Should I Work as a Labor and Delivery Nurse?

Working as a Labor and Delivery Nurse with PRN Jobs

Is becoming a labor and delivery (L&D) nurse your path?

L&D nursing is a demanding and fast-paced work environment. However, the essence of the nursing profession is to support life, and L&D nurses work precisely where life begins.

L&D nurses are a pillar in the birth process and experience the joy of bringing babies into the world. They make the birth process more comfortable and safe for the mother and the baby. So, if you find fulfillment in this environment and with these responsibilities, keep reading to clear your doubts about this specialty.

What Is a Labor and Delivery Nurse?

Nursing is not just one general profession. You can choose from various specializations that need specific training and expertise, and labor and delivery is one of them.

L&D nurses work with mothers and babies throughout the birthing process: labor, delivery, and postpartum. Furthermore, labor and delivery nurses work closely with parents to support and educate them about recovery after childbirth, breastfeeding, and newborn care.

Childbirth is a beautiful experience. Nevertheless, it is stressful for everyone involved, and that’s where L&D nurses come in since they are the parents’ source of emotional support and guidance throughout childbirth.

What Does a Labor and Delivery Nurse Do?

Labor and delivery nurses work closely with gynecologists and obstetricians to help pregnant women deliver their babies. L&D nurses create a close bond with their patients, giving them unique and individualized care. They help mothers change their labor and delivery gowns, assist them in showering, help them with breastfeeding and bonding, and ensure the mother’s and child’s wellbeing.

L&D nurses have various duties, such as the following:

Monitoring the vital signs of the mother and baby
Monitoring and timing contractions during labor
Giving the mother information about what to expect in the different stages of the birth process
Explaining the potential risks of the medications typically used during labor
Communicating with the physician about any changes or needs
Providing support and comfort during labor
Preparing for C-section in case of need
Teaching the mother newborn care and helping with breastfeeding

How Do You Become a Labor and Delivery Nurse

If you are wondering how to become a labor and delivery nurse, first, you must become a registered nurse by completing a state-approved RN program.

There are different paths to becoming a registered nurse. The three main ones are a Diploma Program, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Diploma Program: This program used to be the most common way to become a registered nurse. However, today, there are few diploma programs available. These programs are offered in hospital settings, where there are ample opportunities to provide bedside care, and typically last from one to two years.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): An ADN program is typically two years of full-time study. Alternatively, students can earn their ADN in a little less than three years on a part-time basis. This program offers the core knowledge and training to become an RN. Typically, anatomy, chemistry, biology, and psychology are prerequisites for an ADN program.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): This four-year program at a college or university provides a more comprehensive experience than an ADN in terms of training and knowledge.

Some employers prefer to hire RNs with BSNs rather than ADNs, so this might be a consideration when choosing a program. Furthermore, RNs with ADNs who want to pursue BSN degrees can apply for RN-to-BSN programs, which can be completed in one or two years.

Once the program is complete, candidates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become registered nurses. After obtaining licensure, gaining experience as an RN is the first step to becoming qualified as an L&D nurse. Some jobs may require up to two years of experience.

Specialized Labor and Delivery Certifications

Once nurses have gained experience working in birthing units, there are some labor and delivery certifications that may be required or encouraged in certain healthcare settings, can help L&D nurses improve their skills, and ensure greater safety for patients:

Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (RNC-OB): This test is obtained through the National Certification Corporation. Applicants must have at least two years of experience providing care to pregnant women throughout the birth process and newborn periods to take the test, among other requirements.
Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP): Offered by the American Academy of Pediatrics, this program improves nurses’ chances of being selected by employers for an L&D nurse position.
Inpatient Antepartum Nursing: This certification requires experience in a coordinated approach to care, continued risk assessment, and psychosocial support for pregnant women during the antepartum period.
Maternal Newborn Nursing: This test requires specialized experience in childbearing family care for a minimum of two years.
Care of the Extremely Low Birth Weight Neonate: This certification is for nurses who provide care to extremely low-birth-weight newborns and their families.

What to Expect in a Labor and Delivery Nurse Shift

Every shift in the labor and delivery unit may differ due to many factors, such as the mother’s preferences or an unexpected situation. For that reason, here is what L&D nurses face on a daily basis:

As a labor and delivery nurse, you will receive the previous shift’s handoff report and pass your report to the next nurse when your shift finishes.
The patient-to-nurse ratio in the labor and delivery unit may vary from state to state and from one facility to another. California is the only state that has passed legislation regulating this ratio. In this state, the patient-to-nurse ratio is one nurse to two patients in active labor, one to four with antepartum patients, one to four in postpartum, and one to six in postpartum areas when L&D nurses are just caring for the mothers.
Besides monitoring the baby and mother’s vital signs, labor and delivery nurses help mothers feel comfortable during labor by guiding them in different positions, keeping them hydrated, and making the area feel more warm and comforting.
Every birth is different since mothers and families have different preferences. For example, some pregnant women want to labor and give birth in water; others may request to be accompanied by a doula and/or family members; still, others may ask for epidurals and spend most of their labor in bed. Therefore, an L&D nurse may accompany mothers in very unique ways.
Depending on the case, L&D nurses may have to frequently monitor the vital signs of the unborn baby and the mother to detect possible signs of fetal distress.
Especially in cases when mothers are alone, the emotional and physical support of a labor and delivery nurse is essential.

These are just a few examples of what L&D nurses face every day. From one moment to another, things can change quickly. One moment, an L&D nurse could be accompanying a patient planning a natural birth, and in the blink of an eye, they could be preparing the patient for a C-section.

Labor and Delivery Nurse Soft Skills

Since labor and delivery is a fast-paced environment and L&D nurses have a crucial role throughout the birth, they should strive to develop the following skills:

Teamwork: L&D nurses work in healthcare teams, and their roles are essential. Therefore, to have efficient and effective teamwork and achieve excellent outcomes, labor and delivery nurses must be able to work with every team member.
Empathy: L&D nurses must show compassion for their patients’ feelings in every possible outcome and provide support and guidance throughout childbirth and after.
Communication: An L&D job demands that nurses have excellent communication skills since they work in teams in a fast-paced environment, where things can change from one moment to another.
Decision-Making: The situation throughout the birth process can change in an instant. Therefore, labor and delivery nurses must be able to make decisions quickly to maintain patient safety and choose the best course of action with the healthcare team.
Stress Management: Since L&D jobs are physically and psychologically demanding, labor and delivery nurses must manage their stress to perform well and have clear judgment.
Problem-Solving: Each shift, labor and delivery nurses face different problems that they need to solve to ensure the safety and health of the baby and the mother.
Time Management: Since it is a fast-paced environment, L&D nurses need to know how to manage their time and prioritize tasks in order to provide the care required by all the patients.

Where Do Labor and Delivery Nurses Work?

Labor and delivery nurses can work in various settings, from hospitals to patients’ homes.

In hospitals: L&D nurses can work in labor and delivery units, nurseries, neonatal care units, and maternity wards.
In patients’ homes: Labor and delivery nurses assist in home births, guiding the pregnant women through the process and occasionally taking on the doula role.
In birthing centers: L&D nurses working in birthing centers typically have the same role as in patients’ homes, providing the mother with physical and emotional support throughout the birth process.

What Is the Average L&D Nurse Salary?

A labor and delivery nurse’s salary varies depending on many factors, such as the state and city where they work and the specific facility. Based on extensive research, a typical L&D nurse’s salary may vary from $70,000 to $90,000 annually.

That said, labor and delivery nurses who pick up PRN jobs can often find higher hourly pay rates.

Is It Hard to Be a Labor and Delivery Nurse?

Because of the characteristics of labor and delivery jobs, nurses are exposed to stressful environments that can change abruptly. In other words, they are highly likely to encounter unexpected situations.

Labor and delivery nurses might face challenging moments, such as the loss of a baby or a mother. In addition, there will be moments in the labor and delivery unit when nurses need to make fast decisions to maintain the wellbeing of their patients, and sometimes, this can be exhausting.

An L&D nurse job is demanding and emotionally and physically draining. Nevertheless, helping to bring new lives to this world can make for a very rewarding career path.

Are Labor and Delivery Nurses in Demand?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job growth projection for RNs is 6 percent faster than the national average for all occupations. In the 2022 to 2032 decade, this growth translates into 193,100 job openings for RNs.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, there were 3,667,758 births in the U.S. in 2022. Therefore, L&D nurses will be in constant demand since they have a vital role in helping mothers bring babies into the world.

Another factor affecting the country is the nursing shortage due to an aging population, an aging nursing workforce, and nurse burnout. This situation may also affect specific units, such as the labor and delivery unit, where safe staffing ratios are essential to providing quality care.

What’s the Difference between an L&D Nurse and a Midwife?

Labor and Delivery nurses are distinct and separate from Nurse Midwives.

Labor and delivery nurses are RNs, just like nurse midwives. However, RNs must have more advanced training and certification to become nurse midwives.

Due to their more advanced training, nurse midwives can make critical decisions in emergency interventions or the delivery process.

Labor and delivery nurses work with patients in active labor. However, nurse midwives provide care throughout women’s reproductive cycles.

An L&D nurse can become a nurse midwife if they want to continue their education and training.

Obstetric Nurse vs. L&D Nurse

Labor and delivery nurses are focused on labor, delivery, and immediate postpartum. However, an obstetrics nurse works under the supervision of an obstetrician, and their training encompasses a broader skill set. Therefore, labor and delivery is considered a subspecialty of obstetrics, or “OB” for short. In large hospitals, OB is often divided into labor and delivery and post-partum (mother-baby). In smaller community hospitals, all these functions are provided by one unit, simply referred to as obstetrics.

Furthering Education as an L&D Nurse

A labor and delivery nurse who wants to continue their education has various routes they can pursue. L&D nurses can obtain a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), which can help them become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS).

With the mentioned certifications, L&D nurses can gain more autonomy and responsibilities as well as possibly earn more income.

Pros and Cons of Being a Labor and Delivery Nurse

As with any profession, a nurse must consider advantages and disadvantages when deciding which career path to choose. Therefore, here is a list of some pros and cons of being a labor and delivery nurse:

Pros of Being an L&D Nurse

Here are some of the advantages of working as a labor and delivery nurse:

Bringing new life into the world: Labor and delivery nurses have an essential role in helping to bring life into the world. Being part of the delivery process brings L&D nurses some of the most joyful moments in the nursing field.
Education: Further education and certification is available in this specialty.
Developing skills: The work environment can help labor and delivery nurses improve their critical thinking and fast decision-making skills.
Employment opportunities: Since millions of babies are born annually in the country, labor and delivery nurses are always in high demand. Therefore, there is job security in the L&D nursing field.
Saving lives: In this type of job, an L&D nurse ensures the safety of the mother and baby during the birthing process, which is incredibly rewarding.
Being crucial to the healthcare team: Labor and delivery nurses are essential healthcare team members. Therefore, they have a great responsibility and are highly valued.
Variety: The fast-paced environment and busy days will make your shift fly by. In addition, every delivery is a unique experience for L&D nurses.
Enjoying the job: Labor and delivery nurses can build strong relationships with their patients because they spend meaningful hours together and become sources of comfort and encouragement for birthing mothers.
Educating new parents: Teaching and helping parents care for their newborns and assuaging some of their doubts can be a very fulfilling experience.

Cons of Being an L&D Nurse

Here are some of the drawbacks of working as a labor and delivery nurse:

Hard situations: L&D nurses may have to accompany patients who lose their children before, during, or after labor, such as babies born prematurely.
Emotionally demanding work: Labor and delivery nurses work in a fast-paced environment that involves high stress levels. These situations can lead to nurses feeling exhausted and emotionally drained.
Mother complications: There is a chance that mothers have complications in the delivery process, like perineal tears, excessive bleeding, or even death.
Physically demanding work: Accompanying a mother in labor demands that nurses move fast to attend to the needs of the patient during the evolution of the birthing process.
Aching feet: Labor and delivery nurses must be prepared to be on their feet during most of their shifts.
Emergencies: L&D nurses work in an environment that can change abruptly, where potential emergencies with the mother and the newborn are around the corner. These nurses need to think and act fast.
Extended hours: Labor and delivery nurses usually have 12-hour shifts.
Germs and infection exposure: L&D nurses are exposed to different pathogens, including bacteria and viruses such as HIV.

Labor and Delivery Nurse Tips

Here are some tips that can help labor and delivery nurses and help them feel more comfortable throughout their shifts.

Comfortable shoes: L&D nurses spend extended hours on their feet, so investing in good shoes is a must in this specialty.
Healthy snacks: Labor and delivery nurses work long hours, so having healthy snacks is essential to keep up energy levels while on the job.
Stress management: Nurses can learn techniques like breathing exercises to be in control during challenging moments.
Looking for support: Experienced nurses can become good sources of support.
Sharing feelings and frustration: Labor and delivery nurses are part of a team and should rely on each other. Sharing thoughts and frustrations may help to avoid burnout and feeling emotionally drained.
Organization: L&D nurses need to have everything organized to provide quality care and be on top of their tasks.
Sleep: Labor and delivery nurses have very intense jobs. Therefore, a solid sleep schedule is key to top performance on shifts and optimal health.
Self-care: To avoid burnout, L&D nurses should exercise, eat healthy, and find relaxing hobbies.
Taking breaks: Find time to take your breaks; preferably off the unit to allow you to decompress. There are laws that ensure nurses are able to take their breaks, even on the most hectic days.

A vital tip for future labor and delivery nurses is to shadow a nurse. Shadowing an L&D nurse allows aspiring labor and delivery nurses to gain an accurate perspective of the field and discover if this is the path of their choice.

Talk to an L&D nurse you trust and ask them to let you shadow them. You can also go to a hospital’s HR department and ask to volunteer in the labor and delivery unit. This experience can confirm your desire to become a labor and delivery nurse.

Communities and Organizations

There are some communities or organizations that can help labor and delivery nurses network, stay up-to-date with the latest discoveries in the field, and continue their education with different courses:

Work as a Labor and Delivery Nurse with PRN Jobs

Labor and Delivery units are found in most hospitals or they are a sub-specialty of OB.

Looking for labor and delivery nurse jobs shouldn’t be difficult since there is a great demand for these positions. Furthermore, when using Nursa and taking advantage of technology, finding PRN RN jobs is just a click away.

PRN stands for “pro re nata,” which means “as needed.” With Nursa’s PRN jobs, labor and delivery nurses can choose where and when to work, helping them have more flexibility and more control over their schedules.

Another advantage of PRN RN jobs is that L&D nurses can see which facility they like most. Since PRN nurses are independent contractors, they can change their location, experience different healthcare centers and teams, and learn from working with various professionals.

Another perk of PRN labor and delivery jobs is the higher hourly pay rate. These jobs give nurses the opportunity to increase their income or save money to make those postponed plans a reality.

With PRN jobs, achieving a better work-life balance is more manageable. Since nurses have more control over their time, they can decide to spend more time with family or take more time to recover after a long shift.

Finding a Hospital with Labor and Delivery Jobs near Me

Labor and delivery nurses can find jobs in different facilities such as hospitals, birth centers, or clinics, and there are many ways to find jobs in these facilities. Nevertheless, if you want to earn what you deserve and have flexibility and more control over your schedule, use Nursa.

Nursa connects clinicians and facilities in one place. In this open market, labor and delivery nurses can find PRN RN jobs that suit their schedules and have higher hourly rates than employee positions.

Nursa offers the possibility to connect with facilities nearby and throughout the country. Therefore, it gives you various job opportunities to broaden your skills, avoid burnout, and gain more experience. Sign up with Nursa today and start living the life you deserve.

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