On Vag Exams

This past week or so has been filled with learning labor - and a part of that is learning vaginal exams.

Usually how it is taught is the "learning nurse" does a vag exam on the patient right after another experienced nurse, who directs the "learner" where to feel and what the correct interpretation of that particular exam is.

So, my first exam was done with a doctor who had just examined the patient. The doctor was finished and instructed me where to go and what to feel..... Honestly, all I felt was a bunch of mush! I was so nervous I didn't say that, of coarse, I just nodded and got out as fast as I could.

Then, a few hours later, my preceptor examined the same woman and it was my turn again. So, I hesitantly went in again..... It was there!! I actually found the cervix and felt it --- Small successes.

Next, I have to not only find them but accurately interpret their dilation, effacement and station.

I did a few vag exams since... accurately pronouncing one cervix as "4" and then inaccurately calling one "7" that was only "6."

The hardest was doing vaginal exams on a person I knew..... Yeah, kinda uncomfortable...but you get past it and move on......