What does a labor and delivery nurse do?
A labor and delivery nurse assists mothers during the later stages of pregnancy by, for example, monitoring the mother’s health for potential complications. After the pregnancy, a labor and delivery nurse continues to help the mother, providing both care and education.
How hard is it to become a labor and delivery nurse?
To become a labor and delivery nurse, you first need to become a registered nurse. Generally speaking, the job prospects for registered nurses are good, with a projected growth of 7% predicted between 2019 and 2029. The states with the highest concentration of jobs are South Dakota, West Virginia, Mississippi, Rhode Island, and Delaware.
Benefits of being a labor and delivery nurse
The most obvious benefit is the opportunity to help bring so many new lives into the world. This is a momentous experience for every mother, and a labor and delivery nurse gets to be part of it on a daily basis.
How long does it take to become a labor and delivery nurse?
Typically, it takes 2-4 years, depending on whether you choose to pursue an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. After achieving this education, you usually need to work as registered nurse for at least a year to specialize in labor and delivery.
Labor and delivery nurse certificate opportunities
To gain experience as an RN you need a state nursing license. Prospective nurses can sit for the RN license exam, the NCLEX-RN, after graduating from either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. The NCLEX-RN is set by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).
After accumulating 2 years of experience as an RN working with mothers and newborns, nurses can take an exam to get a credential in inpatient obstetric nursing (RNC-OB) from the National Certification Corporation (NCC). This credential is beneficial in securing a permanent role as a labor and delivery nurse, or providing opportunities to take on greater responsibilities.
Associate degree in nursing (ADN)
The fastest way to become an RN is through an ADN. These programs usually require 18 months to 2 years of study. You need to complete between 65 and 80 credits and take some general education courses.
The nursing curriculum includes:
- clinical judgment and critical care
- human anatomy and physiology
- basic nutrition
- pathophysiology
- health assessments
Typically, students complete theoretical units, lab work, clinical courses, and a capstone project in leadership. As part of the application process, students need to submit the following:
- high school transcripts showing a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher
- standardized test scores
- evidence of immunizations and health insurance
Bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)
A BSN is a longer but more in-depth route to a career in nursing. It generally requires 4 years of full-time study, with around 50 credits in general education and over 60 credits in nursing.
The BSN curriculum typically includes:
- parent and child nursing
- health assessment and promotion
- pharmacology
- pathophysiology
- healthcare ethics
- adult and elderly nursing
Most degree programs include a case study or capstone project, set clinical hours, and community nursing. College admission departments generally require:
- high school transcripts showing at least a 3.0 GPA
- a recommendation letter
- standardized test scores
FAQs
There is no specific labor and delivery nurse degree. Candidates first need to become a registered nurse by completing either a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or an associate degree in nursing (ADN). Typically, registered nurses work for at least a year before they specialize as a labor and delivery nurse.
Is it hard to get into labor and delivery nursing? ›
Is it hard to get into labor and delivery nursing? Nursing in general is competitive, and labor and delivery nursing is a popular specialty in the field. However, specialized experience and certifications can put you at a competitive advantage.
How do I become a labor and delivery nurse in the US? ›
How to Become a Labor and Delivery Nurse: Education & Licensure
- Earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in an accredited program.
- Passing the National Counseling Licensing Exam (NCLEX) and becoming a registered nurse (RN).
- Obtaining and maintaining state licensure.
Attain a High School Diploma or Equivalent: The journey to becoming a labor and delivery nurse commences with a solid high school education, emphasizing science and math courses, as they form the foundation of nursing education.
What degree is best for labor and delivery nurse? ›
An associate degree in nursing (ADN), diploma in nursing or bachelor's degree in nursing must be obtained, although some employers may require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). While completing the required courses for a BSN, aspiring L&D nurses may consider taking electives related to an L&D specialty.
Is L&D nursing hard? ›
Things change quickly during labor, and the unexpected can happen. So, the work can be stressful and intense. Being an L&D nurse requires patience and empathy and RNs doing this work may experience compassion fatigue.
How to break into labor and delivery nursing? ›
How Do I Become a Labor and Delivery Nurse?
- Earn a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN).
- Pass the NCLEX-RN exam to get the RN license. You can take the exam and earn your RN license before you finish your BSN program.
- Gain work experience. ...
- Consider advancing your career with a master's degree in nursing (MSN).
Being a labor and delivery nurse comes with some incredibly challenging moments on the job, such as experiencing the loss of a birthing patient or baby.
How many days a week do L&D nurses work? ›
What hours do labor and delivery nurses work? Labor and delivery nurses typically work 12-hour long shifts. Three 12-hour shifts per week are common, allowing labor and delivery nurses to have sufficient time off during the week or to pick up overtime hours.
What does a L&D nurse do? ›
A labor and delivery (L&D) nurse supports patients during and after birth under the supervision of a nurse midwife or physician. They also care for infants immediately after delivery. These registered nurses (RNs) often work in birthing centers, delivery rooms, and hospital maternity units.
The recommended nurse-patient ratio in labor and delivery units is 1:1 or 1:2, meaning one nurse per one or two patients. This close attention is crucial during the vulnerable time of labor and delivery to monitor the patient and fetus, provide supportive care, and act quickly in case of complications.
Can I be a nurse if I'm bad at math? ›
If you had a bad experience or struggled with math as a kid, you've probably done a good job of avoiding it most your life. But nursing school isn't high school. You can't fail a test and still pass the class simply by turning in your homework or memorizing the equations—there are no math shortcuts in nursing.
Is labor and delivery nurse worth it? ›
Earning such a great salary is one of the biggest advantages of being a labor and delivery nurse and will enable you to enjoy the lifestyle you deserve. This salary will support all your needs and some of your wants! The average annual salary for a labor and delivery nurse is $99,043 a year, around $47.62 an hour.
Are labor and delivery nurses trained to deliver babies? ›
They're trained to monitor both the mother and baby and recognize potential problems that can happen during or after childbirth. L&D nurses assist during both vagin*l births and c-sections. Labor and delivery nurses may also provide postpartum or newborn care depending on the hospital.
What are the tips for L&D nurses? ›
Make eye contact, reflect the patient's emotions, and ask open-ended questions. Use simple, clear language the patient can understand, avoiding complex medical terminology. Be empathetic and compassionate. Remember, the patient is going through a challenging physical and emotional experience.
Where do labor and delivery nurses make the most money? ›
Highest paying cities for Labor and Delivery Nurses near California
- Panorama City, CA. $4,006 per week. 39 salaries reported.
- Sacramento, CA. $3,343 per week. 58 salaries reported.
- Bakersfield, CA. $3,041 per week. 359 salaries reported.
- Modesto, CA. $2,891 per week. ...
- Torrance, CA. $2,745 per week. ...
- Show more nearby cities.
Working as a labor and delivery nurse certainly has its challenges—from being in a fast pace work environment where you need to constantly monitor patients and help make quick decisions to dealing with a tragic loss. It can be challenging, hard, and stressful.
Would I be a good labor and delivery nurse? ›
Labor and delivery can be an emotionally charged experience for individuals giving birth and those around them. To be a good labor and delivery nurse, you'll need to demonstrate compassion and empathy and offer emotional support, which includes reassurance throughout the birthing process.
