What's the best part about your job?

Jolie, BSN · Dec 15, 2004

I especially loved doing baby care at delivery. It is awesome when you consider the trust expectant parents place in us, and truly a privilege to be present at a birth and share in the moment when a new family is created. I especially liked having the opportunity to be the first person to assess a newborn at delivery. It is like solving a mystery. Is the baby transitioning well? Are there any signs/symptoms of distress? My ability to determine these things and act appropriately is critical to that baby's future well-being.

And once baby is proclaimed "healthy" comes the fun part. Watching the parents "check the baby out", helping Dad overcome his clumsiness to diaper his little bundle of joy, etc.

SmilingBluEyes · Dec 15, 2004

That is easy: (as I do love my work)

I have the priveledge and joy of being part of the birth of a new family. It does not matter if this is a first baby or 10th, for each family, the dynamic forever changes when a child is brought into the world....our world changes, too. Each baby has inconceivable yet amazing potential. I really do get teary at most births, even after 7 years. Each child emerging represents hope for the future to me.

Conversely, each loss is huge, too. I do feel good about the fact I can empathize with pregnancy losses, having been there myself many times. I don't "like" dealing with losses, but I do feel it's important to reach out to those who have lost, and let them know I understand completely the heartache they feel, having been there. I make connnections all the time with these people, and it gives real meaning to the word "gratitude"......

'

Another "best" is the grateful hugs and thank-you's I get from the families. To be told I have touched their lives forever and indelibly means so much to me; it really keeps me going in what I do! Sappy? You bet. But then, so am I.

uk_nurse · Dec 16, 2004

hey smilingblueyes.. you are so compassionate and understanding...do you want to come over to UK and work in my trust and deliver my baby.....lol. I have read some of your posts and they are lucky to have such a dedicated and caring midwife working for them. :)

Dawn27 · Dec 16, 2004

Uk_nurse have you had a bad experience with the midwives you have come into contact with during your pregnancy? If so remember you have choices about who cares for you and where to have your baby. There are lovely compassionate and caring midwives in the UK too.

USA987, MSN, RN, NP · Dec 16, 2004

As an ICU nurse I was able to help my patient pass away with dignity and respect. Holding their hand. Comforting their family members. Reassuring all of them that it is okay to let go. Praying with them. Hoping with them. Drying their eyes as mine fill up with tears. Asking myself if I had done everything I could to make all of them comfortable, and if I had done all I could to honor their wishes as they pass through this life.

As a Labor & Delivery nurse I am able to facilitate my patient's birth process with dignity and respect. Holding their hand. Helping them be comfortable...whether it be with an epidural or a back rub. Reassuring her that she will have the amazing strength and power to do it. Praying with them. Hoping with them. Drying her forehead covered in sweat from working so hard. Crying with them during what will be either the happiest or saddest moment of their life. Asking myself if I have done everything I could to make her comfortable, and if I have done all I could to honor their wishes as they bring a wonderful new miracle into this life.

I have truly come full circle. I am thankful everyday for having the opportunity, honor, and priveledge of being part of it all.

BETSRN · Dec 16, 2004

I think that being privileged to be present at the birth of the FAMILY is what I like best about my job as an LDRP nurse.

uk_nurse · Dec 16, 2004

Uk_nurse have you had a bad experience with the midwives you have come into contact with during your pregnancy? If so remember you have choices about who cares for you and where to have your baby. There are lovely compassionate and caring midwives in the UK too.

Dawn27...no i have not had bad experience with midwives in my pregnancy. They have all been fantastic!! i did not say midwives in the UK were not compassionate or caring. They are and do a wonderful job. I was saying that about smilingblueyes cos she has replied to my every post regarding my pregnancy. I was praising her for doing a wonderful job as its a rare thing management do. I also praise UK midwives too. I do not know any UK midwives on 'all nurses.'

This is my 4th baby and i have never had any problems with midwives or at the hospital where i have had my other 3 children and having this baby too. i requested this hospital and also my consultant.

i am looking forward to having my baby which is midwife led, unless an ob is needed.

Blackcat99 · Dec 16, 2004

The best part of my job is that it is only about a 10 minute drive from home. I also enjoy clocking out and going home. In fact, I sometimes even get to leave on time! I also enjoy spending the paychecks. Can you tell that I work at a LTC facility? :)

Dawn27 · Dec 16, 2004

Apologies UK_nurse I assumed from your posts that you weren't happy with local options.

I am a UK midwife and I am interested in women's experience of birth in a variety of settings.

I am also fascinated by options available around the world

Dawn27 · Dec 16, 2004

Apologies UK_nurse I assumed from your posts that you weren't happy with local options.

I am a UK midwife and I am interested in women's experience of birth in a variety of settings.

I am also fascinated by options available around the world

tryingtomakeit, RN · Dec 17, 2004

I'm working on a marketing campaign and am trying to gather quotes about what labor and delivery nurses like best about their job. I'd love to hear from you!

The best thing about my job is the tears in the eyes of the parents when they look at their newborn baby for the first time :)