Not all superheroes wear capes! Thinking of becoming a labor and delivery nurse? We have a step-by-step guide for you. In this blog, we will guide you through your journey of becoming a labor and delivery nurse.
What is a Labor and Delivery nurse?
Labor and delivery nurses are specialized registered nurses who take care of a mother and their baby during childbirth. Their goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of mothers and their newborn babies. L & D nurses take care of mothers in prenatal, during labor, and postpartum care. They also educate and assist the mothers during postpartum care and infant care. Altogether, labor and delivery nurses help mothers to bring new life to this world.
Role of Labor and Delivery Nurses
Now we will discuss the role and responsibilities of labor and delivery nurses. The role of L&D nurses is to ensure the well-being of both the mother and their baby.
Antepartum care:
Antepartum care is also known as prenatal care, which is the care given to expected mothers before birth. The duty of labor and delivery nurses is to assist and monitor the health of the mother and fetus during pregnancy. They perform prenatal tests and support and educate the mother during pregnancy.
Intrapartum care:
Intrapartum is the period of active labor, from 4cm of dilation to the removal of the placenta. Labor and delivery nurses assist and provide support to the mothers during active labor. The L&D nurses ensure the well-being of the mother and fetus. The role of labor and delivery nurses in intrapartum care is to monitor both mother and fetus, including their vital signs and heartbeat. They assist during the process of labor and manage any complications that arise.
Postpartum care:
Postpartum care, also known as postnatal care, is the support and care given to mothers after childbirth. The responsibility of L&D nurses is to provide initial care to newborn babies and help and assist mothers with infant care and breastfeeding. They also provide emotional support to new mothers who are at considerable risk of getting postpartum depression or anxiety.
How do you become a labor and delivery nurse?
Here are the requirements and guide to help you on how to become a labor and delivery nurse.
Get a nursing degree:
The first step of becoming a labor and delivery nurse is to get your nursing degree (ADN) which takes 2 years to complete or (BSN) which takes about 4 years to complete.
Pass your NCLEX-RN exam:
To become a licensed registered nurse, you have to pass your NCLEX-RN exam from any accredited nursing program.
Additional education:
To advance your education additional education is required and RNs choose these paths.
- Nurse practitioners: These are specialized nurses who deal with high-risk patients.
- Certified nurse midwives: These are specialized nurses who provide care to the mother and their baby from the beginning of the pregnancy to the childbirth.
Acquire certifications:
To enhance your skills, you can also consider the following certifications such as:
- Neonatal resuscitation program (NRP)
- Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (RNC-OB)
- Electronic Fetal Monitoring (C-EFM)
Salary of Labor and Delivery nurses
the average salary of L&D nurses in the United States is $74,400 – $92,600 per year (source: salary.com). To get more information on the per-hour salary of labor and delivery nurses visit our blog (money stories)
The salary of the labor and delivery nurses depends on several factors such as location, state, and experience. This means that L&D nurses in New York will get more pay than the nurses working in other states. Read our BLOG for more details.
Skills of Labor and Delivery nurses:
Labor and delivery nurse need to acquire specific skills to become the best at their jobs such as:
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking
- Eye for details
- Compassion and Empathy
- Physical stamina
What are the highest-paying states for Labor & Delivery nurses?
- California ($101,210)
- Hawaii ($88,010)
- Massachusetts ($80,800)
- Oregon ($80,790)
- Alaska ($79,980)
- Washington ($76,660)
- New York ($75,360)
- Nevada ($75,350)
- New Jersey ($71,960)
- Connecticut ($71,230)
Can nurses deliver babies?
Yes, registered nurses with ADN or BSN degrees can deliver babies. L&D nurses can provide their services in hospitals, birth centers, or even at homes to help the mother deliver their babies.
How many years does it take to become a Labor and Delivery nurse?
It takes 2 to 4 years to become a registered nurse and then at least for a year, you have to work as a registered nurse to become a specialized labor delivery nurse.
Conclusion:
Labor and delivery nursing is a fulfilling career that helps and guides mothers during and after their pregnancy. They make sure that both the baby and the mother are given the highest care possible. With the right qualifications and skills, L&D nurses help and educate mothers about their pregnancy and bring new life to this earth. If you have the passion, you can become an L&D nurse and help mothers during their journey.
