A Labor and Delivery Nurse, often abbreviated as L&D nurse, is a Registered Nurse with specialized training in obstetrics and maternal-fetal care. These nurses work in the Labor and Delivery unit of a hospital or birthing center, providing care to pregnant women before, during, and after childbirth. Here are some key responsibilities and tasks of a Labor and Delivery Nurse:
- Prenatal Education and Support:
- Provide education to expectant mothers and their families about the birthing process, pain management options, and newborn care.
- Offer emotional support and answer any questions or concerns the mother may have during her pregnancy.
- Labor Monitoring:
- Monitor the progress of labor, including assessing the frequency and strength of contractions.
- Monitor the fetal heart rate and other vital signs.
- Recognize signs of complications or distress in the mother or baby.
- Assistance during Labor:
- Assist the mother with pain management techniques, such as breathing exercises, relaxation, and positioning.
- Administer medications or anesthesia as ordered by the healthcare provider.
- Provide emotional support and encouragement to the laboring mother.
- Delivery Assistance:
- Assist the healthcare provider during the delivery process.
- Monitor and manage the mother's pushing efforts.
- Be prepared to respond to any emergent situations or complications during delivery.
- Postpartum Care:
- Provide care to the mother and newborn immediately after delivery.
- Assist with breastfeeding initiation and provide guidance on postpartum care.
- Monitor and assess the mother and baby for any signs of complications.
- Documentation:
- Maintain accurate and thorough documentation of the Labor and Delivery process.
- Record vital signs, medications administered, and details of the labor progress.
- Communication and Collaboration:
- Communicate effectively with the healthcare team, including obstetricians, midwives, neonatal nurses, and other support staff.
- Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care.
- Emergency Response:
- Be prepared to respond quickly to emergencies, such as fetal distress or maternal complications.
- Have knowledge and training in neonatal resuscitation and other relevant emergency protocols.
- Patient Advocacy:
- Advocate for the mother's preferences and choices within the bounds of safety.
- Ensure that the birthing experience aligns with the mother's birth plan to the extent possible.
Report any serious situations to the Administrator and Director of Nurses.
Qualifications
- Labor and Delivery experience: (Required)
- BLS, ACLS Certification (Required)
- Active RN License (Required)
- Associates Degree in Nursing or Higher
Job Types: Travel nursing, Contract
Pay: $70.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Referral program
Medical specialties:
- Labor & Delivery
Physical setting:
- Hospital
Standard shift:
- Day shift
- Night shift
License/Certification:
- BLS Certification (Required)
- RN License (Required)
- MAB Certification (Required)
- Fetal Heart Monitoring Certification (Required)
- ACLS Certification (Required)
Work Location: In person