3 Things to Know About a Cervical Check + Vaginal Exam

When I started my profession as an obstetrical nurse back in May of 2013, one of the most difficult things I had to do was check cervical dilation on a laboring patient.
I was so dumbfounded that I didn't even know where, or what the cervix felt like.
I am writing this post for the new OB nurse so she/he can understand that every nurse has to start somewhere.  And it's okay to not know or feel comfortable with every aspect of the job.

I uploaded 3 new videos on youtube to help the new nurse with the following three areas:

    

Click here for video

Click here for video

Click here for video

The reason I created these videos was because when I started out there wasn't many resources especially instructional videos explaining how to check the cervix.
I think I would have benefited from watching these videos.  Which is why I am helping to benefit the new nurse who may be feeling the same way.

My top 3 pieces of advice would be as follows:

1) If you don't know something admit that to who you're talking to whether it's your preceptor, fellow nurse, or doctor (eck maybe even the patient :-).  DON'T GUESS, because those working around you with much more experience know a ton more and usually know when you don't feel confident.
You're not pulling the wool over anyone's eyes when you think and act like you know more than you really do.  It's OKAY not to feel confident at first.

2) Communicate and talk openly to those you are working with at all times.  If you're not sure if you've even found the cervix then explain in detail what you feel.
Most times the experienced nurse can walk you through whether what you're feeling is cervix or not simply by what you're explaining to them.  Also, the more detail the better.  Don't feel embarrassed, this is the profession you chose, feel proud of what you are doing and learning along the way.

3) Practice practice practice!  You must practice if you want to get good and feel confident at what you're doing.  What's the old saying The Great Wall wasn't built over night or was that the Pyramids??  Either way, I would suggest to practice and ask to check as many patient's cervix as you can.  This shows your preceptor that you're willing to do the hard work to become a great OB nurse.

Overall relax, take one day at a time, one obstacle/cervical check/ vaginal exam at a time.  Do your best to pace your learning and try not to get overwhelmed.  When you start to feel that way be honest and tell your preceptor.  Also find a buddy at work who is willing to listen to you vent.  If you want to leave a comment below, I'm always willing to help when I can.

Take care and keep going, don't give up!  You chose and were chosen for this job, so buck up, learn as much as you can each day, and march forward in confidence!