Achievements and Resources

Professional Achievements
Nurses at Exeter Hospital strive for excellence in all nursing practice areas: quality, education, practice, research, administration, and informatics. During the past several years, Exeter Hospital nurses have published articles in respected journals, presented at national conferences for nursing specialties, have been awarded professional honors and have been appointed to leadership positions. In addition, nurses at Exeter are certified in the following specialties:

Certification in Emergency Nurses by the Emergency Nurses Association
Certification as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner by the American Forensic Nurses Association
Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurse by the Certifying Board of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates
Certification in Operating Room Nursing by the Competency and Credentialing Institute
Certification in Critical Care Nursing by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses
Certification by the American Nurse Credentialing Center in:

Cardiac Rehabilitation
Gerontology Nursing
Medical Surgical Nursing
Nursing Administration
Nursing Informatics

Obstetrical Nursing
Orthopedic Nursing
Pediatric Nursing
Progressive Care Nursing

Certification in Perianesthesia Nursing Practice by the American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification
Certification in Infection Control by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control
Credentialed as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners
Certified Hypnobirth Childbirth Educator by The Hypnobirth Institute
Certified Childbirth Educator by the Prepared Childbirth Educators Inc.
Certification in Diabetes Education by the National Certification Board for Diabetes Education
Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management by the American Hospital Association
Certification in Occupational Health Nursing by the American Board of Occupational Health Nurses
Certification by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation in:
Oncology Nursing
Advanced Oncology Nursing
Certification in Case Management by the Commission for Case Management Certification

Nursing Resources

Online Resources

RN License Verification Report

Can you tell the gender of my baby by the baby's heart rate?
No. Some say that the baby's heart rate is an indication of the gender, but we have found that it is not an accurate indicator.

How long will I be in labor and when will my baby arrive?
Unfortunately, there is no way of answering this question. Every woman's labor is different, and there are many different variables that affect the length, effectiveness and time of your labor and delivery.

Will the epidural slow down my labor?
Sometimes, labor can go slower after an epidural. Because you are inactive, in bed, and not able to walk, it may slow down your labor. However, with some individuals an epidural may actually allow for relaxation. This relaxation may result in the baby moving more quickly through the birth canal. It is important to remember that while the epidural will take most of the pain away, you will still feel pressure from the baby moving through the birth canal.

When can I get my epidural?
An epidural is anesthesia that is placed in your back. It numbs your body from the waist down, and relieves most of the pain of labor. Different providers have different thoughts about when the epidural can be done. Some providers require a patient progress to four centimeters before they get the epidural. Others will allow for it sooner in labor. We suggest that you discuss this subject with your provider.

How do I know when it is time to push?
When you are fully dilated and the baby is in position, your body will tell you that it is time to push. The urge to push is natural and you may find your body doing it with no direction from you what-so-ever. At this point, as long as your are fully dilated, your nurse will help you through this final stage of labor.

How do I push effectively?
Use your abdominal muscles, positioning chin to chest, and take a deep breath and push, while pulling your legs up to your chest. This is the most effective way to help your baby advance through the birth canal.

Will the pain get worse as my labor progresses?
Yes. The pain of labor is something that can be controlled with relaxation techniques, medication, or by means of an epidural. You may also choose to practice Hypnobirthing, which is taught in a class prior to delivery. Any of these options are available in the Family Center to make your labor as comfortable as possible.

When will my milk come in?
The average length of time it takes for breast milk to come in is 3-5 days. This varies from one individual to another. If you have any questions, please feel free to call one of our Lactation Consultants at (603) 580-4324.