Labor and Delivery Nurse Career Guide | NursingEducation (2024)

Labor and Delivery Nurse Career Guide | NursingEducation (1)

Sue Montgomery, RN, BSN

Updated

Reviewed by NursingEducation Staff

What Is a Labor and Delivery Nurse?

A labor and delivery (L&D) nurse is a registered nurse who supports expectant parents and newborns—as well as other healthcare professionals, such as obstetricians and nurse midwives. A labor and delivery nurse has many responsibilities related to the monitoring and care of the mother and baby during labor, delivery, and in the postpartum period.

What Does a Labor and Delivery Nurse Do?

Labor and delivery nurses may be registered nurses or nurse practitioners, also referred to as advanced practice nurses (APRNs). Nurse midwives also work in the labor and delivery setting but typically do not function in the same role as a labor and delivery nurse. The labor and delivery nurse’s credentials and state practice laws determine the scope of practice permitted. Specific duties may also be determined by the hospital or birthing center in which they work.

Labor and delivery nurses have many responsibilities and priorities to balance, since they often care for more than one patient at a time. In a single shift, a labor and delivery nurse’s patient assignment may include caring for several patients who are at various stages of labor and delivery.

Such care includes caring for both the mother and baby and providing support for the patient’s significant other. Labor and delivery nurses have specialized training to identify any potential complications before, during, and after delivery and to intervene quickly and appropriately when needed.

Labor and delivery nurses may also provide extensive coaching and one-on-one support to help the patient with pain management throughout the labor process. They may also be responsible for care of the newborn after delivery.

The duties of a labor and delivery nurse may include:

  • Patient admissions
  • Obtaining patient history
  • Assessing and monitoring the status of the mother and baby
  • Monitoring contractions
  • Administering medications
  • Inserting intravenous lines and catheters
  • Performing various procedures—such as vaginal exams to assess cervical dilation
  • Operating and monitoring medical equipment
  • Assisting the physician or midwife
  • Assisting in the operating room if cesarean delivery is required
  • Educating and coaching patients
  • Providing emotional support
  • Providing postpartum and newborn care

How Much Does a Labor and Delivery Nurse Make Per Year?

According to salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for registered nurses was $77,600 in May 2021—with half of nurses earning more than that amount and half earning less. Wages of nurses in the lowest 10 percent were less than $59,450. Wages of nurses in the highest 10 percent were over $120,250.

The median annual wage for nurse practitioners was $120,680 in May 2021. The median annual wage for nurse midwives was $112,830 for the same time period.

The BLS does not provide a pay breakdown according to specialty but does provide median annual wages for registered nurses according to general categories of work location.

Since labor and delivery nurses care for patients in hospitals or birthing centers, the BLS median annual wage of $85,020 for registered nurses working in general medical and surgical hospitals (as of May 2021) may apply, depending upon the employer. BLS reports a median annual wage of $128,190 for nurse practitioners and nurse midwives working in state, local, and private hospitals for the same time period.

The salary of a labor and delivery nurse is also influenced by factors such as education, experience, and geographical region of the country.

Labor and Delivery Nurse Career Guide | NursingEducation (2)
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Registered Nurses, athttps://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm(visitedFebruary 3, 2023).

How Do I Become a Labor and Delivery Nurse?

The path to becoming a labor and delivery nurse depends upon the credentials involved. Labor and delivery nurses are registered nurses and must attend an accredited nursing program that leads to a bachelor’s degree in nursing, an associate’s degree in nursing, or a nursing diploma.

RNs must also be licensed in the state in which they work. Licensure can be obtained by passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and meeting any additional requirements of the state’s board of nursing. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) offers a resource to determine state-based nursing licensure requirements.

Labor and delivery nurses who are advanced practice nurses, such as nurse practitioners, are licensed registered nurses who obtain at least a master’s degree in their specialty role, pass a national certification exam, and hold an APRN license in their state.

A labor and delivery nurse can also obtain specialty certification by meeting eligibility requirements and taking the exam to become certified in Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (RNC-OB®). According to the National Certification Corporation (NCC), the exam “tests specialty knowledge and the application of that knowledge for licensed registered nurses in the US and Canada with a minimum of two years of specialty experience in providing care to hospitalized pregnant women during the antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum and newborn periods.”

Additional certifications are also available, such as that provided by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) for labor and delivery nurses interested in receiving certification demonstrating their expertise in breastfeeding support.

What Is the Difference Between a Labor and Delivery Nurse and an Obstetrics (OB) Nurse?

Although the roles and duties of obstetrics nurses and labor and delivery nurses may overlap, obstetrics nurses care for patients before, during, and immediately after their pregnancy under the direction and supervision of an obstetrician. Such care may be provided in a variety of settings, including the physician’s office or clinic, as well as a hospital or birthing center.

However, a labor and delivery nurse supports expectant parents and newborns—as well as other healthcare professionals, such as obstetricians and nurse midwives—in the hospital or birthing center before, during, and after birth.

What Are the Benefits of Being a Labor and Delivery Nurse?

There are many benefits to being a labor and delivery nurse, since this is typically such a joyful event for the patient and family.

WebMD describes the benefits of being a labor and delivery nurse in the context of the powerful impact they make: “Labor and delivery nurses are some of the most memorable healthcare providers. Almost every parent remembers the nurse that was there when they gave birth. As a labor and delivery nurse, you have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on a family at one of the most important moments of their lives.”

Additional Resources About Becoming a Labor and Delivery Nurse

To learn more about becoming a labor and delivery nurse, these additional resources may help:

Labor and Delivery Nurse Career Guide | NursingEducation (2024)

FAQs

How to answer why I want to be a labor and delivery nurse? ›

I'm passionate about empowering mothers and helping them through the challenges of pregnancy and childbirth, so entering a career in labor and delivery has helped me work more toward this mission."

Is it hard to get into labor and delivery nursing? ›

Is it hard to get into labor and delivery nursing? Nursing in general is competitive, and labor and delivery nursing is a popular specialty in the field. However, specialized experience and certifications can put you at a competitive advantage.

Is L&D nursing hard? ›

L&D nurses generally work 12-hour shifts. But because of the bond they form with the laboring patient, it's not unusual for nurses to stay past their shift change to be there when the baby is born. Things change quickly during labor, and the unexpected can happen. So, the work can be stressful and intense.

Why would someone want to be a labor and delivery nurse? ›

What is it about labor and delivery that makes it such an attractive career choice? For many, it's the competitive salary and in-demand job opportunities, while for others it's witnessing the miracle of life and advocating for mothers and their babies.

Why do you want to work in L&D? ›

Learning and development is crucial for reinforcing a healthy company culture, as it helps employees develop personally and professionally, leading to higher productivity and engagement. Investing in L&D attracts top talent, as employees value personal development and career growth opportunities in an organization.

What is the personality of a labor and delivery nurse? ›

Qualifications: L&D nursing requires empathy, critical thinking, decision-making, and communication skills. Most L&D registered nurses have some general medical-surgical nursing background. L&D nurses must be able to communicate well with patients, families, and other health care providers.

How many days a week do L&D nurses work? ›

Most Labor and Delivery jobs require 12 hour shifts 3 days a week for a total of 36 hours a week. They consider this full time. Sometimes this can vary with educational days (for other certifications such as CPR, etc.) and some units also requires on call shifts.

Is L&D considered critical care? ›

The labor and delivery environment combines emergency nursing, critical care, surgical (if the patient requires a c-section), and recovery. This environment can be very exciting and challenging to work in as a nurse.

Which is the hardest nursing? ›

Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, and Pharmacology all have a well-deserved reputation for being challenging to pass. Likewise, Medical-Surgical Nursing, Chemistry, Maternal and Child Health Nursing, or even Psychology may be particularly challenging for some students.

What is the highest paid L&D nurse? ›

The highest-paid labor and delivery nurses in the U.S. are employed in California. The average labor and delivery nurse salary in California is $48.66 an hour, $8,430 a month, or $101,210 a year.

Is an OB nurse the same as an L&D? ›

OB nursing is broader than labor and delivery, caring for mothers throughout pregnancy, through labor, and after delivery (antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum care). While an OB nurse can assist with labor and delivery, their skills and training encompass a broader skill set.

What degree is best for labor and delivery nurse? ›

Typically, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), rather than a two-year associate degree, is required at most hospitals, says Joan Edwards, PhD, RNC, CNS, FAAN, a labor and delivery nurse and former president of the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN).

Is it fun to be a labor and delivery nurse? ›

As a labor and delivery nurse, your job can be emotionally draining. This critical care environment can be emotional for all those who are involved. Yes, you will have highs, but you will also have lows, and those lows will be pretty bad. Over time experiencing all the highs and lows, you may become burned out.

What is the future outlook for labor and delivery nurses? ›

The job outlook for labor and delivery nurses overall is excellent. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 7% from 2020-2030, faster than the average across all occupations.

Why are you interested in labor and delivery? ›

If you're passionate about caring for women who are laboring, lifting their spirits with words of encouragement, or helping to ease their pain with your suggestions, tell your interviewer. Share your story of why this floor is a good fit for you.

Why do you want to work as a postpartum nurse? ›

Answer: 1. I have always been passionate about supporting new mothers during their postpartum journey. It is incredibly rewarding to provide care during this critical time of transition and bonding.

How do you answer why did you choose to be a nurse? ›

Provide a personal anecdote

For example, you may be pursuing a career in nursing because a close friend or family member experienced a health problem. Perhaps the nurses that provided them with care during their hospital stay inspired you to pursue a career in nursing.

Why do I want to be an OB nurse? ›

Complete Your Education and Become an Obstetrics Nurse

Being an obstetrics nurse is deeply rewarding, as professionals within this field have an opportunity to support new life, provide care to pregnant women during childbirth, and make a lasting impact on families.

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