Baby out: a healthy, bouncing baby boy delivered on the 25th of September at 1:48 PM.

Who assisted your mother when you were born? More or less, it’s a Labor and Delivery Nurse, or a Nurse-Midwife perhaps.

Labor and Delivery (L&D) Nurses specialize in childbirth, as well as to mothers in their antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum care. Not to mention the expectant father’s needs as well.

Their role is vital in ensuring a healthy and successful pregnancy. Although there are complicated pregnancies every now and then – don’t fret, their the experts.

Indeed, they provide complex services. Sometimes, even, couple seek advice to L&D Nurses on matters of conception.

They provide education, guidance, counselling and medical care.

Here is a YouTube video on a day in the life of a Labor and Deliver nurse:

Isn’t it fulfilling that you took part in creating a a happy, beautiful family?

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

As a Labor and Delivery Nurse, it is not only the mother and newborn that you will be taking of, your service extends to the father and relatives as well.

Here are some of an L&D’s functions:

• Establish rapport with the mother and family.
• Assess the mother’s condition as well as the infant’s.
• Identify true labor from false labor in order to provide appropriate management.
• Measure the intensity and timing of contractions.
• Perform diagnostic tests, as appropriate.
• Collaborate with the physician and other members of the health care team.
• Properly identify type of delivery, noting possible risks.
• Provide support to the mother during labor and delivery.
• Identify possible complications and refer, as appropriate.
• Assist with medical procedures.
• Act as patient advocate.
• Promote wellness.
• Educate the mother regarding self and infant care.
• Reiterate importance of proper nutrition and natal care.

REQUIREMENTS: EDUCATION, LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION

Labor and Delivery Nurses, like all of the RN positions, are obliged to have: first, a Bachelor of Science (BSN) degree and; second, should pass the National Council for Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses in order to practice in their country/state of jurisdiction.

Moreover, as soon as the RN acquire qualified nursing experience with a minimum hour of practice, the RN may already apply for a certification for Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (RNC-OB) through the National Certification Corporation (NCC).

Also, nurses may consider to advance their career by taking post-graduate degrees in Nursing. Advanced education will enable them to practice as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN). In the field of obstetrics and gynecology, an APRN may function as a Nurse-Midwife or OB-Gyne RN.

CAREER OUTLOOK AND SALARY

The website PayScale reported that Labor and Delivery Nurses earn an annual median salary of $58,142. That is a median hourly rate of $29.71.

Further, the bottom 10% of earners have an annual salary of as low as $39,477 while the top 10% earn as high as $82,200.

On the other hand, APRN – Certified Nurse Midwife have an annual salary ranging from $71,075 to $109,378. That’s a HUGE difference in salary… (Education, my friend.)

Meanwhile, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that the demand for Registered Nurses will increase in the next few years. To be exact, the need will grow as high as 15% from year 2016 to 2026. The growth is relatively high as compared to other occupations.

The seen increase may be attributed to the fast turnover of nurses worldwide.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Labor and delivery nurses typically work in a hospital, community care centers, birthing clinic or physician’s office.

Home service for labor and delivery nurses is currently not recommended as per protocol. Every childbirth should be ensured safe through facility-based delivery and being attended by a skilled-birth health worker.

Also, L&D nurses work in various shifts including weekends and holidays.

Chat with you there!

References:

• www.payscale.com
• www.bls.gov