Where are all the pregnant women?

[nitx]

I have worked in labor and delivery for 9 of the 15yrs I have been a nurse and have never seen our census so low. I'm used to seeing 500-600 deliveries a month and now we are down significantly. I keep hearing the economy is to blame, I just can't believe there are that many people who plan their pregnancies. Is any other state feeling the decline like Texas?

[shortstuff31117]

Our census has been down just a touch, but is on the rise lately. And then there's something in the water...I'm pregnant, as are 3 of my coworkers!

[klone, MSN, RN]

I was submitted for a travel position at a hospital in Denver, but at the last moment they decided not to bring in travelers because their census had dropped.

OTOH, the position I *did* get, they were filling because they have several nurses going out on maternity leave.

[crysobrn]

In an attempt to keep our unit in business I am currently pregnant with baby #4 lol. Is it the best time financially for us... NOPE... But we decided to not put our lives on hold. We figure that in 30 yrs it will all blow over at our house lol. Another of my coworkers/friends is due two weeks after me... I'm not sure what they will do while we're not there since we have a pretty small unit.

Seriously though we are down almost 25% from 2008!! That is a big difference. It means obviously that there are a lot less nurses needed, and way less extra hours available. I think May is supposed to be busy for us... but then June drops off again BIG time.

[Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP]

We've had an unusually low census too - several people get cancelled or rescheduled each shift. In almost five years I've never seen it like this. Folks at the local clinic say by summertime we'll be busting our tails which might be a welcome change for folks who want/need extra hours.

[Daisy Child]

The Inn is always full here. :)