What Are the Requirements to Become a Labor and Delivery Nurse?
Learn about becoming a labor and delivery nurse, including all education, certification, and experience requirements.
Are you interested in a specialized and highly rewarding nursing career? Do you enjoy the thought of helping new mothers through the birth of their babies?
If so, consider becoming a labor and delivery nurse.
The path to this career has several steps and takes time, but it is worth it for many people. Let's take a look at what labor and delivery nurses do and how you can become one.
What Does a Labor and Delivery Nurse Do?
Labor and delivery nurses provide care before, during, and after a birth. They are present throughout the process, from check-in for the delivery until mother and baby are discharged.
Labor and delivery nurses provide both medical care and emotional support throughout the labor and delivery process. They may also coach new mothers on breastfeeding and other basic infant care.
Labor and delivery nurses have many job duties, such as:
- monitoring vital signs and timing contractions
- administering pain management medications as needed
- supporting, comforting, and encouraging the laboring mother
- identifying potential complications during labor or delivery
- preparing for and assisting with cesarean sections
Labor and delivery nurses commonly work in hospitals and birthing centers. They typically work directly with physicians or midwives during births.
Labor and delivery nurses work full-time hours, with many being called upon to work nights, weekends, and holidays. Some may also work extensive overtime.
What Are the Requirements to Become a Labor and Delivery Nurse?
Labor and delivery nurses need to have extensive medical training and experience. They must have a strong understanding of medical care for pre- and postnatal mothers, as well as for newborn babies.
They must be able to stay calm during intense or stressful situations. They must be mentally and emotionally stable enough to handle difficult situations, such as complications and stillbirths.
Labor and delivery nurses must be highly empathetic to provide support and comfort to laboring mothers. They must be able to respond appropriately during difficult births.
They should have good communication and interpersonal skills, as well as a willingness to work as part of a team.
They must also be good at actively listening to patients' concerns and have a strong attention to detail to pick up on small changes in a patient's condition.
So, do you have what it takes to become a labor and delivery nurse? Let's talk about the process you'll need to follow:
Step 1: Complete a Nursing Program
First, you will need to complete training to become a nurse. There are various options available, such as nursing diplomas and associate degree in nursing (ADN) programs.
That said, aspiring labor and delivery nurses will want to pursue a Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN). Most employers require labor and delivery nurses who have this level of education.
Unless you are already a registered nurse and can complete an RN-to-BSN program, it will likely take you about four years to graduate with your nursing degree.
Step 2: Become a Registered Nurse
After completing your education, you'll need to obtain your nursing license. You do this by passing the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX exam.
This computer-based exam will test your knowledge of general nursing practices and procedures. Once you pass, you will receive your license and will be considered a registered nurse.
This is a requirement to work as a nurse in every state. It is also a prerequisite for pursuing nursing specializations, such as labor and delivery.
Step 3: Gain Relevant Work Experience
Before you can start working as a labor and delivery nurse, you will need to gain generalized nursing experience.
Look for entry-level nursing jobs on hospital websites, job boards, and at hiring events. You can start by working in any department, but you'll want to move into an obstetrics department as soon as possible.
You will need to work as a registered nurse in an obstetrics department for at least two years before you can become a labor and delivery nurse.
Step 4: Pursue Certifications
To become a labor and delivery nurse, you'll want to obtain the Inpatient Obstetric Nursing certification (RNC-OB). This will require passing a specialized exam.
Other certifications are also available, which allow you to specialize in a particular area of labor and delivery. These specializations aren't required, but they can help you pursue additional opportunities.
Some of these specializations include:
- critical care obstetrics
- advanced maternal age
- anesthetics and pharmacology
Step 5: Consider Gaining Additional Education
Labor and delivery nurses are only required to have a Bachelor of Science in nursing. However, obtaining an advanced degree can improve your job prospects and help you advance your career.
Consider pursuing a Master of Science in nursing (MSN). This degree may allow you to advance or move into a supervisory role.
If you hold a master's degree, you can also choose to become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), which enables you to become a certified nurse midwife if this is your desired career path.
Become a Labor and Delivery Nurse Today
Working as a labor and delivery nurse is highly rewarding and can lead to various career advancement opportunities. To become a labor and delivery nurse, follow the steps outlined in this article.