L&D - Becoming a Labor and Delivery Nurse | Incredible Health (2024)

Nurse Types / Labor and Delivery Nurse

Labor and delivery nurses (L&D) are an integral part of the medical team responsible for caring for two patients at the same time: the pregnant mother and child. It’s their job to help moms through their pregnancies and assist with the safe delivery of newborns.

New mothers, especially, depend on the expertise and compassion of their L&D nurses. They need reassurance and guidance on how to handle their pregnancies from conception to delivery.

In this article we explore:

  • What is a labor and delivery nurse?
  • What do labor and delivery nurses do?
  • Where do labor and delivery nurses work?
  • What are closely related fields?
  • How do you become a labor and delivery nurse in 3 steps?
  • What are additional requirements of labor and delivery nurses?
  • What are the salary and career outlooks for labor and delivery nurses?
  • FAQs

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What is a labor and delivery nurse?

A labor and delivery nurse is a registered nurse who specializes in working with pregnant women and their newborns. They support obstetricians and midwives in caring for their patients. L&D nurses can work in birthing centers, hospitals, and private obstetrician practices.

In your job as an L&D nurse, you’ll be responsible for meeting emotions with compassion and addressing your patients’ questions calmly and honestly.

What does a labor and delivery nurse do?

Labor and delivery nurses work with obstetricians and other members of the healthcare team to help mothers have a healthy pregnancy and delivery. They monitor vitals and pain levels during delivery to ensure birthing mothers get the support and pain relief they need.

Your tasks may depend on where you work. L&D nurses stationed on the Labor, Delivery, Recovery, and Postpartum floor can assist patients from admission to discharge. Since the newborns room with mothers in this unit, you’ll cover every part of the birthing process, including lactation.

Some hospitals offer childbirth education classes before delivery. L&D nurses certified as ICEA Childbirth Educators can conduct these classes. Though L&D nurses have a lot of autonomy, they still work intimately with a variety of different providers and individuals.

The labor and delivery nurse is responsible for updating and communicating with the patient’s OBGYN/midwife, charge nurse, anesthesiologist (or certified registered nurse anesthetist), lactation nurse, delivery nurse (if there is one), neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP), and the family.

L&D nurses have many roles. They are there for their patients from beginning to end during the delivery process. They aid in procedures that need to be performed before labor, like taking vitals. They are there when the baby is delivered and they educate parents on what they should do now they have given birth.

A day in the life of a labor and delivery nurse

Fewer jobs in nursing can be more rewarding than helping bring a new life into the world. As a labor and delivery nurse, you can go from taking vitals during a pregnancy wellness checkup to assisting with active labor.

Other daily responsibilities can include:

  • Administering medications and immunizations
  • Assessing patients in triage for preterm labor, active labor, rupture of membranes, pregnancy complications, or co-existing issues
  • Assisting in maintaining pregnancy in antepartum mothers
  • Charting via electronic medical records
  • Circulating in the operating room to assist with c-sections and other emergency obstetric and gynecological procedures
  • Collaborating with the care management team, including anesthesiologists, physicians, midwives, lactation nurses, and charge nurses
  • Conducting maternal physical assessments
  • Managing patients in labor, including early labor, induction assistance, epidurals, and delivery support
  • Offering newborn care and assessment
  • Providing breastfeeding and postpartum support

Common conditions treated by labor and delivery nurses

Labor and delivery nurses can treat many common conditions of pregnancy and delivery. Many pregnant women experience Braxton Hicks contractions, irregular uterine contractions that can make them think they’ve gone into labor.

Some of the other pregnancy-related issues you can handle as an L&D nurse include:

  • Cervical effacement and dilation happen when labor nears. You can monitor patients in labor to determine when their cervix thins and opens.
  • Early labor can be scary for pregnant women and requires the skill of a healthcare team familiar with monitoring and stopping it when possible. When early labor can’t be stopped, you may have to assist with a c-section.
  • Placenta abruption happens when the placenta separates from the inner wall of the uterus before birth. Babies in the womb are deprived of oxygen when this happens so it must be treated quickly.
  • Preeclampsia can cause early labor and death of the newborn and mother. As an L&D nurse, you’ll monitor your patients for signs of this life-threatening condition.

Where do labor and delivery nurses work?

The most common place of work for an L&D nurse is an acute care hospital. Many hospitals have units specifically for the pregnant population. In one of these units, labor and delivery nurses may find themselves working in:

  • Triage rooms
  • Antepartum rooms
  • Operating rooms
  • Labor rooms
  • Infant nurseries
  • Postpartum rooms

Shifts are commonly 8-, 10-, or 12-hours. If a nurse does not work in a maternity-specific unit, they may find that they float around the hospital, working with both pregnant patients and non-pregnant patients.

L&D nurses also work in birthing centers. They are boutique centers often staffed by midwives.

If you like the idea of working with pregnant women and their newborns but aren’t ready for a career as an L&D nurse, you have some options. Some of the closely related fields include:

  • Doulas are professional labor assistants who provide emotional and physical support to birthing persons before, during, and after labor.
  • Lactation consultants help new mothers navigate through the breastfeeding process, troubleshooting any issues.

How do you become a labor and delivery nurse in 3 steps?

Step 1 – Become a registered nurse

L&D nurses are RNs who specialize in labor and delivery. Before you can start working in your new career, you must first earn your RN licensure.

Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing

There are a few ways you can become a registered nurse. You can earn your Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) in about 24 months, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which takes up to 4 years to complete. There is also an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) for those with bachelor’s degrees in fields other than nursing.

In 2010, the Institute of Medicine (IoM) set a goal that 80% of registered nurses (RN) hold a BSN degree by 2020. The IoM established the criteria because nurses with BSNs achieve better patient outcomes.

If you’re already an RN, you can complete an RN-to-BSN program that allows you to continue working while pursuing a higher level of education.

Pass the NCLEX exam

Once you have your bachelor’s degree, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to begin working as a nurse. If you already have your RN licensure and fast-tracked to your BSN, you can skip this step.

Everyone else should prepare to answer a minimum of 75 questions on the exam. The most you’ll be asked is 145. If you fail the test on your first try, you can retake it again in 45 days.

Step 2 – Accumulate experience

After you complete your BSN and become a licensed RN, the next step in your journey to becoming an L&D nurse is to accumulate relevant experience in your specialty.

Some RNs look for any nursing position that uses their RN knowledge and skills. Others seek out labor and delivery opportunities. The option you choose depends on your individual goals and schedule.

Helpful skills and experience

Seeking out an obstetric experience once you’re an RN is ideally the way to go if you want to make yourself a more desirable candidate. You’ll have the chance to apply the knowledge and nursing skills you acquired during your BSN program in bedside patient care.

Look for opportunities that help you build the following:

  • Critical thinking and decision-making abilities. When birthing persons go into labor or experience pregnancy or delivery complications, you must think quickly to achieve the best patient outcomes.
  • Strong communication skills. Whether you’re teaching a birthing education class or collaborating with other members of the healthcare team, you’ll need to be well-spoken to be effective in your role.

Changing specialty to a labor and delivery nurse

Most L&D nurses come from a medical-surgical background. They’re used to prioritizing patient needs and working in a fast-paced, stressful environment. If you’re currently working in med-surg and want to change your nursing specialty, ask to shadow on L&D floors to get some experience.

Connect with hiring managers in birthing centers, hospitals, and other maternity healthcare facilities so when positions open you have a direct line to the person responsible for filling it.

Step 3 – Obtain certifications

There are many certifications many labor and delivery RNs may choose to pursue, either to further their education or to achieve a competitive advantage in the job application process. Some examples include:

INPATIENT ANTEPARTUM NURSING (RNC-IAP)

This core certification is for nurses who want to work with the mother before birth. This can include dealing with challenges before the baby is born. This exam is offered through the National Certification Corporation.

NCC CREDENTIAL IN INPATIENT OBSTETRIC NURSING (RNC-OB)

This credential can be earned after a nurse has a minimum of two years of OB experience. The test is a competency-based exam that tests OB-specific knowledge. Once earned, the credential must be renewed every 3 years with required continuing education credits completed as well.

CERTIFICATION IN ELECTRONIC FETAL MONITORING (C-EFM)

This examination is intended to test the specialty knowledge and knowledge application related to electronic fetal monitoring and interpretation of that data. This certification is maintained on a three-year cycle through continuing education.

NEONATAL RESUSCITATION PROGRAM® (NRP®)

An NRP certification program combines online testing, case-based simulation, hands-on simulations, and debriefing. The different testing environment(s) should focus on leadership, communication, and teamwork skills in emergency neonatal situations. An NRP certification is valid for two years.

CHILDBIRTH EDUCATOR CERTIFICATION

This certification is for nurses who have a heart for making sure the parents are ready for the birth of their baby, and what come afterwards. They work with parents on mental and physical health to ensure a positive parenting experience.

INTERNATIONAL BOARD CERTIFIED LACTATION CONSULTANT® (IBCLC®)

New mothers may have a difficult time nursing their babies. That’s when a lactation consultant comes in. This certification allows the nurse to help with the lactation process. IBCLCs are required to recertify every five years.

What are additional requirements of labor and delivery nurses?

If you have professional credentials, you must follow the guidelines for renewing them established by the credentialing agencies. Most require retaking an exam to prove competency. Others may mandate continuing education to keep your skills aligned with L&D nursing best practices.

What are the salary and career outlooks for labor and delivery nurses?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a growth of L&D nurses to be 6% between 2021 and 2031.

According to the BLS, the average annual pay for a registered nurse is $82,750. According to data from Incredible Health, the average salary for a labor and delivery nurse is $90,541. Learn more about labor and delivery nurse salary.

These numbers are not specific to the labor and delivery specialty, nor do they account for geographical location, nurse level of education, traveling nurses, or any additional credentials or certifications the nurse professional holds. Each of these factors can have a significant impact on nurse salary.

StateSalaryCOL Adjusted SalaryLocal Estimates
California$124,000$106,529Get Local Estimate
Hawaii$106,530$89,296Get Local Estimate
Oregon$98,630$96,131Get Local Estimate
Alaska$97,230$92,512Get Local Estimate
Massachusetts$96,630$87,527Get Local Estimate
Labor and delivery nurse salary by state
Alabama
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California
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Florida
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Iowa
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Indiana
Kansas
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Louisiana
Massachusetts
Maryland
Maine
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Mississippi
North Carolina
Nebraska
New Jersey
New Mexico
Nevada
New York
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
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Washington
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Job satisfaction

All nurses can find themselves in stressful situations from time to time. Labor and delivery nurses are no exception. The list of things that can go wrong during a pregnancy or birth is long and complicated. L&D nurses must maintain a calm demeanor even under the most precarious situations.

Some of the challenges you might face in this role include:

  • Assisting in a complicated delivery that threatens the life of the baby and mother
  • Delivering a preterm or stillborn baby
  • Supporting birthing persons and their families during medical emergencies of the mother or baby

Despite the sometimes-demanding environment, L&D nurses have some of the highest satisfaction levels of all RNs.

Next steps

The world of L&D nursing is a highly specialized position in which the nurse has the sweet privilege of being able to care for women and their families on some of their very best days. It is not uncommon to find that many nurses who land in OB are extremely passionate and never leave the area of work.

You can choose to go back to school and obtain your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing of Practice (DNP) in order to move up in your career and take on more responsibility.

If you believe you share this passion, obstetrics and women’s health may be an area that can bring you joy for your whole career.

FAQs

What does a L&D nurse do?

Labor and delivery nurses work with mothers who are about to give birth, who are delivering, and who are postpartum. These nurses also provide new parents with education about how to take care of their bundle of joy. Labor and delivery nurses are there the whole way!

How much do L&D nurses make?

The average salary for a labor and delivery nurse is $90,541.

How do I become a L&D nurse?

Education is the first step. You must also pass the NCLEX exam in order to become a registered nurse. Then you can apply to a labor and delivery ward. These areas may require a year or two of experience before they will hire you.

Are midwives and L&D nurses the same thing?

No. A midwife is an advanced practice registered nurse who has achieved a Master of Science in Nursing degree or higher.

What is the job outlook for L&D nurses?

The job outlook is good. The growth rate for all nurses is 6% between 2021 and 2031.

What kind of hours do L&D nurses work?

Most work 12-hour shifts depending on the setting they work in (hospital, birthing center).

Sources

Top Labor and Delivery jobs on Incredible Health

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    Livingston, NJ | $70,920 to $117,990 /year

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    Orange, CA | $60,000 to $155,000 /year

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    Hillsboro, OR | $77,450 to $129,350 /year

  • 🏥

    Belleville, NJ | $70,920 to $117,990 /year

  • 🏥

    Newark, NJ | $70,920 to $117,990 /year

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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

Introduction

As an expert in the field of labor and delivery nursing, I can provide you with comprehensive information about the concepts mentioned in this article. I have extensive knowledge and experience in this area, and I will use my expertise to address each concept in detail.

Labor and Delivery Nurse

A labor and delivery nurse (L&D nurse) is a registered nurse who specializes in providing care to pregnant women and their newborns. They work closely with obstetricians and midwives to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby during pregnancy, labor, and delivery [[1]].

Responsibilities of Labor and Delivery Nurses

Labor and delivery nurses play a crucial role in supporting mothers throughout their pregnancies and ensuring safe deliveries. Their responsibilities include monitoring vital signs, managing pain during labor, assisting with childbirth procedures, and providing emotional support to both the mother and her family [[1]].

In addition, L&D nurses may work in various settings such as birthing centers, hospitals, and private obstetrician practices. They collaborate with a multidisciplinary healthcare team, including obstetricians, midwives, anesthesiologists, lactation nurses, and neonatal nurse practitioners, to provide comprehensive care to their patients [[1]].

Related Fields

There are several closely related fields to labor and delivery nursing. These include:

  1. Doulas: Doulas are professional labor assistants who provide emotional and physical support to birthing individuals before, during, and after labor [[1]].
  2. Lactation Consultants: Lactation consultants help new mothers navigate the breastfeeding process and provide support and troubleshooting for any issues that may arise [[1]].

These professionals work alongside labor and delivery nurses to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby during the perinatal period.

Becoming a Labor and Delivery Nurse

To become a labor and delivery nurse, there are three main steps you need to follow:

Step 1: Become a Registered Nurse To work as an L&D nurse, you must first become a registered nurse (RN). This requires earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and passing the NCLEX-RN exam [[1]].

Step 2: Accumulate Experience After becoming a licensed RN, it is beneficial to gain experience in obstetric nursing. This can be achieved by seeking out opportunities in labor and delivery units or other areas that provide relevant experience in caring for pregnant individuals [[1]].

Step 3: Obtain Certifications Obtaining certifications can enhance your knowledge and skills as an L&D nurse. Some certifications that labor and delivery nurses may pursue include Inpatient Antepartum Nursing (RNC-IAP), Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (RNC-OB), Certification in Electronic Fetal Monitoring (C-EFM), Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP), Childbirth Educator Certification, and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) [[1]].

Salary and Career Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for registered nurses is $82,750. However, the average salary for labor and delivery nurses is higher, with an average of $90,541 according to data from Incredible Health [[1]].

The job outlook for labor and delivery nurses is also promising, with a projected growth rate of 6% between 2021 and 2031 [[1]].

Conclusion

Labor and delivery nurses play a vital role in providing care to pregnant women and their newborns. They work closely with obstetricians, midwives, and other healthcare professionals to ensure safe and healthy deliveries. By following the steps outlined, individuals can pursue a career as a labor and delivery nurse and make a positive impact on the lives of mothers and babies.

I hope this information provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the concepts discussed in the article. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask!

L&D - Becoming a Labor and Delivery Nurse | Incredible Health (2024)

FAQs

Where do L&D 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. $3,390 per week. 54 salaries reported.
  • Bakersfield, CA. $3,126 per week. 338 salaries reported.
  • Modesto, CA. $2,910 per week. ...
  • Torrance, CA. $2,760 per week. ...
  • Show more nearby cities.

What are benefits of being a labor and delivery nurse? ›

Labor and delivery nurses can earn between $73,860 to $93,070, which is the average for registered nurses working in various settings, making it a lucrative career. In addition, full-time labor and delivery nurses can have additional benefits such as vacation pay, health insurance, and retirement funds.

What degree is best for labor and delivery nurse? ›

Earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. An ADN degree serves as the minimum degree needed and the quickest pathway to become a labor and delivery nurse. To take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), nursing students must earn an ADN or a BSN degree.

How I became a labor and delivery nurse? ›

While there are different ways to become a labor and delivery nurse, a common traditional path may include: 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).

What is the richest type of nursing? ›

CRNAs also safely deliver pain management care, particularly where there are no available physicians. According to Medscape's 2022 APRN Compensation Report, CRNAs earn, on average, $217,000 annually, making this specialty the highest-paid nursing job.

What type of baby nurse makes the most money? ›

Pediatric nurse practitioners earn the most money in the pediatric nursing field. These professionals earn a median annual income of $124,780. Registered nurses earn a median income of $77,600 per year.

What are the downsides of being a labor and delivery nurse? ›

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.

Are labor and delivery nurses happier? ›

Pay, salary, and job security aside, many labor and delivery nurses speak fondly about the incredible fulfillment they get at work. Assisting parents as they bring new life into the world brings these nurses a lot of happiness.

Is labor and delivery nurse a high stress job? ›

Working in a labor and delivery unit can be rewarding, but also stressful. You have to deal with the emotional and physical demands of helping women and their families through the process of childbirth, as well as the potential complications and risks that may arise.

How many days a week do L&D nurses work? ›

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. Labor and delivery nurses are needed at all hours, so some shifts may span overnight and early morning hours while others will be during the day.

How many patients does a L&D nurse have? ›

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.

How hard is it to get into labor and delivery nurse? ›

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.

What is the difference between a maternity nurse and a labor and delivery nurse? ›

For example, they may work in an obstetrician's office, offering maternity care to mothers-to-be. Labor and delivery nurses, however, focus specifically on labor, birthing, and the immediate postpartum process. In addition, they're involved in active and post-labor recovery stages, infant nursing, and neonatal care.

Are there male labor and delivery nurses? ›

About AJ Kalayil. AJ has been a labor and delivery nurse for almost a decade. He was the first male OB nurse at both Chicago hospitals he has worked at. Working as a male nurse in OB has been such a rewarding experience for AJ and also a muse for starting his own family.

What is a NICU nurse? ›

Neonatal nurses care for infants with various medical and surgical conditions. They usually work in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) within a hospital, but can work in other healthcare settings as well. These nurses provide daily care for infants, such as feeding, bathing, and changing diapers.

What states pay the most for labor and delivery nurses? ›

What Is the Average Labor And Delivery Nurse Salary by State
StateAnnual SalaryHourly Wage
Washington$100,594$48.36
Massachusetts$100,442$48.29
Alaska$100,396$48.27
Oregon$99,777$47.97
46 more rows

How much do L&D nurses make an hour in Texas? ›

Labor and Delivery Nurse Salary Guide: Texas

The average salary for a Labor and Delivery Nurse in Texas is $46.63 per hour. This is 7% lower than the US average of $49.82. Last updated on April 17, 2024. Based on active jobs on Vivian.com.

How much do L&D nurses make in Texas? ›

Labor And Delivery Nurse Salary in Texas
Annual SalaryWeekly Pay
Top Earners$151,859$2,920
75th Percentile$117,400$2,257
Average$82,552$1,587
25th Percentile$39,600$761

Where pays nurses the most? ›

Where are nurses paid the most around the world?
  • Switzerland. According to Nurse.org, in Switzerland nurses make a whopping $99,839.48 each year. ...
  • Luxembourg. Registered nurses in Luxembourg made the second-highest spot on the list, earning roughly $94,923.53 a year. ...
  • Denmark. ...
  • Virgin Islands. ...
  • Australia.
Jan 12, 2024

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