What does a Labor and Delivery Nurse do?
Labor and Delivery Nurses typically work for hospitals of various sizes. Some work in birthing centers under the supervision of a Midwife. While general Registered Nurses often work with a variety of patients with different medical conditions, Labor and Delivery Nurses only work with patients who are delivering their babies. They monitor and support patients in the labor and delivery department, helping with every stage from the time expectant mothers are admitted until they’re discharged. They also help new parents learn how to care for their babies and support their emotional needs in addition to their physical needs.
Labor and Delivery Nurse skills and qualifications
In addition to general nursing skills, Labor and Delivery Nurses require specialized knowledge about the labor and delivery process. They need several prerequisite skills and qualifications, including:
- Quick decision-making skills to provide proper medical care
- Excellent communication skills with patients and Physicians
- Technological aptitude to operate medical equipment
- Ability to establish rapport with patients quickly
- Expertise in various medical procedures, including inserting IVs and taking vitals
- Understanding of when to escalate the situation if medical intervention is necessary
- Ability to handle emotionally difficult situations, such as stillbirths or complications
Labor and Delivery Nurse experience requirements
A Labor and Delivery Nurse typically needs at least one year of general nursing experience before specializing in labor and delivery. A new Labor and Delivery Nurse might work closely with a more experienced Nurse in the department before working with patients alone. Some medical facilities may require more experience for busy labor and delivery departments, especially if the facility handles a lot of high-risk deliveries.
Labor and Delivery Nurse education and training requirements
To qualify for Labor and Delivery Nurse careers, candidates must become Registered Nurses first. This involves completing an accredited nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam to earn a license in their state. While a two-year degree is enough to become an RN, many health care facilities prefer to hire Labor and Delivery Nurses who have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). After working in obstetrics for 24 months, nurses can earn the Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (RNC-OB) certification, which requires them to pass an exam. Nurses can also earn optional certifications in areas such as Fetal Heart Monitoring and Critical Care Obstetrics.
Labor and Delivery Nurse salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Labor and Delivery Nurse is $137,048 per year. The salary may vary based on experience level, location and medical facility.
Labor and Delivery Nurse salary expectations
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Common salary:
2325.36 WEEKLY -
Typical salaries range from
1100.00 -4000.00 WEEKLY - Find more information on Indeed Salaries
*Indeed data –
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Labor and Delivery Nurse job description FAQs
Who does a Labor and Delivery Nurse report to?
Labor and Delivery Nurses are Registered Nurses who provide direct patient care. They typically report to the Charge Nurse, Nurse Manager or Nurse Supervisor in charge of the labor and delivery department. They also work under the direction of the Physician or Midwife delivering the baby, who may give them directions on how to assist with the delivery.
What qualities make a good Labor and Delivery Nurse?
A successful Labor and Delivery Nurse stays calm under pressure, even when medical emergencies arise during a delivery. They’re empathetic and understand how to put laboring moms at ease. Labor and Delivery Nurses need active listening skills to pick up on what the patients are feeling and strong attention to detail to notice potential complications during a delivery.
What is the difference between a Labor and Delivery Nurse and a Certified Nurse Midwife?
A Certified Nurse Midwife has a more advanced degree than a Labor and Delivery Nurse. They must become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), which requires at least a master’s degree. Most programs require a Registered Nurse to work in the field before completing the APRN program. A Certified Nurse Midwife typically provides prenatal care and can offer family planning and general women’s health services, whereas a Labor and Delivery Nurse only works with moms from admission through discharge when their babies are born.
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