Labor and Delivery Occupation
Labor and delivery nurses assist women before, during and after childbirth. They typically earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and must have a registered nurse (RN) license. In addition to assisting women throughout labor and the birthing process, labor and delivery nurses care for women who experience complications with their pregnancies and assist surgeons during cesarean deliveries. They also monitor both mother and child, provide postpartum care and educate new mothers about newborn care and post-delivery health issues. Labor and delivery nurses typically work in the maternity department of a hospital, but they also might work in a freestanding birth center. They might have several career advancement options, including entering management, teaching or becoming nurse-midwives or nurse practitioners. Nurses who decide to pursue careers as instructors or advanced practice nurses need to earn at least a master’s degree in nursing, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Aspiring Labor and Delivery nurses must complete an education program that satisfies the licensing requirements for RNs in the state in which they live in. They might earn a diploma in nursing from a hospital-based program, complete as associate’s degree program through a community college or vocational school or earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) through a college or University. Work experience requirements for labor and delivery nurses are set by employers. These nurses typically have some experience in general nursing prior to being hired to work on a maternity floor or birthing center. State nursing boards issue RN licenses. According to the BLS, licensees must, at minimum, complete approved educational program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses. Individual states might impose additional licensure requirements, such as passing an exam or state laws pertaining to nursing and health care...
