Monday, May 7, 2012

First Day on the Birth Center

http://www.rch.org.au/blogs/ccch/category/media/
Saturday was my first day on the birth center (BC) and I was simply frightened.  I didn’t know what to expect other than to see babies and mommies.  My shift was from 0630-1830, I met my preceptor and we got report on 8 babies in the nursery 4 of which needed initial baths.  Those same 4 needed hearing checks, and photos. I watched my preceptor with the first bath and then I got to give one.  Man it’s been a long time since I held little ones.  I need to tone up my forearms especially to be able to wash their hair over a sink.   The hearing screening consisted of three sticker probes one on the baby’s forehead, nape of neck, and shoulder, along with plastic cups over each ear.  Sometimes the hearing test goes quickly within 10 minutes and sometimes it takes longer.  It’s best to check their hearing while they’re sleeping yet babies can be so finicky that they may not stay sleeping hence a longer screening.  There is also a photo studio with props and reminds me of Anne Geddes style photos.  There was so much going on; I didn’t sit down until after 1300.

http://curezone.com/ig/i.asp?i=36365



After lunch a mom came and was taken to L&D #1, I didn’t hear how far along she was when she came in, but in about an hour later she was “rimming”.  I’m thinking that’s pretty close because a little while later my preceptor and I were called into the room to help assist the doctor and nurses.  I hung back as far as possible (out of the way), but before I knew I was asked to get different things for the doctor including sutures, a different gauge needle, and other various items.  The mom was so tired and the dad was so supportive and comforting.  In a matter of a few pushes the baby came out without a hitch and I was so thrilled for witnessing another miracle.

All the while we were helping in L&D #1, another mom came in and was put in L&D#2 but was discharged before we got out of #1.  Go figure, she wasn’t ready yet, and because it was the weekend and after 2pm the housecleaning staff wasn’t working anymore, so my preceptor and I cleaned up #2 top to bottom.

Before you know it my time was up, the only two things I know for sure is that I need a different pair of shoes being on my feet that long AND that I love my job.  12 hours flew by and I was so happy I learned so much.  I made the right decision when I accepted this job!

5 comments:

  1. This is so exciting! I was reading every word with baited breath! I can't wait to hear more about your adventures on this job.

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  2. Sounds like you had so fun. :) I'm so glad you love your job.
    For the shoes, I highly recommend Sanitas and Dansko's. They are super expensive (like $130/pair) but they often have them on sale at DSW Shoes, but they are SO worth it. I had mine since I was a nursing assistant and with daily wear for 12 hours on end, I wore mine for 3 years until I just wanted a new pair. :)))) They do wonders for my back and legs! :)) Oh and ted hose is awesome, too, if you get the good kind. :)

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  3. So excited for you that is awesome! And it comes with a paycheck! Bigger awesome!!

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  4. Red - On baited breath huh?? Well I better deliver more posts specific to this specialty.

    K - I agree that a more expensive shoe would be the best to go. I recently reviewed a pair of Timberland Pro Renova shoes that retailed $100 and they've lasted nearly a year but my feet still hurt throughout my 12 hour shift and I'm afraid Sanitas and Dansko's will feel the same. I'll probably just settle with a nice pair of Asics or Nike.

    Azmomo2 - Nice Big Fat paycheck! Woot Woot!!

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  5. Zazzy - That is SO exciting!! It sounds like you had such a great time and so fulfilling too. I am so glad that you didn't accept that other job, that would have been a real drag & look at the blessings that you would have been missing. So excited for you!! :)

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