We are planning to begin construction soon on birthing  (LDRPNs [Labor
Delivery Recovery Postpartum Newborn]) rooms for our OB units.  Labor nurses
will continue to care for labor patient.  A special care nursery nurse will
care for the infant for the first hour after birth.  Nursery nurses must
cross-train to postpartum care (normal vaginal and Cesarean births).
 Postpartum nurses must cross-train to normal newborn care.  The unit is
expected to be ready within a year.
Several members of the cross-training committee would like to see
cross-training completed and fully implemented before we make the "big
change" and must get used to new room set-ups, equipment, etc.  A number of
people feel this is impractical while we still have a central nursery.  We do
modified rooming-in and will not be going to 24-hour rooming in until we are
in the new unit with an enhanced infant security system (and there is
absolutely no chance this will be changed).
Does anyone have experience with making such a change?  If so, I would
appreciate hearing from you.  Please indicate if I may quote you.  I believe
it can work; I need information I can share.  Also, if you know of any good
articles on the subject, please let me know.  Thanks.   Bonnie