- A labor and delivery nurse is required to earn either an Associate's degree in Nursing or a Bachelor's of Nursing degree and pass a licensing test in order to become a registered nurse. A labor and delivery registered nurse is also required to learn and understand fetal monitoring and neonatal resuscitation. Once a nurse has accumulated professional experience for two years, then she can take a certification exam in an area of specialization. These areas include fetal monitoring, postpartum nursing, nursery and intrapartum nursing. Once the certification requirements have been completed, then the nurse has the ability to use the RN,C designation.
- A labor and delivery nurse can work in a variety of different areas of the labor and delivery unit. From providing direct care to patients in labor with uncomplicated deliveries to those with pregnancies that are experience complications, there is no limit to the amount of experience a nurse can get from working directly with patients. Labor and delivery nurses can also circulate to help manage patients in the operating room during Cesarean deliveries and can work as a surgical assistant during these sometimes complicated procedures. Labor and delivery nurses can also work in the nursery, helping to provide medical monitoring and care to newborn babies.
- Labor and delivery nurses should always be prepared to think on their feet and make quick, correct decisions. A good nurse has the ability to communicate well with patients in labor as well as their families, doctors and other staff members. Labor and delivery nurses have to be able to properly assess labor situations and prioritize the needs of the patient in a very fast-paced environment.
- Labor and delivery nurses can work in a hospital setting, as well as in a gynecologist's office, women's clinic, birthing center or maternity center. Labor and delivery nurses who want to specialize further can choose to obtain additional education and training in neonatal intensive care (NICU) or as a certified nurse midwife (CNM).
- Some nurses have undergone further training and are practicing as Certified Nurse Midwives. These specialists have advanced clinical training which they use to give health care to women who are pregnant, in labor and after they have given birth. Midwives will stay with the laboring mother throughout the entire labor and delivery process.
