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Labor and delivery is emotionally and physically intense for any mother, no matter how many times they've been through it, the birth plan they're following, or the unforeseen choices they may have to make. As a Labor and Delivery (L&D) Nurse, you'll help care for mothers and newborns before, during, and after the birth. Your patients will look to you for information, reassurance and guidance in handling a delicate new life, new family member, and entirely new experience. It's on you to meet their emotions with compassion, address their questions with a calm and honest attitude, monitor their pain with proper treatment and support, and prioritize the health and safety of their newborn.

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Labor and Delivery (L&D) Nurse at a Glance

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Labor and delivery is emotionally and physically intense for any mother, no matter how many times they've been through it, the birth plan they're following, or the unforeseen choices they may have to make. As a Labor and Delivery (L&D) Nurse, you'll help care for mothers and newborns before,...

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Understanding the Role Nurses Play In the Delivery Room - Brown Trial Firm

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What Responsibilities do Labor and Delivery Nurses Have in the Delivery Room? In the delivery room, doctors aren’t the only medical professionals playing a vital role in the health and safety of a baby and his or her mother. Labor and delivery nurses also play a critical role in the delivery and care of babies, […]

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UNM Ranked Among Nation's Best Nursing Schools

The University of New Mexico College of Nursing's master of science in nursing and doctor of nursing practice are again ranked among the best nursing programs in the nation and the top in New Mexico, according to the latest ranking from U.S. News & World Report.

Barbara Damron Honored

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich recently recognized Barbara Damron, PhD, RN, senior advisor to the dean and professor in The University of New Mexico College of Nursing with a statement entered into the Congressional Record.

Providing Aid at 30,000 Feet

A University of New Mexico College of Nursing faculty member was in the right place at the right time to care for a passenger in distress on a recent flight to Albuquerque.

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UNM College of Nursing | College of Nursing | The University of New Mexico

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The University of New Mexico College of Nursing's master of science in nursing and doctor of nursing practice are again ranked among the best nursing programs in the nation and the top in New Mexico, according to the latest ranking from U.S. News & World Report. U.S. Sen.

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Our college’s over 70-year history as a nationally accredited program continues to thrive. With top programs in undergraduate BSN and DNP, we will continue to prepare the next generation of nurse leaders.

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The need for nurses in the U.S. has never been greater. Labor and delivery nurses, who assist in the safe delivery of babies and care for new mothers, are in particularly high demand, as we saw a rise in newborns in 2021. After all, nearly 3.7 million babies were born in the U.S. last year. That's a lot of deliveries that need the care and expertise of labor and delivery nurses.

Labor and delivery nurses, also known as "L&D nurses," help deliver healthy babies and get mothers through the process of pregnancy safely. These nurses have the complex job of advocating for both the mother and her yet-to-be-born baby, for which they must develop a finely honed set of ethics and a deep understanding of the relationship between the two patients.

Labor and delivery nurses care for mothers during labor and childbirth and provide the infant with initial postpartum care under the supervision of a nurse-midwife or physician. L&D nurses are particularly good at communication and understanding the parent's psychological and medical needs. They also need to be empathic and able to make quick decisions. Like all nurses, L&D nurses must remain calm when patient tensions run high and discomfort grows during labor, and they often coach family members and spouses in how to bring comfort to their laboring partners.

L&D nurses are quite similar to nurse-midwives, as they are both registered nurses, but a nurse-midwife has more advanced training and certification. Nurse-midwives often also work with expectant mothers throughout pregnancy and can act as supervisors to L&D nurses.

Labor and delivery nurses work with obstetricians and gynecologists to help pregnant women deliver their babies. They're skilled at creating comfortable, safe environments for expectant mothers throughout pregnancy and labor. L&D nurses create a close bond with their patients in order to provide them with unique, individualized support. Unlike many other types of nurses, they keep a low case load so that they can give each mother the time and dedication they need throughout their journey.
L&D nurses have many important responsibilities, including:

Monitoring and timing contractions during labor and delivery.

Providing mothers with information on what to expect during different stages of pregnancy.

Administering epidurals and other medications to help mothers manage pain in labor.

Assisting the doctor in inducing labor.

Monitoring the vital signs of the mother and the heart rate of the baby.

Assessing potentially dangerous complications of medications commonly given during labor and delivery.

Communicating with the doctor to provide timely and accurate information.

Providing support, encouragement, and comfort throughout pregnancy and labor.

Identifying complications and notifying the doctor.

Preparing for cesarean (c-section) delivery, including emergency c-sections.

Coaching mothers on breastfeeding and newborn care.

L&D nurses often work as generalists. However, they can choose to specialize in less common birth circumstances to work with specific groups of expectant mothers. Some specializations include:

High-risk pregnancies

Advanced maternal age

Fetal development issues

Cesarean section (C-section) birth

Anesthetics and pharmacology

Labor and delivery nurses have important, unique roles in the healthcare industry. In order to practice in the field, they must be well educated and pass an exam. Keep reading to learn the necessary steps of becoming an L&D nurse.

Earn a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN).

Pass the NCLEX-RN exam to get the RN license. You can take the exam and earn your RN license before you finish your BSN program.

Gain work experience. Once you've earned your degree and passed the NCLEX, you're eligible to work as an L&D nurse and you are free to begin your career.

Consider advancing your career with a master's degree in nursing (MSN). While you do not need an MSN to practice as an L&D nurse, pursuing one allows you to gain a deeper expertise in your field and access higher salaries and more job opportunities.

Nursing (Prelicensure) - B.S.

A one-of-a-kind nursing program that prepares you to be an RN...

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Locations: Due to in-person clinical requirements, students must be full time residents of FL, IN, TX, MO, ID, IA, KS, OH, NM, NV, or UT to enroll in this program. The coursework in this program is offered online, but there are in-person requirements.

Tuition: $6,430 per 6-month term for the first 4 terms of pre-nursing coursework, $8,755 per 6-month term for the remaining 4 terms of clinical nursing coursework.

Time: This program has a set pace and an expected completion time of 4 years. Certain coursework may be accelerated to finish faster.

WGU offers the prelicensure program in areas where we have partnerships with healthcare employers to provide practice sites and clinical coaches to help teach you and inspire you on your path to becoming a nurse.

If you don't live in one of our prelicensure states or don't qualify to apply, consider getting our Bachelor's in Health and Human Services instead. This degree allows you to work inside the healthcare industry, while also working directly with patients who need help.

Nursing (RN-to-BSN Online) - B.S.

An online BSN degree program for registered nurses (RNs) seeking...

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An online BSN degree program for registered nurses (RNs) seeking the added theoretical depth, employability, and respect that a bachelor's degree brings:

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Nursing - Education (BSN-to-MSN) - M.S.

A master's in nursing education program for nurses with BSNs....

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Labor and delivery nurses have the unique opportunity to help bring new life into the world. As you can imagine, this takes a specific set of skills to do properly and safely. Some of the essential skills include:

Medical skills: It's important that L&D nurses have extensive medical skills, as they are responsible for administering medications, checking vitals, preparing for medical emergencies and identifying complications during the birthing process.

Empathy: Having a baby can bring moments of pure joy and excitement, but sometimes there are complications and even tragedies, so it's important that L&D nurses are equipped to empathize with the full spectrum of patient experiences.

Teamwork: L&D nurses work on teams with nurse-midwives and physicians, and it's important to the health and comfort of the patients that they work effectively with others.

Communication with patients and other caregivers: Bringing a new human into the world is an inherently overwhelming experience, and it requires parents to absorb a lot of information quickly, so it's the responsibility of the L&D nurse to be a very clear and effective communicator. Likewise, in the delivery room, L&D nurses must communicate well with other healthcare staff to ensure the birthing process runs smoothly.

Ability to make quick decisions: Birthing plans can change quickly if faced with complications, such as the mother experiencing excessive bleeding or the baby's umbilical cord being in a dangerous position, so L&D nurses must be able to remain calm and collected to help the physician make quick decisions and keep the patients safe.

How Much Does a Labor and Delivery Nurse Make?

$64,000

PayScale reports an average salary for labor and delivery nurses of about $64,000 a year. However, these nurses can earn between $43,000 and $88,000, depending on experience, geographical location, and specialization.

Labor and delivery nurses with more than 10 years of experience typically earn $78,000 per year on average.

What is the Projected Job Growth?

9%

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports employment of registered nurses is projected to grow by 9% from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations. This projection equates to about 194,500 job ope nings for registered nurses per year over the decade.

Where Does a Labor and Delivery Nurse Work?

Hospitals

Labor and delivery nurses generally work in the delivery room or maternity ward of a hospital, but it's also common for them to work in birthing centers, clinics, and teaching hospitals. Some L&D nurses work as travel nurses who can bring their expertise to areas of the country where there may be a need.

Interested in Becoming a Labor and Delivery Nurse?

Learn more about degree programs that can prepare you for this meaningful career.

View degree programs

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How to Become a Labor and Delivery Nurse

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Learn why labor and delivery nurses are unique among all nurse types and find out what it takes to become one.

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Labor & Delivery Nurse: Career Steps to Take

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Embarking on a career in labor & delivery nursing is both rewarding and impactful, leaving imprints on countless lives. As a labor & delivery nurse, you act as a critical liaison in bringing forth new life and supporting expecting mothers through one of the most transformative periods of their lives.

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

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Nurses play a key role in the birth process. Discover how to become a labor and delivery nurse, including education, licensure, and certification.

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Some aspiring nurses know right away that they want to dedicate their professional lives to bringing new life into the world. When it comes down to it, they love babies above all else, so they don't envision themselves doing anything else but care for the little ones. Other nurses look at jobs more pragmatically. They find the idea of working with pregnant women and newborns tempting because it is a smart career choice. Some RNs may feel like it's time to take a different direction in terms of career. Thus, they're turning their attention to working with newborns - a rewarding career.

Regardless of what group you belong to, you are here because you want to learn more about labor and delivery nursing. As far as RN specialties go, this one fits your goals perfectly. So, naturally, you are eager to learn everything there is to know about a career as a Labor and Delivery Nurse.

If you want to learn more, you have come to the right place. This article offers a comprehensive overview of labor and delivery nursing as a potential career. From clarifying what it is exactly that L&D nurses do and what sets them apart from other types of nurses to addressing things like schooling, salary, and job outlook, you will find answers to all your Labor and Delivery-related questions in our guide.

Let's jump right in.

What is a Labor and Delivery Nurse?

Labor and Delivery nursing, sometimes also referred to as L&D nursing, is a sub-division of Obstetrics nursing. Professionals choosing this career path work closely with physicians or Nurse-Midwives. As part of the care team attending to mother and baby during the delivery process, L&D RNs play an invaluable role. They care for the mother (and then the baby) from admission to discharge. They are present in the delivery room, caring for the childbearing woman every step of the way.

Labor and Delivery RNs will coach the mother through contractions, help her breathe when the pain seems unbearable, cheer and encourage her throughout travail. They will be the right hand of the doctor delivering the baby, assisting in any way possible. Moreover, L and D nurses will also care for the newborn immediately after birth. In some cases, they may care for both mother and baby until they are discharged.

Thus, the Labor and Delivery Nurse is a vital link in the delivery process. Their contribution and expertise make the miracle of childbirth happen. On top of that, their care and advice can help women navigate the first days of their lives as mothers with more confidence and light-heartedness.

In short, as a Labor and Delivery Nurse, you are the family's source of information and advice. For the mother giving birth, you are a shoulder to lean on, a source of support and encouragement. You can make the birthing experience more rewarding and less painful even with the smallest gestures. Whether it's hand-holding, giving the patient extra blankets, or helping them fight nausea - even the tiniest gestures can improve how childbirth goes. And mothers won't forget it.

What Do Labor and Delivery Nurses Do?

The L&D job description may vary slightly depending on the institution where you work, the amount of experience you have in your field, and the level of education and training you have. But there are some common Labor and Delivery Nurse job responsibilities that you can expect to encounter if you direct your career in this direction.

Some of the duties of a Labor and Delivery Nurse include:

Assess the needs of the patient during childbirth

Monitor the vitals of the expecting mother. This may include checking blood pressure levels, the timing of contractions, heart rate, and more.

Provide fetal assessments and monitoring

Provide physical, emotional, or medicinal support (medicinal under the instructions of a physician or midwife)

Administering epidurals if the expectant mother chooses this option

If the birth needs to be induced, you'll have to administer the medication and provide support

Prepare the expectant mother for a C-section procedure if the situation requires it

Educate the patient about medications, the delivery process, pushing, and so on.

Provide postpartum care and advice. For example, should the new mother need a lactation consultant, you can connect her with a specialist.

Collaborate efficiently with the whole care team: this may include physicians, Nurse Midwife, Nurse Anesthetist, Charge Nurse, Lactation Nurse.

Chart procedures accurately and enter patient data in Electronic Health Records.

Educate the family on how to care for the infant.

Being an L and D nurse comes with an exhaustive job description. No two days on the job are going to be the same because each pregnancy and delivery is different. Expectant mothers have different needs and different attitudes. Each birth is a special case in its own right. So, it's crucial to be prepared for everything. You need to be able to anticipate and deal with any situation that may occur in the delivery room. That's why you need to be well prepared for the job.

In the next section, we'll discuss how to become a labor and delivery nurse. We'll cover education requirements, schooling, and additional training.

How to Become a Labor and Delivery Nurse?

The most important nurse education requirement you need to fulfill in order to become a Labor and Delivery nurse is to obtain licensure as a Registered Nurse.

There are three main education routes to becoming a licensed RN. You can get an ADN degree, enroll in a diploma program, or earn a BSN in nursing. The most common ways are, by far, the ADN and BSN paths.

An Associate's degree in nursing is the fastest way to become a Labor and Delivery Nurse. It takes around two years to complete this degree. This is a great option for nurses who need to start working as soon as possible. If at any point in your career you want to advance your education, you can do so through a bridge program. RN-to-BSN programs are common and convenient. Most of them are available online and offer a flexible schedule, making it possible to keep working while studying to get your Bachelor's Degree. Nightingale College's RN-to-BSN program is career-friendly and will prepare you exhaustively for a nursing career in your specialty of choice.

If you enroll in a traditional Bachelor's Degree in Nursing, expect to spend around four years in school. BSN degrees take longer to obtain, but the benefits they come with are worth the extra schooling time. First of all, more time spent learning will help you become a better nurse. Many studies show a positive correlation between BSN RNs, better patient outcomes, fewer failure to rescue instances, and improved patient satisfaction. Likewise, a BSN degree will open the door to more and better-paid job opportunities.

At Nightingale College, prospective learners can enroll in a blended BSN program that combines online didactic instruction with on-ground experiential learning. You'll advance your nursing skills in as little as 32 months, allowing you to start your journey towards labor and delivery nursing sooner.

Regardless of what schooling path you choose, becoming a Labor and Delivery Nurse is still a fair amount of work. The nursing education needed before embracing an L&D career will take anywhere from two to four years. If you want to advance your training, you'll need to count in an additional two years of bedside nursing before you can apply for certification.

Becoming a Certified Labor and Delivery Nurse is entirely voluntary. However, certification is not only validation of your skills as an L&D RN. It's also a ticket to higher wages, promotions, and better benefits.

Learn more about the advantages of becoming a certified nurse.

Some certifications that will boost your expertise level and L and D nursing prospects are Inpatient Obstetric Nursing Certification, Electronic Fetal Monitoring Certification, and Neonatal Resuscitation Certification.

For more information on all the steps of becoming a Labor and Delivery Nurse explore our guide on the subject.

Where Do Labor and Delivery Nurses Work?

Labor and Delivery Nurses can work in a variety of healthcare settings. Most L&D RNs can find employment in the delivery units of private or public hospitals, freestanding birthing centers, or private practice offices. In some cases, Labor and Delivery Nurses may need to attend home births.

No matter what work setting you are hired in, the environment will be fairly similar everywhere. Excitement, expectation, mixed in with the screaming and pain of childbirth make for a unique, loud, and enthralling workstation.

What Are the Differences Between L&D Nurses and Nurse-Midwives?

People often confuse the roles of Labor and Delivery Nurses and Nurse-Midwives or assume they are one and the same. That is not the case. While there are some similarities with these nursing roles, there are also many differences that set the professions apart.

Let's start with the things they have in common. Both Labor and Delivery Nurses and Certified Nurse-Midwives work with expectant mothers and newborns. They care for pregnant women, attend deliveries, and offer support and education on how to care for infants.

The differences between L&D Nurses and CNMs are important to mention. Being Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, Nurse-Midwives have a far more extensive scope of practice and more autonomy. They care for women during labor, but they are involved in caring for the expectant mothers before delivery, as well. CNMs take care of the pregnant woman throughout the course of the pregnancy, which is not a responsibility shared by Labor and Delivery Nurses. Nurse-Midwives can also offer preconception counseling, prescribe medications, and perform routine gynecological examinations.

For most Certified Nurse Midwives, working in Labor and Delivery is the first step in their career. They gain experience in the delivery room and after a few years, go back to school, earn their Master's Degree (which is a requirement for becoming an APRN), and start working as a CNM.

How Much Do Labor and Delivery Nurses Make?

A career in labor and delivery nursing is rewarding. You get to do what you love, you help bring life into the world, and day-in and day-out, you put smiles on your patients' faces. But as significant as job satisfaction and professional fulfillment are, they don't pay the bills. That's why before starting a job you also ask: how much do labor and delivery nurses make?

According to data from the online job board platform, ZipRecruiter, Labor and Delivery Nurses make annually around $99,040. That is a higher salary compared to the wages all Registered Nurses earn. Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of RNs is $80,010.

The L&D nurse salary will be influenced by more factors that range from location and employer to schooling, qualifications, and certifications.

What Is the Job Outlook for the Profession?

In addition to earning higher-than-average salaries, Labor and Delivery Nurses also enjoy excellent job prospects. This job will always be in demand, so L&D Nurses can feel pretty confident in their job's security. There were over 3,6 million births in the United States in 2020 and Labor and Delivery Nurses play an essential role in a big part of them. With more babies being born and mothers in need of care, the L&D role will not lose weight any time soon.

What Skills Do L&D Nurses Need?

Now that you've gone through the logistic aspects of the job, one question remains: Do I have what it takes? There are some skills you must command to be a successful Labor and Delivery Nurse.

Excellent communication skills are definitely at the top of the list. You need to communicate clearly with the pregnant woman from the moment she enters through the hospital doors until she is discharged. You need to listen carefully to her needs, coach her through the labor process, encourage, and support her as she delivers the baby. You also ought to communicate successfully with family members who are ready to meet the newborn for the very first time. And, of course, you work as a part of the team, so you are expected to communicate clearly with nurses, doctors, and other medical professionals.

Being calm and composed is also a game-changer for L&D nurses. The delivery ward is a dynamic work environment, with many people moving in and out, with mothers experiencing contractions, family members waiting to hear any news, nurses running around. Everything moves at a rapid pace and you need to keep up. But at the same time, you need to be the rock that childbearing mothers know is there even in the midst of this storm.

You need to display emotional strength. Labor and delivery nursing is a beautiful and rewarding career, but it won't always be all smiles and rainbows. You may encounter heartbreaking developments, pregnancies that don't end with a crying little bundle of joy on the mother's chest, or complications that change the entire 'happy pregnancy' narrative. In these moments, you need to show strength, empathy, and kindness.

You need to be a pro at managing stress. Stress is a part of any nurse's job and, if not managed effectively, it will lead to dissatisfaction and burnout. To combat burnout, you need to learn to prioritize your health and wellbeing, not only your patients. Don't let stress suck the joy out of a job you love so much.

Are You Ready to Embrace an L&D Career?

Nurses who love working with babies and expectant mothers will find a perfect match in labor and delivery nursing. It would be hard to find a more deeply rewarding career. If the idea of working in L&D fills your heart with excitement, take the first step today.

Enroll in Nightingale College's BSN program or advance your education with our online RN-to-BSN degree.

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Labor and Delivery RN: Career Overview - Nightingale College

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Learn everything you need to know about a career in L&D nursing: from Labor and Delivery Nurses' salary, schooling requirements, job description, and more.

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Labor and Delivery Nurse Jobs - Up To $116/hr

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Find Labor and Delivery Nurse jobs you’ll love on Vivian Health.