Today, we’re turning the spotlight on Bay Area Labor & Delivery nurse Samantha Joyce Nguyen. She’s sharing mental health tips and her experience on dealing with seasoned nurses as a new graduate.

Q: TRUE or FALSE “Nurses eat their young.” 

A:  False! At the two hospitals I’ve worked at, the nurses are very supportive and understand the stage I was in regarding my career as a new graduate nurse.

Q: Any self care or mental health tips for new nurses? 

A: Prioritize sleep and practice self care in whatever way fits your needs. Eat well. Exercise. Get to work early and listen to music before going in.

Q: How did you choose your specialty? What drew you to it?

A:  I am passionate about birth and empowering families to have a positive birth experience.

Q: What are some skills and characteristics a labor & delivery nurse should embody?

A: Above anything else, a nurse needs to be caring, display stability and an excellent communicator.

Q: What should you expect day to day as a labor & delivery nurse?

A: First, the nurse monitors the new mother and newborn to maintain their health and well-being. In addition to that, they teach the new mother about women’s health and newborn care. Also, providing psychosocial and emotional support to the new mothers family and more!