Why does everyone seem to want to work L&D?

[IowaLPN]

This is just one of those curiosity questions meant for general discussion.....

When I go through the posts for the day, I can always count on at least one mention, if not several, of OB/L&D. "How do I get a job there?" "What classes should I take?" "I'm 16 and I've wanted to work in OB since I was 4. What's the best way to get there?" I just wonder what it is about that particular specialty that is so attractive?

In the end I'm glad that most people are drawn to certain specialties--its on of the things that makes nursing really great! :)

[MikeRNWI]

Its all about the miracle of life man!!!!

Ok, no idea for me either...

[NellieOlsen]

Because babies are cuter than old men?

Actually, I have no desire to work in L&D so I really don't know either.

[rn/writer, RN]

I wanted to work in L&D when I started at the hospital where I am now. Unfortunately, the only openings were in postpartum. I thought I'd get a foot in the door and make the switch later. Now I'm glad I'm where I am.

L&D can be a very happy place. Babies, new parents, teddy bears, etc. Until something goes wrong. Then it's a scary place. Besides that, it's a really physical job. And just when you get everyone all cleaned up and situated, you have to ship them out.

Postpartum is also a happy place. Very occasionally, we have moments of anxiety--mom starts bleeding profusely, baby decides to breath 100 times a minute or 20 times a minute--but we get through these. Postpartum is also a teaching place--breastfeeding, swaddling, the umbilical cord, what's normal for pooping, and so much more.

I think people just want to be on a unit where most of the events are joyful and patients and family members are usually grateful and excited about their expanding family.

And, yes, babies are cuter than old men.

[xtxrn, ASN, RN]

I like the grouchy old men - LOL ...usually just big ol' teddy bears (or demented )

[Munch]

I am going to speculate here because I don't work that specialty either(anyone who does please do feel free to correct me). My guess is most of the time it is happy(with the few tragedies that happen here or there). But it's helping a mother bring life into this world, it's the look of happiness on most peoples faces when they hold their baby for the first time(with the exception of the women who may give up their baby up for adoption, or have them taken away by the state sadly because of engaging in high risk behavior). Or the pure joy of seeing someone give birth who had such a hard time getting pregnant(had to go the route of expensive fertility drugs/procedures/specialists) and seeing the proud parents afterward holding their child or children(since with fertility drugs and procedures a high percentage is likely of having multiples) beaming like they are on cloud 9. Or a woman who had cancer or another disease that the medication was supposed to render them infertile and their doctors told them they would never get pregnant, not only get pregnant, but give birth to healthy babies. Everyday in Labor and Delivery the miracle of life(as corny as it sounds) takes place.

Like I said this is purely speculation I could be completely wrong, I don't work on that floor so take what I wrote take with a grain of salt (until someone confirms or says what I wrote is wrong). I just watch a baby story and babies first day on TLC a lot.

[SydneyJo1]

I work postpartum, too, and I agree--I think people tend to want to work in OB because it is happy nursing (for the most part). I also think there are some people who have an inaccurate idea that L & D is somehow "easier" than other nursing specialties--they picture it like it is on TV. L & D is a hard job and requires excellent technical and assessment skills, physical stamina, and the ability to think and act very quickly. I know a few people who wanted L & D until they actually got the job; then they decided it wasn't what they thought it would be.

[MikeRNWI]

I still personally think that babies look an awful lot like old men.

[chevyv, BSN, RN]

I never wanted to work anywhere near L&D. I would rather work LTC with those closer to ending life rather than beginning. I hated the whole unit in school and had an instructor who couldn't stand it either so we got along great during the clinical. We could whine together. She used to tell me at least I would be done shortly, they stuck her there forever. I felt her pain and wonder if she's still stuck.

[SNIXRN]

My theory - many women had great experiences in their deliveries that they were inspired to be an OB RN.

[CrimsonAlchemist]

Personally, I would currently love to work in L&D or postpartum.

Unfortunately(or fortunately depending on your POV) I'm still a student and don't really know everything it entails.

I think part of the reason I'm currently on a L&D kick is that my sister is 4 months pregnant so my family is preparing for that and baby stuff is sneaking into every facet of my life. Heck, I'm learning to knit so I can make it a blanket once we know the gender! Lol.

It'll be my first niece/nephew!!

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

Seniors are also very cute too :)