How to become a labor and delivery nurse

How to become a labor and delivery nurseIf youre already a registered nurse, or are thinking about becoming one, you might want to consider specializing in labor and delivery. These OB/GYN professionals provide essential support for women throughout the entire childbirth process, in a specialty that is expected to continue growing significantly over the next ten years. googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1472832388529-0) ) What do labor and delivery nurses do?Labor and delivery nurses work directly with pregnant patients from the earliest stages of labor through birth and immediate postpartum care. Their responsibilities may include the followingSupporting patients through every stage of childbirth (antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, and neonatal)Inducing laborMonitoring the mother and babys vital signsAdministering medications and starting IV linesMeasuring contractionsIdentifying and assisting with childbirth complicationsAssisting in operations like cesar ean sections (C-sections)Providing postpartum care and supportEducating and advising new mothers on postnatal careLabor and delivery nurses typically work 12-hour shifts, including potential overnight or weekend shifts. Most labor and delivery nurses work in hospitals, but the number of birthing-specific medical centers all over the country is increasing.What skills do labor and delivery nurses have?Labor and delivery nurses have the same general skill set as all registered nurses, but also need some additional specific skills for the obstetric specialty.Medical Skills and KnowledgeNurses need to have detailed medical knowledge from an accredited educational program. Labor and delivery nurses also need to have additional knowledge of obstetrics, gynecology, and childbirth in general.Bedside MannerLabor and delivery nurses work with patients in very vulnerable and high-stress situations, so a good bedside manner (including empathy and patience) is essential.Problem Solving SkillsBeca use of the high stakes of working with laboring and delivering patients, these nurses need to be prepared for everything that can possibly go wrongand be able to troubleshoot or have a plan in place for things that cant be anticipated. Labor and delivery nurses are responsible for monitoring patients through every stage of childbirth, helping to ensure safety at every stage.Communication SkillsPart of a safe delivery is making sure that communication is happening between the medical staff and patients and ensuring that all doctors and nurses are aware of a patients condition and vital signsincluding potential complications. Clear communication can be the most essential part of supporting a patient throughout the process.What do you need to become a labor and delivery nurse?Registered nurses need to complete an associates degree or bachelors degree program from an accredited nursing school. Additionally, nurses who choose to specialize in labor and delivery can receive additional tra ining to become Certified Nurse Midwives or Nurse Practitioners in obstetrics and gynecology. All states require nurses to be licensed, so be sure to check your own states requirements.How much do labor and delivery nurses make?According to the PayScale.com, registered labor and delivery nurses make a median salary of $61,076, or $29.92 per hour. This can increase based on level of experience.What is the outlook for labor and delivery nurses?This field has two major things going for it the boom in healthcare careers in general, and the fact that mora and more babies will continue to be born. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that registered nurse demand in general will grow by more than 16% by 2024, and the labor and delivery field will have perennial demand as well.If youre thinking about specializing in labor and delivery nursing, it can be a very rewarding career path in the healthcare field. Good luck