What is a Labor and Delivery Nurse?

When you think of nursing, you may think of a registered nurse who wears many different hats and handles a variety of situations on the day to day. However, there are many specialties in nursing that only require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, such as labor and delivery nursing.

If you have ever thought about becoming a labor and delivery nurse, Marian University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program may be a great option for you. We can help fast-track you toward a fulfilling careering in as few as 16 months.

But what is a labor and delivery nurse, exactly? Labor and delivery nurses work with mothers and the children during and immediately following the birthing process. This spans from when a woman in labor comes into the hospital until the baby is born and the neonatal nurse takes over. They work under the supervision of a physician, but are highly knowledgeable about pregnancy, birth, and neonatal care. Labor and delivery nurses are particularly special since they must be so cool under pressure. They provide emotional support to the mother and other family members while still working hard to make sure that everything goes smoothly.

What Does a Labor and Delivery Nurse Do?

The tasks during the shift of a labor and delivery nurse stay fairly consistent day to day, although some days are busier than others depending on the number of deliveries that. Unlike non-specialized RN’s, the labor and delivery nurse cares for not just one patient, but two. Labor and delivery nurses care for mother and eventually baby throughout the entire labor and delivery. These nurses help coach and console the mothers before, during and after labor. Labor and delivery nurses help the doctor by monitoring contractions, assisting in complications, administering medications and epidurals and, at times, inducing labor. Labor and delivery nurses monitor the mother’s blood pressure as well as the baby’s heart rate. Once the baby is born, these nurses assist in tending to the baby and mother, and help with things such as breastfeeding and diaper changes.

Is Labor and Delivery Nursing Right for You?

Bringing a life into the world is a very special experience, both for the new family and the delivery team they are with in the hospital. Some new mothers even cite their most memorable experience at the hospital during their delivery as being the time spent with their dedicated labor and delivery nurse. That is because it takes a special person to be a labor and delivery nurse.

To decide if you a good candidate for labor and delivery nursing, you can start by asking yourself these questions:

1. Can I multitask and care for mother and child at the same time?
2. Can I handle emotional stress?
3. Do I have a desire to help a mother bring her child into the world?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, chances are, with the right training and experience, you will make a great labor and delivery nurse.

How to Become a Labor and Delivery Nurse

Your first step towards becoming a labor and delivery nurse is obtaining your BSN degree. This is the ideal degree for a nurse in this position, especially with more and more hospitals requiring BSNs for employment. After nursing school, you will then need to take and pass elective courses in labor and delivery.

You may then start working as a registered nurse after passing the NCLEX. It is important to gain experience in the labor and delivery field as a registered nurse as this will help you be more qualified for a position as a labor and delivery nurse.

When you feel ready and have satisfied the requirements of the National Certification Corporation, you may then go through them to get your Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (RNC-OB) certification. After passing this exam, you will then be a certified labor and delivery nurse and ready to work in the delivery room or your choice of employment.

Labor and Delivery Nurse Career

Not only will work as a labor and delivery nurse be fulfilling, but there are many additional benefits as well. The average salary of nurses in the U.S. is $68,720 annually. With a growing need for nurses each year, hospitals and other medical facilities are actively seeking our qualified registered nurses to hire and mentor into nurse leadership positions. So you can rest assured that the job market will be in your favor.

The best way to ensure that you make a smooth and direct transition into a job in labor and delivery is to advocate for yourself. Put in the work for a BSN degree and make sure that you complete all of the education credentials to pass the certification exam. When you are working as a registered nurse, ask questions and see what your labor and delivery nurse colleagues did to get where they are. Jump in and help wherever and whenever you can to gain that experience.

Once you reach your dreams of becoming a labor and delivery nurse, remember to stay a lifelong learner. Keep asking questions and make sure that you don’t neglect your own life. Stay empathetic and hardworking so that you can give your patients the best care they could possibly receive.

If you are someone who wants to work as a labor and delivery nurse, but does not want to work in a hospital, there are many options for that as well. While some labor and delivery nurses do work in a hospital delivery room, many find jobs in a physician’s office or a community clinic.

Get Started with Marian University

Now that you have a better understanding of what is a labor and delivery nurse, you can get started on the path towards this rewarding career by contacting us today. An admissions advisor will reach out to you shortly to discuss your next steps.