What Degree Is Best For Labor And Delivery Nurse? [2024] (2024)

FAQs

What Degree Is Best For Labor And Delivery Nurse? [2024]? ›

Minimum degree required: A BSN is typically the minimum degree for a labor & delivery nurse, though some places may only require an ADN.

An associate degree in nursing (ADN), diploma in nursing or bachelor's degree in nursing must be obtained, although some employers may require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). While completing the required courses for a BSN, aspiring L&D nurses may consider taking electives related to an L&D specialty.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Prepares you to provide registered nursing care in numerous settings and to move to administrative and leadership positions.

To enhance their skills and career prospects, labor and delivery nurses often pursue additional certifications. Two notable certifications are the Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (RNC-OB) and Electronic Fetal Monitoring (C-EFM) certifications, offered by the National Certification Corporation (NCC).

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.

We've identified 10 cities where the typical salary for a Labor And Delivery Nurse job is above the national average. Topping the list is Ruhenstroth, NV, with Santa Cruz, CA and Redwood City, CA close behind in the second and third positions.

The national average salary for an L&D nurse, according to Vivian, is about $50 an hour which is 9% higher than the nursing U.S. average. This usually comes with good benefits and support within the hospital or birthing center where they work.

Associate in Nursing (ASN)

You can become a registered nurse (RN) in just two years with your associate degree in nursing (ASN). RNs are the first line of care in many healthcare settings, and they are in increasingly high demand as healthcare organizations strive to accommodate a growing patient population.

What are labor and delivery nurses called? ›

A labor and delivery (L&D) nurse supports patients during and after birth under the supervision of a nurse midwife or physician. They also care for infants immediately after delivery. These registered nurses (RNs) often work in birthing centers, delivery rooms, and hospital maternity units.

While there are different ways to become a labor and delivery nurse, a common traditional path may include: Earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in an accredited program. Passing the National Counseling Licensing Exam (NCLEX) and becoming a registered nurse (RN).

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.

Work as a PCT.

Many nursing students work as patient care technicians (PCT) during their school years to gain hands-on experience. If you can get a job as a PCT on a labor and delivery or postpartum unit, you'll have an edge over the competition.

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.

For example, they may work in an obstetrician's office, offering maternity care to mothers-to-be. Labor and delivery nurses, however, focus specifically on labor, birthing, and the immediate postpartum process. In addition, they're involved in active and post-labor recovery stages, infant nursing, and neonatal care.

It takes 2-4 years to become a postpartum nurse, depending on your goals. The minimum educational requirement is an ADN, which takes at least two years to earn. However, a four-year BSN degree may be more valuable in the long term for career advancement.

What Is the Difference Between an L&D Nurse and a Certified Nurse Midwife? L&D nurses and nurse midwives are RNs, but a nurse midwife has more advanced training and certification. Nurse midwives may also work with patients throughout pregnancy—not just labor and delivery.

A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Nurse is a medical professional who is responsible for caring and treating newborn infants in the hospital. Use this NICU Nurse job description to advertise your vacancies and find qualified candidates.

You can save lives.

It is part of your job to keep the mothers and their babies safe during delivery. The fact that you get to go to work and save lives is definitely one of the pros of being a labor and delivery nurse and has got to make you feel good about the work that you do.