What To Expect On A Day
The primary concerns of L& D nurses include the health and well-being of a mother and her newborn. These RNs can work in a variety of settings such as hospital L& D units, clinics, physician offices, maternity centers and birthing centers.1 Responsibilities in these workplaces can include:
- Providing education and support for expectant mothers during pregnancy as well as providing nursing care during labor and after the birth of the baby
- Monitoring the patient and baby and developing an individualized plan of care, as well as collaborating with physicians and other healthcare professionals
- Teach patients about topics related to womenâs health and newborn care
- Evaluate effectiveness of care and meet the changing needs of the mother, newborn and family
- Provide psychosocial and emotional support to patients and family1
The L& D nursing career may not be for everyone. These nurses must be knowledgeable about their role during one of the most joyous, or sadly, potentially one of the most devastating experiences of a woman’s life. This requires emotional stability and compassion.2 Those who choose the L& D path may find a meaningful and rewarding nursing career.
About The Nursing Program
Students in the nursing and practical nursing programs at Ivy Tech gain valuable skills and experiences by caring for real patients in a variety of clinical settings, including lab simulations. The growing use of simulations in nursing schools allows students to assume roles that are typically unavailable in a clinical setting, allowing students to make critical choices and see the results of those decisions. We use a variety of teaching methods and learning strategies in the classroom, clinical settings, and online to appeal to every learning style.
Associate of Science in Nursing Program
The Associate of Science in Nursing degree program prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam and subsequent licensing as a Registered Nurse .
Once admitted to the program, an Associate of Science in Nursing degree can be achieved in less than two years. The nursing faculty at Ivy Tech provide individualized tutoring and mentoring to help students succeed. Our statewide aggregate pass rates are consistently high, and our nursing graduates are in high demand throughout Indiana.
The nursing program at Ivy Tech has a selective admissions process. There is a separate application process for nursing and health sciences and the programs only accept a limited number of students each year. After applying to Ivy Tech, you will be enrolled in the Pre-Nursing certification program while completing prerequisite course requirements.
Associate of Science in Nursing Graduates
Transfer Partners
The Significance Of Certifications
The certifications required for this career may seem like inessential hoops to jump through, however, they prepare you for life-threatening emergencies. Labor and delivery nurses have a responsibility to their patients to stay up to date with their training and take these certifications seriously. Nursing certifications are testaments of a nurses commitment to service and competencies in healthcare.
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Why Become A Labor And Delivery Nurse
After learning about all the education and certifications required of labor and delivery nurses, you may be wondering whether the vocation is worth the hassle? In short, if you have a passion for women and infant healthcare, then the labor is absolutely worthwhile. The following are a few reasons why labor and delivery nursing is an ideal career for dedicated individuals.
Flexible Career
Labor and delivery nurses have a flexible career. Their experience with mother and infant care paves the way for many other career paths. Exploring related specialties like pediatric nursing can easily be arranged. Taking on more responsibilities like managerial charge nursing is possible after a few years of work experience. Or, by furthering their education, labor and delivery nurses can earn nurse practitioner titles.
Theres also the opportunity of travel nursing. Agencies like American Mobile will coordinate a short-term contract for labor and delivery nurses to work in locations where demand is high. Theyre provided with a competitive wage, free housing, partial reimbursements, and medical, dental, and liability insurance. Travel nursing is the perfect solution for those with wanderlust.
Strong Job Prospects
Lifelong Relationships
Become A Certified Nurse Midwife
Certified nurse midwives are advance practice nurses who have received additional training in labor and delivery, in addition to women and infant care. While they most often care for pregnant or postpartum women, they can provide services to women at any stage of their lives.
- Typical Education: Masters or doctorate
- Licensing or Certifying Organization: American Midwifery Certification Board
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Becoming A Labor And Delivery Nurse
Labor and delivery nurses have the complex job of advocating for both the mother and her yet-to-be born baby, which means that they require a finely honed set of ethics and deep understanding of the relationship between the two patients. L& D nurses remain calm when patient tensions run high and discomfort mounts, and often engage family members and spouses in how to bring comfort to their laboring partners. Nurses in this field take their responsibility for patient mental and emotional health seriously, as becoming a mother shifts the foundation upon which future relationships depend.
School Of Nursing Newsletters
Wichita State Universitys School of Nursing is proud of the accomplishments and activities of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni. These stories demonstrate how we fulfill our mission of improving the health of our community by inspiring change in health care through innovation and excellence.
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Labor & Delivery Nurse At A Glance
Where youll work: Labor and delivery units and birthing centers in hospitals.
What youll do: Specialize in the care of pregnant women from the time they are admitted for delivery through the birthing process.
Minimum degree required: A BSN is typically the minimum degree for a labor & delivery nurse, though some places may only require an ADN.
Who its a good fit for: Labor & delivery nurses are often who the patient looks to for reassurance and comfort whether or not complications arise. These nurses therefore should be calm, compassionate and have strong communication skills. They must be able to adapt quickly to changing situations if complications do occur.
Job perks: Being a labor & delivery nurse can be a jumping off point to other similar nursing specialties, such as becoming a nurse-midwife or a neonatal nurse.
Opportunities if you pursue a higher degree or certification: Although it is not required, nurses who pursue a specialty certification such as Inpatient Obstetric Nursing Certification may have an edge in future career opportunities. This could also make it easier to transition to other specialties by demonstrating your expertise.
Median annual salary: $77,600
In this Article
Whether its the happiest or hardest moment of a parents life, the labor and delivery nurse plays a significant role in this experience and can be an incredibly rewarding nursing specialty to pursue.
Labor And Delivery Nurse: Salary
The median annual wage for registered nurses is $68,450, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics . The highest 10 percent earn more than $102,990 and the lowest 10 percent earn less than $47,120.
Registered nurses who practice in hospitals, like labor and delivery nurses, earn $70,590. The BLS does not provide salary data for nursing specialties.
Employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 16 percent by 2024, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Growth will occur due to an overall rise in demand for health care services. Education remains critical for nurses job prospects. Overall, job opportunities for registered nurses are expected to be good, according to the BLS. However, the supply of new nurses entering the labor market has increased in recent years. This increase has resulted in competition for jobs in some areas of the country. Generally, registered nurses with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing will have better job prospects than those without one.
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Inpatient Obstetric Nursing Certification
Following a minimum amount of experience hours in a specialized field, the National Certification Corporation certifications provide assurance that a nurse is proficient in that area of expertise. The RNC-OB is one type of NCC certification achieved by nurses that have demonstrated competency in the labor and delivery field. However, there are other NCC certifications available in specialties like maternal newborn nursing , low risk neonatal nursing , and neonatal intensive care nursing .
To be eligible for the RNC-OB, labor and delivery nurses must have at least 2000 hours of clinical labor and delivery experience, 2 years of specialty experience, and recent work in the specialty. The certification is awarded after paying $325 and passing a 3-hour test, consisting of 175 questions. Its expected that RNC-OB certified nurses are well-versed in the best practices for labor, C-section births, anesthetics, and pharmacology.
When it comes to the salary of labor and delivery nurses, they can expect to see a substantial increase in salary after becoming certified as RNC-OB. According to Advance Healthcare Networks 2018 Nursing Salary Guide, non-certified labor and delivery nurse salaries average $76,614 a year while certified labor and delivery nurses average $82,992 a year. With an average salary increase of approximately $6,000 after a $325 investment, becoming a certified labor and delivery nurse is highly advised.
Labor And Delivery Nurse Education Requirements And Training
The first step: earn a degree and pass the NCLEX to become a registered nurse. Completing nursing school involves passing fundamental math, communication, anatomy and physiology, and pharmacology classes, among others, as well as completing supervised clinical experiences.
The next step: Specialized labor and delivery training and experience. Though you can become an RN without a 4-year bachelors degree, most labor and delivery nurses earn their BSN. During that process, nurses can choose to take specialized classes to prepare them to work in an L& D department. These classes include in-depth training on fetal monitoring, neonatal resuscitation, managing postpartum hemorrhage and other conditions, and c-section prep.
Labor and delivery nurses are typically required to maintain certification in basic life support and advanced cardiac life support. After two years of experience in an L& D department, nurses are eligible to become certified in Inpatient Obstetric Nursing, a credential provided by the National Certification Corporation. Most hospitals require that nurses pass the test to obtain this certification after a set period of employment.
Labor and delivery nurses may also choose to deepen their specialties by pursuing other training related to prenatal care and the postpartum experience.
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Do Employers Care If You Earn Your Nursing Degree Online
An accredited degree is always reputable no matter how you earn it.
Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education and the nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education .
SNHU nursing programs are offered in an online format. Given nursing is a hands-on practice profession, our nursing programs will require certain hours of clinical practice be completed at an in-person location, and you can combine the key competencies and skills gained in person with the convenience of an online classroom.
This is especially helpful for those already in the workforce, which “the majority of our students ,” said Lisa Urban, associate chief nursing administrator. “They’re already registered nurses and come to us to complete their bachelor’s degree and/or master’s degrees.” The flexibility of online classes makes balancing your work, home and academic life possible.
Job Market For Labor And Delivery Nurses
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 16% through 2024.3 Demand for this job, however, may be dependent upon the state and institution in which a nurse works. According to the BLS, in 2016, the states with the highest employment level for RNs included California, Texas, New York, Florida and Pennsylvania.4
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Seven Where Can I Learn More About Labor And Delivery Nursing Careers
To learn more about L& D nursing careers, take advantage of the resources available through the professional associations related to this field. The leading group for L& D nurses is:
The Association of Womens Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses – This organization aims to improve and promote the health of women and newborns and to strengthen the nursing profession through advocacy, research, and education.
You can also check out our article on How to Become an OB Nurse, which is a related nursing specialty!
How To Become A Labor And Delivery Nurse
A degree may open the door to a variety of opportunities and diverse career paths. The degree programs offered at CTU will not necessarily lead to the featured careers. This collection of articles is intended to help inform and guide you through the process of determining which level of degree and types of certifications align with your desired career path.
To become a Labor & Delivery Nurse, either an associate’s degree in nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing is required. It’s also required to become licensed. This can be done by passing the RNC-OB exam.
There are many specialty areas in the field of nursing. One registered nurse specialty in the hospital setting is labor and delivery . A career in L& Dnursing is often considered to be fast-paced, patient-centric and multifaceted. L& D nurses care for women who are laboring, have complications of pregnancy or have recently given birth. These nurses work closely with mothers, fathers, other family members and health care professionals. Performing well in this demanding environment may require certain personality traits, skills, education and certification.
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Stay Informed In The Field
Once youve decided youd like to pursue Labor and Delivery Nursing as a specialty, youll want to stay informed. Joining an association is a great way to stay on top of hiring opportunities, continuing education classes, trends, and new research.
Association of Womens Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses
AWHONN is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve and promote the health of women and newborns.
National Association of Neonatal Nurses
NANN is dedicated to neonatal nursing careers, though some complementary continuing education opportunities may also interest labor and delivery nurses.
Heroes Behind The Scrubs: Snhu Nurse Leaders Share Their Stories
Nurse leaders at Southern New Hampshire University participated in a roundtable discussion about the role nurses play in transforming healthcare. With 7% job growth projected through 2029 – that’s over 221,000 registered nurse roles that could be filled – there’s quite the demand to change the lives of others.1 And yours, as well.
Our Nursing Philosophy
At Southern New Hampshire University, we view the students in our online nursing programs as respected colleagues who come to the learning environment with their own unique views of the world and nursing.
Students are valued for the contributions they bring to the learning environment and are appreciated for their diverse values and beliefs. Students are viewed as both learners and learning resources.
Mission of the Department of Nursing
The mission of the Department of Nursing programs flows from the mission and vision of Southern New Hampshire University.
Our mission is to empower students to be successful nurse leaders, prepared to promote a culture of health within a diverse society and responsive to meet the challenges of an ever-evolving healthcare system. This mission is fulfilled through innovative programs responsive to the needs of adult learners in an online environment.
Nursing Curriculum Conceptual Framework
CCSNH Nursing Partnership
Our nursing partnerships include a seamless academic pathway for transferring community college credits, a tuition discount and financial aid.
CCNE Accredited Nursing Program
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Find Your Inner Strength
Labor and delivery nursing is not always the warm fuzzies of watching a mother meet her newborn for the first time. There are elements of the job that can be high-stress and truly heartbreaking. But if youre confident in your inner strength, labor and delivery is likely just the place for you.
Thompson describes the work environment as high-adrenaline, high-stress and fast-paced. You have to be able to switch gears very quickly, she explains. You must be able to work well with your co-workers and be able to advocate for your patient.
Life as a labor and delivery nurse isnt always easy, but theres no doubt its a rewarding and impactful career. How do you get into this unique nursing specialization?
Labor And Delivery Nurse Salary Potential
According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary of Labor and Delivery Nurses is $99,040. The majority of Labor and Delivery Nurse wages generally range between $81,000 to $114,500. The size of your paycheck depends on a variety of factors. Location, employer, experience, academic qualifications, certifications all can play a role in how much you earn as an L& D nurse. Additionally, as the population continues to grow, the job prospects for this career are expected to be excellent.
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Monitoring Vital Signs During Labor
To ensure a healthy and successful delivery process, labor and delivery nurses are responsible for monitoring the vital signs of both mother and baby. If a nurse notices that a mothers body temperature is above a safe level or that a babys vital signs are below the recommended level, they can help guide and administer a different course of action as part of the labor and delivery team.
Neonatal Resuscitation Program Certification
The Neonatal Resuscitation Program was developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics. The course aims to foster effective team-based care among healthcare professionals whore involved with the delivery of newborns. Composed of online case-based simulations, online testing, and hands-on workshops, this course emphasizes how leadership and communication contribute to effective neonatal resuscitation.
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What Is The Starting Salary Of A Labor And Delivery Nurse
While loving your job is great, making a fair salary is important too.
If youre considering a job in this field, you may be wondering: How much do labor and delivery nurses make? The figures can differ based on certain variables, but here are the basics every prospective nurse should know:
- Average nursing salary The average nursing salary is about $42,000 per year in the United States.
- Average Labor and Delivery nursing salary The average salary is significantly higher for labor and delivery nurses, at $66,000 per year.
- State-by-state salaries Salaries for labor and delivery nurses will vary by state. The highest paying states for this field include:
- California $113,240 per year.
- Washington D.C. $94,820 per year.
- Massachusetts $93,160 per year.
- Oregon $92,960 per year.3
The bottom line: Specialty nurses will almost always make more money. Labor and delivery nurses are paid particularly well because of the high demand for trained professionals in this field. If youre searching for a nursing practice that provides financial stability, labor and delivery is a great choice.