How do I navigate switching from ICU to labor and delivery nursing?
I think your transition should go pretty smoothly. You already know how to deal with rapid changes in a patient and making independent decisions. You're accustomed to detailed patient focused care and highly emotional environments. The best part, most of the time you witness the beginning of a life (a miracle) instead of the end of a life. The biggest shock for me was how many women/girls I cared for who had no prenatal care and/or had no idea how their body works or even what a cervix is. The other difficult part was going from feeling like I knew what I was doing, an expert, to feeling like newbie. It was unsettling but quickly passes. Good luck. Hope you love it as much as I did!
Are you sure you want to change? Working in ICU is vastly different and requires more clinical knowledge and skill. Yes, it's fun to listen to fetal heart beats and do US for the moms, help with birthing the babies and breast feeding classes. If you are having too much stress from ICU then L&D make a nice change. However, you may find it less challenging and become bored (no disrespect). It's hard to go from intense skill set to a less intense setting but it could also be a relief to see new babies and happy moms.
Keep in mind, there may also be patients who are there for abortion procedure and you will have to assist so ask questions first before you transfer over if that bothers you. And make sure your state does not believe in late term AB.
A refresher course Get to know the nurses in LnD and basics of giving birth
Need to take some CEUs or refresher courses in L and D. Totally different type of patient care.
DOULA, NOT DOLLAR
What a gift to have anICU nurse in LD. Take NCC CEUS. they will explain so much. Take APA NEONATAL RESUSCITATION. PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION CENTER HAS TONS OF CLASSES . Take STABLE, AWHONN EFM COURSES, ETC. Don't show up on your application empty handed. Invest in yourself through obtaining this knowledge. Even taking a dollar class would help. You will need to learn surgical and anesthesia basics. Look for those opportunities through the AORN.i like this for you., OB patients are getting more and more high risk. There are actually programs that mix icu/ ob at UCSD, ETC.get busy, we need you.
You have an excellent skill set for a foundation. That's more than other nurses have starting out. You will surely use them. Be open to learning the new things and don't be afraid to ask questions.
Just come on over! You will be an asset! We need your skills! We can teach ya. There are many similarities.
