What is a Labor & Delivery nurse, and how to become one?
The beauty in nursing is the opportunities to choose a specialty. After graduation, some nurses know right away where they want to specialize and some do not… some do not!
You may not find your dream job immediately after graduation and that's ok. Take time to build your skills and find your passion.
One specialty that is available for nurses to explore is labor and delivery. Giving birth is one of the most common medical experiences today. The field of healthcare will always need labor and delivery nurses.
Yes, you can get paid to work with those cute babies… but that’s not all they do
What is a Labor & Delivery nurse?
As a labor and delivery nurse (L&D) you provide patient care before birth, during birth, and after birth. Giving birth can be physically and emotionally taxing on mom, baby, and the rest of the family. L&D nurses are there to provide support and reassurance during this time.
You will work side by side with an obstetrician doctor (OB) or obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN)in the delivery or operating room to help deliver the baby. Although delivery nurses work closely with the doctors, the L&D nurse will spend the most time with the patient.
Throughout the process of labor and giving birth, the labor and delivery nurse has a wide variety of tasks to ensure a safe delivery and healthy baby.
● Monitor vitals of mom and newborn
● Measure and track contractions
● Assess mother and anticipate needs
● Administer medications and other support
● Communicate with the doctor to provide current information
The role of the labor and delivery nurse is essential from start to finish. The nurse becomes the trusted line of communication between patient and doctor. The family will look to you to answer questions and provide guidance.
Labor and delivery nurses must always be prepared. Nurses work very hard to keep their patients safe but you must be prepared for the worst. L&D nurses need to be educated and prepared to provide the best possible care in any situation.
If you think labor and delivery is the right place for you, here are 3 steps you can take to become a labor and delivery nurse.
1. Become A Registered Nurse
This one may seem obvious, but it's your first step to working in the labor and delivery areas. Attend an accredited nursing school and obtain your Registered Nursing license.
2. Pass The NCLEX
After graduating from nursing school, you must pass the NCLEX. This exam is provided nationwide and must be passed in order to obtain your nursing license.
3. Apply For L&D Jobs
Once you have graduated nursing school and passed the NCLEX you can start looking for your dream job! Take this opportunity to research different facilities and what continuing education they may provide to help you specialize in your specific nursing area.
Most L&D nurses will work in hospitals but more birth centers are popping up.
Labor and delivery can be a fast paced area or it can play the waiting game. Remember.. babies come on their own time! A great L&D nurse should be able to remain calm and stay positive.
This field of nursing can be extremely rewarding but can also be some of the most difficult times for a family. During these difficult times, staying calm and reassuring the family will help make the process go as smoothly as possible.
An article from RegisteredNursing emphasizes the importance of uniqueness. Each birthing story will be different. Nurses need to remember that and focus on the end goal.. bringing new life into this world!