THE EASY DIVISION…….
Can there be anything more special than being part of a team that assists in bringing a new life into the world? The first cry, the tears, the joy and all the emotions that the birth of a new baby brings.
As an obstetrical nurse for many years I have experienced all of those things. I have learned to comfort and support a mother in labor. I have helped a new daddy hold his newborn close, skin to skin. I have witnessed the excitement and wonder of a big sister or brother when they see their new baby for the first time.
I love my job and all of those unforgettable moments. It’s what makes my chosen field so unique and why so many nurses choose never to leave. However, it is also the reason why nurses, who are considering obstetrics as a career, switch divisions or new graduates request maternity. All of those warm and rewarding experiences give a false picture of what a day in my division can really encompass.
In between those normal and special deliveries, a woman can come off the elevator hemorrhaging with a preterm baby. In the space of half an hour you will find yourself in the operating room after assembling a team needed to care for mom and baby. Or, you can admit an expectant, so excited mom in labor only to find there is no fetal heartbeat. In a matter of moments, you transition from sharing in her excitement to supporting a devastated patient. A woman, in labor, can suddenly have an elevated blood pressure requiring immediate medication or a baby’s heartbeat can drop unexpectedly. A patient can arrive from the emergency room high on drugs, no prenatal care and in active labor.
Of course, these scenarios don’t happen every day. Yet, many times, nurses that move from other divisions to obstetrics or new graduates come with the expectation that obstetrics is the “easy division.” As a result, many are caught unaware when emergencies happen.
In summary, maternity is a wonderful place to work. You will have the opportunity to embrace the every day normal and uncomplicated births and care of post partum patients. However, unlike the general view of the public, you will also find that there will be opportunities to hone the skills you have, or will acquire, to deal with all manner of unexpected emergencies. As a new hire, when all of these components become part of your comfort zone you will discover participating in every normal delivery becomes even more precious.
Embrace every moment!
To be honest, it is way more stressful than I imagined but at the same time I love it! You need to constantly be prepared for anything & I mean ANYTHING to happen on the unit or to come through the door.
