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PSE&G Children's Specialized Hospital helps babies born to mothers who used drugs during pregnancy. For more New Jersey news visit NJTV News online at njtvnews.org Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE for daily videos!

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Video of a labor and delivery nurse in action

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Video of a labor and delivery nurse in action

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When labor and delivery nurse Sandy Thomas, RN shows up for her overnight shift, she's never sure what to expect. She's honored to share personal and exciting moments with families. Learn how Sandy advocates for her patients, both mothers and the newest of babies.

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For the most part, the labor and delivery unit is apart of bringing new life into the world, instead of being surrounded by dying patients. 

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For the most part, the labor and delivery unit is apart of bringing new life into the world, instead of being surrounded by dying patients. 

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More Information on Labor and Delivery Nurses

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More Information on Labor and Delivery Nurses

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Behind almost every mother, there is a nurse - the one who helped her through the birth of her child.

Labor and delivery (L&D) is one of the most recognizable nursing specialties, and one that many aspiring nurses wish to pursue. Like any other specialty, however, it has its challenges and rewards.

"We don't just rock babies all day," said Crystal Paunan, MSN, RNC, an instructor at Chamberlain's Addison campus and nurse with 10 years of experience in labor and delivery. "There's a lot more to it than that."

1. You build strong connections with your patients.

Nurses in other specialties often juggle multiple patients, but L&D nurses are typically assigned to one actively laboring mother at a time. This set-up helps foster a strong bond between the patient and the nurse.

"The doctor or midwife is not there all the time," said Paunan. "The person that's their go-to is that labor and delivery nurse."

L&D nurses generally work 12-hour shifts, but because of the strong connection that forms, it's not unusual for them to stay past their shift change just to be there when the baby is born.

2. Assertiveness is a must - and so is a sense of collaboration.

Things change quickly during labor, and the unexpected can arise. L&D nurses need to be on their toes and serve as a strong patient advocate. That's made somewhat easier by the fact that they get to know their patients so well.

"Nursing students are very impressed when the see the relationship between the L&D nurse and the doctor or midwife," she said. "It's a team approach, not hierarchical. It's not 'Doctor, what should I do?' It's 'This is my patient, this is what I need.'"

3. You need an open mind.

L&D nurses will care for many different kinds of patients - teen moms, older moms, women who've undergone fertility treatments, even women who are incarcerated.

"In our specialty, it's important to remember that not every family is made the same way, and not every family has the same things," said Paunan. A nurse must be able to extend the same caring and empathy to all patients, no matter what the circumstances are.

4. It's not always happy.

"I always tell people that it's 99% good stuff," said Paunan. "But when it's bad, it's really bad because you're dealing with the loss of a baby or the loss of a mother."

L&D nurses may be tasked with helping usher in a new life, but they must also be versed in end-of-life issues. Even during those moments, however, the nurse has a crucial role to play.

"The connections with your patients can still be deep, because you're there for someone during probably one of the most difficult times in their life."

5. You've got options.

Like caring for mothers and babies, but not sure if L&D suits your personality? There are several related positions that might be more up your alley.

Maybe you prefer a slower-paced environment with opportunities for patient education. Post-partum (or mother-baby) nursing might be right for you. Are you all about the babies? Try neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nursing. You can even continue your education and become a Certified Nurse-Midwife. (See below.)

6. You can take the next step.

With additional education and certification, you can take on a higher level of responsibility during labor and delivery. Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) do much of the work that an obstetrician would do during labor (albeit with a more holistic, woman-focused philosophy of care).

According to the American Midwifery Certification Board, there are some 13,000 CNMs in the United States. Forget the stereotypes about midwives only attending home births - in 2012, almost 95 percent of CNM/certified midwife-attended births took place in hospitals.

That's not all they do. CNMs can also serve as primary care providers for women throughout the lifespan, from the teenage years to menopause and beyond. They give annual exams, write prescriptions and can even treat intimate partners for sexually transmitted diseases. For more information, visit the American College of Nurse-Midwives.

7. It's amazing.

"You're there not only when a baby comes into the world - you're there at the creation of a family," said Paunan.

"You get a picture taken with you giving the baby's first bath. You know that's going into a baby book and that kid's going to see your face when he's older. Those are those cool moments when you realize 'this is why I do this.'"

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7 Things to Know about Labor & Delivery Nursing

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Behind almost every mother, there is a nurse - the one who helped her through the birth of her child. Labor and delivery (L&D) is one of the most recognizable nursing specialties, and one that many aspiring nurses wish to pursue. Like any other specialty, however, it has its challenges and rewards.

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This attachment includes information on birth death rates

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Infant Mortality | Maternal and Infant Health | Reproductive Health | CDC

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Over 23,000 infants died in the United States in 2014. The loss of a baby takes a serious toll on the health and well-being of families, as well as the nation

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This attachment includes statistics on addicted babies.

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Dramatic Increases in Maternal Opioid Use and Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

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Every 25 minutes, a baby is born suffering from opioid withdrawal.

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Delivery nurses get to experience one of the most memorable events of people lives!

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Delivery nurses get to experience one of the most memorable events of people lives!

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1. What does the work environment for a labor and delivery nurse look like?

2. What skills are needed to make a good labor and delivery nurse?

3. What is the salary for a labor and delivery nurse?

4. What is the role of a labor and delivery nurse?

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Labor and Delivery Nurse | Facts about This Nursing Career

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Labor and delivery nurses have the incredible opportunity to guide women and their families through one of the most transformative experiences of their lives - childbirth. Along with providing routine and emergency care to mothers, these nurses are often responsible for the initial stabilization and care of the newborn immediately after birth.

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Here is another video that provides more information  

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Here is another video that provides more information  

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I want to be a Labor & Delivery nurse.  What's the best/worst part? What do I look for in a school?

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You mentioned that you're thinking of becoming a Labor & Delivery nurse, and you want to know - What are the best parts of the job? What are the worst parts of the job? What things should you look for in a school as you contemplate this?

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This video provides information about the role of labor and delivery nurses, the salary, and the pros and cons of the job.

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Labor and Delivery Nurse Salary | How to Become a Labor & Delivery Nurse

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Labor & delivery nurses tend to love their jobs. These nurses assist with the entire delivery process. They monitor fetal heart tones, administer medication, check dilation, insert Foley catheters, and much more. Labor and delivery nursing is truly one of the most popular areas in nursing.

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PROS AND CONS OF BEING A LABOR AND DELIVERY NURSE!

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PROS AND CONS OF BEING A LABOR AND DELIVERY NURSE!