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! :)
Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
I knew before I even put foot on an OB unit as a student that I would hate it. It was one of the worst rotations I had to do as a student. I used to hate when OB patients would show up in triage when I worked in the ED; I couldn't get them turfed upstairs fast enough.
Never ever had the desire to work with the preggos. I doubt that's going to change.
I am a student and I have had 2 days in L&D so far. I have had the privilege of seeing life coming into this world and it is amazing. Nevertheless, I don't want to work L&D. Not that I don't like it, I'm just not very interested in it. I've noticed in my class, about 25% of people are more interested in NICU or Peds/PICU and maybe close to 50% are interested in ED or Critical Care. No one has specifically mentioned L&D. I'm in that 50%, even taking the time to join professional organizations in those areas.
I haven't read through all the replies so excuse me if I'm repeating what others have said. I've talked with many NS doing rotations in L & D when I worked as s US on that unit. Many students said they wanted to work there because they thought it was easier, cleaner (ha!), happier, etc. One student even told me she wanted to work there because she didn't like putting patients on bedpans! I never heard anyone say it was because they wanted to help and share in the miracle life and of the birthing process.
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
One student even told me she wanted to work there because she didn't like putting patients on bedpans!
This student apparently has not observed a lady partsl birth where the laboring mother is pooping everywhere without even realizing it because she is simultaneously pushing out a 7-pound baby.
It is easier to dispose of poop that has landed in a bedpan, IMHO.
I definitely agree that some like the idea of L&D because with excited new parents and new lives, it tends to be a much happier environment (minus the occasional tragedy).
BUT, I'll also say that I've heard many people - both nurses and aides - comment that they wish they could work in L&D, Postpartum, or Peds because they think it would be easier. THAT one always makes me snort a little...the general idea that people have that smaller body size = easier to take care of. I imagine many of them get a rude awakening if they actually get a chance to try it - the first time it takes 3-4 grown adults to hold a 3 year old still enough for a shot or IV...lol :)
Or the first time they deal with a difficult birth in L&D...or "crazy new mom" syndrome in Postpartum.
That said, when I finally finish school and become a nurse, I'd love to work in L&D, for many of the reasons others have already listed.
This student apparently has not observed a lady partsl birth where the laboring mother is pooping everywhere without even realizing it because she is simultaneously pushing out a 7-pound baby.
It is easier to dispose of poop that has landed in a bedpan, IMHO.
Yes, at that point in this student's roation she was just changing those darling little baby diapers and folding those cute baby t-shirts. She had yet to realize what a big hot mess leads up to that sweet baby's arrival.
I knew right away I did not want to work as an RN in L & D as I had already given birth to 2 babies by than and wanted no part of someone else's cervix checks. I could barely make it through my own checks without passing out with just the idea of that fitting in there. And I was literally at a loss of what I was supposed to do with those sexy mesh panties to hold the elephant sized pad to sop up what I thought was pee (thinking OMG my 'What to expext when you're expecting' book didn't say anything about peeing uncontollably in the 3rd trimester??). Ah the joys of teenaged childbirth.
I don't not want to ever work L&D. I like the babies in my NICU, but mama needs to go sit down somewhere and be quiet. Grandma too.
I never imagined I'd love NICU. Started out with the typical male "Imma do ER!!" attitude in school. Then, my first day in OB clinicals, the pt I was assigned kicked me out of her room. So, I was sent to the NICU...and fell in love. Now I can't even imagine doing anything else.
These posts are sooo funny and yet some are informative. I have wanted to work in L/D since I had my children and that's four. Each experience was different. All in all I was impressed with the way the nurses took care of me even though I was a horrible patient. I breastfed all four and would live to help a mother in this area. I am taking my prerequisite courses at the moment so I haven't gone through clinicals or anything. I do hope once I go through clinicals my mind doesn't change. Lol!! :))
Personally, I'll take the little old ladies and gentlemen over young people (birth through 65) any day of the week! 80+ is my preference - they are the best! Way cuter than babies, if you ask me, and WAY more interesting to talk to =). Also, they generally have the Tigers games on in their rooms in the evenings so I can keep up with the games...
I kind of think that those interested in L&D are maybe just more vocal about it?
I like the elderly folks too. They do not complain or whine and are much more appreciative of anything you can do for them. It is amazing the difference in mind sets of the generations. I would rather take care of an elderly person than a young person any day.
I want to be on the same spectrum, just at the other end: I want to work in hospice. I don't get the urge to work L&D, but maybe I'm too much of a hippie to fit in. Too medical for me (in a field that shouldn't automatically call for a medical model, I mean).
OCNRN63, RN
5,979 Posts
I knew before I even put foot on an OB unit as a student that I would hate it. It was one of the worst rotations I had to do as a student. I used to hate when OB patients would show up in triage when I worked in the ED; I couldn't get them turfed upstairs fast enough.
Never ever had the desire to work with the preggos. I doubt that's going to change.