Average Labor And Delivery Nurse Hourly Pay

Labor and delivery nurses assist expectant mothers through the delivery process and post-delivery care, helping ensure the health and well-being of newborns and mothers. They are also in charge of monitoring vital statistics, performing drug delivery, monitoring contraction timing, helping induce labor, and assisting with caesarian sections. Labor and delivery nurses work with other members of the care team to help plan and implement a plan of care, making adjustments as required by changes to the patient's condition. They must be knowledgeable of relevant technologies and evidence-based practice to provide the highest-quality care.

Labor and delivery nurses are generally employed at hospitals and private care facilities. They typically work full time, and their hours may vary depending on the needs of their employer.

Prospective labor and delivery nurses can generally start their career in a community college, vocational school, or hospital-run program. Labor and delivery nurses must satisfy licensing requirements, which vary from state to state, and many find better career opportunities when pursuing and completing degrees such as bachelor's degree in nursing. These nurses can specialize as well. Labor and delivery nurses must be registered nurses who are able to work effectively in labor and delivery scenarios. They must work well in a team setting, provide excellent care to patients, and perform well in high-stress situations. (Copyright 2018 PayScale.com)

Labor And Delivery Nurse Tasks

• Examine patients to evaluate and assess actual or potential health problems during labor and delivery.
• Improve care by contributing to a nurturing environment for patients and maintaining knowledge of advances in nursing care.
• Transcribe and implement physician's orders and provide medical support and education to mothers and their families after delivery.
• Assist physician with administering epidurals, pain medication and preparing patients for caesarian delivery.