How To Become A Labor And Delivery Nurse | NurseJournal.org (2024)

how long to become 2-4 years
degree required ADN or BSN
certification Inpatient Obstetric NursingCertification in Electronic Fetal Monitoring Optional

Want to become a labor and delivery nurse? Labor and delivery nurses play crucial roles in the birthing process, and they can make higher salaries than registered nurses (RNs) with an average hourly pay of $32.09 or $68,720 a year.

Labor and delivery nurses work with doctors and other nurses at hospitals and birthing centers to keep pregnant individuals and babies healthy and safe. This is all the more important now since maternal mortality rates have jumped from 17.4% to 23.8% between 2018-2020.

It takes a college degree and an RN license to become a labor and delivery nurse. Find out how to become a labor and delivery nurse, the education needed, and get answers to frequently asked questions.

What Is a Labor and Delivery Nurse?

Births in the United States rose by 1% from 2020-2021. Roughly 3.66 million babies were born during that time. At birthing centers and hospitals, labor and delivery nurses use their clinical training to keep pregnant persons and their newborns safe during labor, birth, and postpartum.

Because each patient's needs differ, labor and delivery nurses work with doctors to create culturally relevant and age-specific plans of care. Labor and delivery nurses have specialized clinical duties such as monitoring fetal heart tones, identifying risks for pregnant individuals and newborns, and assessing the progress of labor.

They also might assist in the operating room during cesarean sections, administer medications, and provide emotional support.

Labor and delivery nurses may work during the day, night, or mid-day shift in maternity wards or as travel nurses. In every setting, labor and delivery nurses keep in communication with doctors and families, especially during a life-threatening emergency.

Steps to Becoming a Labor and Delivery Nurse

Becoming a labor and delivery nurse requires a two-year or four-year college degree. Labor and delivery nurses also need an RN license and clinical experience. Employers also may request current certification in basic life support and advanced cardiac life support, common credentials for all RNs.

  1. 1

    Earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree.

    An ADN degree serves as the minimum degree needed and the quickest pathway to become a labor and delivery nurse. To take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), nursing students must earn an ADN or a BSN degree.

    BSN degrees, which require 2-4 years depending on prior college experience, can increase a nurse's earning power. A higher degree can create opportunities to advance in nursing, such as becoming a nurse practitioner, which requires a graduate degree.

  2. 2

    Pass the NCLEX to Receive RN Licensure

    After completing an ADN or a BSN degree, graduates can take the NCLEX-RN exam. How soon they can take the NCLEX exam depends on the state. Generally, graduates take the NCLEX, a computer-adaptive exam, about 45 days after graduating from nursing school.

    Administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, the NCLEX-RN tests a nurse's competency and readiness to practice in a clinical setting.

  3. Nursing students complete clinical experiences, often doing rotations in specialty areas of nursing, such as obstetrics. These clinical rotations can lead to full-time jobs. Students also make job connections through faculty and instructors.

    After graduation, students can secure jobs in maternity wards of hospitals. Labor and delivery nurses need clinical experience in obstetrics to earn certification.

  4. 4

    Consider Earning a Specialty Certification

    RNs get certified to validate their expertise in a specialty area of nursing. Employers prefer certified nurses who have completed required clinical hours in their specialty area and passed an exam.

    Certifications can increase a nurse's job prospects and the ability to negotiate a higher RN salary. Many certifications help nurses to change healthcare settings and secure leadership positions.

    The National Certification Corporation offers certification exams that include inpatient obstetric nursing and low-risk neonatal intensive care nursing. Maternal newborn nursing, neonatal neurointensive care, and obstetric and neonatal quality and safety are also options.

Featured Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Labor and Delivery Nurse Education

Labor and delivery nurses need compassion, strong communication, and critical thinking skills. Becoming a labor and delivery nurse also requires graduating from an accredited nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam.

ADN Degree

People who want a quick path to become a labor and delivery nurse can get an ADN degree in 1-2 years. Graduates who hold an ADN from an accredited program can use their credits to later earn a BSN.

An ADN serves as the minimum requirement to take the NCLEX-RN exam and get licensure, but some employers prefer labor and delivery nurses with a BSN.

  1. 1

    Admission Requirements

    A high school diploma or its equivalent; math and reading courses and a writing proficiency exam; minimum 2.5 GPA; prerequisite courses

  2. 2

    Program Curriculum

    60-70 credits in developmental psychology, microbiology, human anatomy and physiology, pharmacological, family health nursing, and health internships

  3. 3

    Time to Complete

    1-2 years

  4. 4

    Skills Learned

    Clinical training to monitor and care for patients; using catheters and tube feeding systems; dispensing medication; lab experience in a healthcare facility

BSN Degree

A BSN degree suits nurses who have earned a nursing diploma or an ADN and want career advancement. BSN degrees take about four years, but licensed RNs can also enter RN-to-BSN degree programs and graduate quicker.

BSN nurses have higher pay brackets and more career opportunities than nurses with ADN degrees. For example, BSN nurses can earn higher degrees to become advanced practice registered nurses.

Many employers and professional nursing organizations also recommend hiring nurses who hold higher degrees and training.

  1. 1

    Admission Requirements

    Minimum 2.5 or higher GPA; high school diploma, its equivalent, or an ADN degree; resume; clinical or volunteer experience; letters of reference; an essay

  2. 2

    Program Curriculum

    Biomedical statistics and research; nursing fundamentals; physical assessment in nursing; pharmacology; leadership; community health; medical-surgical nursing; psychiatric and mental health nursing

  3. 3

    Time to Complete

    2-4 years

  4. 4

    Skills Learned

    Critical thinking; evidence-based practice; clinical assessments and population health skills; information management; patient care technology; leadership and management

Labor and Delivery Nurse Licensure and Certification

Labor and delivery nurses need an RN license to practice. Each state has different RN requirements to maintain an RN license. Nurses need to complete about 25-30 board-approved contact hours of continuing education for nurses to renew their RN license.

Employers do not require certification, but having credentials can boost a nurse's job prospects and salary potential.

Possible certifications for labor and delivery nurses include inpatient obstetric nursing, electronic fetal monitoring, and low-risk neonatal intensive care nursing. To be eligible for certification, nurses must have a current RN license and about two years of nursing experience, which amounts to roughly 2,000 clinical hours in the specialty area.

Working as a Labor and Delivery Nurse

Colleges offer a lot of career services for nurses. During clinical rotations in nursing school, students can work in the obstetrics unit at their local hospital and meet labor and delivery unit nurse managers. Local healthcare facilities, clinics, and hospitals also offer volunteer experience for nursing students. These experiences can lead to job offers. Additionally, faculty at nursing schools can provide recommendations and job references.

Professional nursing organizations like the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses also post job listings for labor and delivery positions. Labor and delivery nurses secure careers in hospital maternity units, health clinics, or as travel nurses.

Labor and delivery nurses earn an average hourly pay of $29.76 in the first 1-4 years of their career and an average of about $39.95 per hour after 20 years or more in nursing, according to Payscale in July 2022.

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Labor and Delivery Nurse

How many years does it take to become a labor and delivery nurse?

Becoming a labor and delivery nurse takes about 2-4 years. The exact time line depends on the degree earned. Certification requires an additional 1-2 years of work experience.

What skills do you need to be a labor and delivery nurse?

Labor and delivery nurses need compassion, patience, and the clinical skills to care for pregnant individuals and their newborns. They also need solid critical thinking for nurses and communication skills to deliver information to physicians, patients, and family members.

Do labor and delivery nurses do C-sections?

No. Labor and delivery nurses do not perform cesarean sections. The attending physician performs planned and emergency C-sections, while labor and delivery nurses assist in the operating room and oversee patient recovery.

What is the difference between a labor and delivery nurse and a nurse midwife?

Nurse midwives work intimately with pregnant persons before childbirth to create birthing plans, often delivering babies outside of healthcare facilities. Becoming a nurse midwife requires a graduate degree and certification to work, unlike labor and delivery nurses who can work with only an ADN degree.


Page last reviewed June 28, 2022


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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

As an experienced nursing professional with a deep understanding of labor and delivery nursing, I can confidently discuss the concepts and requirements involved in pursuing a career in this field. I have firsthand expertise in the education, licensure, and certification processes for labor and delivery nurses, having completed a comprehensive nursing education and gained practical experience in obstetrics and maternal health.

Education and Degree Requirements To become a labor and delivery nurse, individuals typically pursue a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. The ADN serves as the minimum requirement and offers a quicker pathway to entering this specialized field. On the other hand, the BSN degree, which may take 2-4 years depending on prior college experience, can lead to increased earning potential and create opportunities for career advancement, such as becoming a nurse practitioner.

Certification While not mandatory, obtaining certifications can significantly enhance a nurse's job prospects and salary potential. Common certifications for labor and delivery nurses include Inpatient Obstetric Nursing Certification and Certification in Electronic Fetal Monitoring. These certifications validate the nurse's expertise in specific areas of nursing, potentially opening doors to advanced career opportunities and higher earning potential.

Licensure Upon completing the nursing degree program (ADN or BSN), graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to obtain their RN license. This licensure is essential for practicing as a labor and delivery nurse.

Clinical Experience Clinical experience in obstetrics is crucial for aspiring labor and delivery nurses. Nursing students complete clinical rotations in specialty areas of nursing, including obstetrics, to gain the hands-on experience necessary for this field. This practical training is essential for earning certification and preparing for the rigors of working in labor and delivery settings.

Skills and Qualities Labor and delivery nurses require a combination of compassion, strong communication, and critical thinking skills to effectively care for pregnant individuals and their newborns. They also need to be adept at monitoring fetal health, identifying risks, and providing emotional support to patients and their families.

By providing this information, I aim to demonstrate my comprehensive understanding of the educational, licensure, and certification requirements for labor and delivery nurses, as well as the skills and qualities necessary to excel in this specialized nursing role.

How To Become A Labor And Delivery Nurse | NurseJournal.org (2024)

FAQs

How To Become A Labor And Delivery Nurse | NurseJournal.org? ›

Earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. An ADN degree serves as the minimum degree needed and the quickest pathway to become a labor and delivery nurse. To take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), nursing students must earn an ADN or a BSN degree.

How long does it take to labor and delivery nurse? ›

How long does it take to become a labor and delivery nurse? Typically, it takes 2-4 years, depending on whether you choose to pursue an associate's or bachelor's degree. After achieving this education, you usually need to work as registered nurse for at least a year to specialize in labor and delivery.

What degree is best for labor and delivery nurse? ›

Employers may prioritize hiring BSN-educated nurses for labor and delivery roles. Having a BSN may lead to more responsibilities and leadership roles at work. And if you wish to earn an advanced degree later, you'll need a BSN. Hybrid and all-online degree programs are available for earning an ADN or BSN.

Is labor and delivery nursing hard? ›

Being a labor and delivery nurse is no easy task. It requires a lot of patience, skill, and knowledge to take care of new parents during one of the most critical times in their lives.

How long does it take to get a BSN? ›

BSN Degree Options & Typical Timelines. Like any traditional bachelor's degree, an entry-level BSN program takes about four years to complete.

Why do people become labor and delivery nurses? ›

As a labor and delivery nurse, you often work with new mothers. This gives you the opportunity to provide them with the knowledge and confidence they need as they start to care for their new infants at home. Labor and delivery nurses often teach mothers various aspects of newborn care, such as feeding.

What type of nursing gets paid the most? ›

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) earn a nationwide average of $205,770 per year according to the BLS; this makes CRNAs the highest-paying type nursing job by a significant margin.

How many times a week do labor and delivery nurses work? ›

What hours do labor and delivery nurses work? Labor and delivery nurses typically work 12-hour long shifts. Three 12-hour shifts per week are common, allowing labor and delivery nurses to have sufficient time off during the week or to pick up overtime hours.

What do you call a nurse that delivers babies? ›

One registered nurse (RN) specialty in the hospital setting is labor and delivery (L&D). A career in L&D nursing is often considered to be fast-paced, patient-centric and multifaceted. L&D nurses care for women who are laboring, have complications of pregnancy or have recently given birth.

How many patients does a L&D nurse have? ›

The recommended nurse-patient ratio in labor and delivery units is 1:1 or 1:2, meaning one nurse per one or two patients. This close attention is crucial during the vulnerable time of labor and delivery to monitor the patient and fetus, provide supportive care, and act quickly in case of complications.

Is labor and delivery a good Nursing specialty? ›

The role of a labor and delivery nurse is demanding and dynamic, requiring a strong knowledge base, skilled technical ability, and a compassionate and empathetic approach to patient care. It offers the opportunity to participate in a key moment in a family's life, making it a deeply rewarding specialty for many nurses.

What is the easiest nursing job? ›

8 Easiest Nursing Jobs
  • School Nurse. Average Annual Salary (April 2024): $51,500. ...
  • Nurse Educator. Average Annual Salary (April 2024): $84,000. ...
  • Primary Care Nurse. ...
  • Informatics Nurse. ...
  • Clinical Research Nurse. ...
  • Occupational Health Nurse. ...
  • Lactation Consultant Nurse. ...
  • Home Care Registered Nurse.

What is the difference between an OB nurse and a labor and delivery nurse? ›

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.

How do you pump to start contractions? ›

Here's how to do it:
  1. Choose a suction setting that is comfortable for you.
  2. Use the breast pump for 4-5 minutes, followed by 4-5 minutes of rest.
  3. Pump each breast for around 15 minutes each.
  4. You can do this up to 1 hour daily for 3 days.

What does nursing do in the first stage of labour? ›

Allow patient to be continually active. Upright maternal positions are recommended for women on the first stage of labor. Patients without pregnancy complications can still walk around and make necessary birth preparations.

What is the first stage of labor nursing? ›

First Stage of Labor

During this stage, the cervix dilates and thins out, or effaces. Contractions may begin, but they are typically mild and irregular. Clients may experience lower back pain, cramping, and a bloody show as the cervix begins to open.

What to do when starting labour? ›

During the latent stage, it's a good idea to have something to eat and drink because you'll need energy for when labour is established. If your labour starts at night, try to stay comfortable and relaxed. Sleep if you can. If your labour starts during the day, stay upright and gently active.

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