Labor And Delivery Lpn Jobs (2024)

FAQs

Is a labor and delivery nurse worth it? ›

Labor and Delivery nurses play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of both the mother and the newborn during this significant life event. If you are considering a career in nursing and have a passion for maternal and infant care, becoming a Labor & Delivery nurse could be an immensely fulfilling path.

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.

According to the latest published figures from the BLS, the highest-paying state for licensed practical nurses is Washington, with an average LPN salary of $69,950 per year or $33.63 per hour. California is the second-best paying state, with LPNs receiving only $20 less per year, compared to Washington.

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).

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.

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.

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.

L&D nurses assist during both vagin*l births and c-sections. Labor and delivery nurses may also provide postpartum or newborn care depending on the hospital.

These include neonatal nurses, who care for mothers immediately before, during, and after labor; and labor and delivery nurses, who focus on providing care during delivery. Unlike those specialists, an OB nurse provides care starting during the early stages of pregnancy or even when a woman is trying to conceive.

Tips for getting higher pay as an LPN

If you want to earn more in this position, consider changing employers or working in a different medical setting. For example, try seeking employment in a nursing care facility, for a home healthcare service, for a community care facility or for a dental office.

How can I advance my career as a labor and delivery nurse? ›

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).

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.

Being a part of an important life event

Working as a labor and delivery nurse means you get to help patients during a life-changing event. As opposed to other medical procedures, patients often feel excited about welcoming a new life into the world.

Working as a labor and delivery nurse certainly has its challenges—from being in a fast pace work environment where you need to constantly monitor patients and help make quick decisions to dealing with a tragic loss. It can be challenging, hard, and stressful.

In addition, full-time labor and delivery nurses can have additional benefits such as vacation pay, health insurance, and retirement funds. Those who work as per diem nurses benefit from receiving competitive hourly wages and can pick up shifts where and when they want to create their ideal schedule.

What is the difference between a labor and delivery nurse and a neonatal nurse? A neonatal nurse's primary responsibility is care for newborns with various health problems. An L&D nurse's primary responsibility is assisting the patient through delivery and labor and initial care of the infant.