-their babies die,too. Not everyone wants to be pregnant, and are very hateful about it. Some women don't take care of themselves. Smoking, drinking, drugs, etc. Teenagers have babies.

It is worth it though. Go for labor and delivery!!!!

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i say also to go for L&D. i did my obligatory med/surg time and hated it, but i have to admit it made me a better nurse, because we do have L&D pts with med/surg issues. my L&D orientation was 6 months long and it was an actual residency program, and was very valuable. 8 weeks is short but you will continue to learn on the job and you will always have more experienced nurses who will come to your aid and be your resources. good luck!

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