For international nurses, adjusting to U.S. healthcare can be both exciting and challenging. For Phyl, a Bahamian nurse now working in maternity and obstetric care, a typical day offers a mix of routine, fast-paced patient care, and meaningful moments.
The Start of the Shift
Her day begins before dawn. After a drive on the highway, Phyl clocks in and starts with a general huddle at the nurses’ station, followed by bedside reports from the outgoing nurses. Logging into the hospital systems, EPIC for medical records and Spectralink for secure communication, is essential before checking on patients.
“I always declutter and organize my workspace and patient rooms at the start of a shift,” Phyl says. “It keeps me grounded and ready for the day.”
Continuous Patient Care
The shift is a balance of monitoring, medication administration, assessments, and patient support.
- Hourly and 30-minute assessments: Checking fetal monitors, blood pressure, IV pump settings, and maternal vital signs.
- Patient support: Assisting with personal hygiene, education, diet needs, and emotional encouragement.
- Clinical interventions: Pitocin titration, cervical exams, and responding to acute maternal-fetal situations.
- Remote monitoring: Using software like PERIwatch to interpret continuous fetal tracings and document interventions.
Lunch breaks are brief, usually 30 minutes if coverage allows, but she finds moments of joy in patient appreciation tokens, celebrations for National Nurses Month, or small holiday gatherings with colleagues.
End of Shift Responsibilities
Shifts end much like they begin, with patient handovers, documentation, and a final assessment to ensure continuity of care. “The start and end of the shift huddles are critical for smooth communication between nurses and for patient safety,” she explains.
Reflections on U.S. Nursing
Working in the U.S. has deepened Phyl’s focus on patient-centered care. Patients here have more input in their treatment, which allows her to empower them and support their autonomy. “Nursing is physically and mentally demanding, but having opportunities for formal recognition from patients and management makes the work incredibly rewarding,” she says.
Her journey illustrates that while the transition may have challenges, new technology, different protocols, and cultural adjustments ultimately strengthen skills and confidence.
Even as she navigates daily clinical responsibilities, Phyl is pursuing her MSN in nursing education. Her goal is to move from bedside care to professional development, shaping the next generation of nurses.
A day in maternity nursing is long, intense, and full of variety, but it is also filled with meaningful moments of impact. For international nurses like Phyl, the combination of professional support, personal determination, and a family-focused relocation approach has made the transition to U.S. nursing a fulfilling and empowering experience.