How long does it take to become a labor and delivery nurse

Labor and delivery nurse career guide

How long does it take to become a labor and delivery nurse

How long does it take to become a labor and delivery nurse

Labor and delivery nurse

Requires a bachelor of science in nursing/associate degree in nursing

Does not make critical decisions during childbirth

Only provides care to women who are pregnant

Works directly under a doctor, carrying out their instructions

Midwife

Requires a master’s degree in midwifery

Makes critical decisions during childbirth, such as emergency interventions

Provides care to women during various stages of their life

May work alone in the delivery room, replacing a doctor during labor

A labor and delivery nurse is required to communicate calmy and effectively in highly stressful situations.

To provide the best possible patient experience, it is important to be able to put yourself in the shoes of the mother and the family members who are present.

Labor and delivery nurses are part of the wider healthcare team. Working together is crucial to the smooth running of the department.

Labor and delivery nurses are required to use highly sophisticated equipment to monitor the health of both mother and baby. They also need to be competent with computer software to maintain and update patient records.

Choose your state

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

Alabama

  • 10th percentile: $47,085
  • 50th percentile: $61,294
  • 90th percentile: $91,505

Highest salary states

1.

California

$76,716

Average salary

2.

Alaska

$76,001

Average salary

3.

Washington

$74,325

Average salary

See more

How long does it take to become a labor and delivery nurse

4.

Massachusetts

$73,164

Average salary

5.

New Jersey

$72,738

Average salary

6.

Connecticut

$72,713

Average salary

7.

New York

$72,332

Average salary

Labor & Delivery, Birthing

3.23% Average salary increase

or approximately

$2,134 in annual pay

Obstetrics/Gynecology (OB/GYN)

1.04% Average salary increase

or approximately

$689 in annual pay

Recovery / Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)

0.39% Average salary increase

or approximately

$257 in annual pay

Choose Degree:

Average

Bachelor’s Degree

Master’s Degree (non-MBA)

Average

TimelineSalary
Less than 1 year $58,558
1 to 3 years $62,349
4 to 6 years $67,393
7 to 13 years $74,488
14 years or more $87,116

FAQs about careers as a labor and delivery nurse

The role of a labor and delivery nurse can be both physically and emotionally demanding. This is offset by the fact that it is also highly rewarding, with the opportunity to witness the miracle of birth every day.

The salary of a labor and delivery nurse can vary, based on the state and employer. Generally speaking, annual salaries start at around $46,000 and can go as high as $90,000

There is no specific labor and delivery nurse degree. Candidates first need to become a registered nurse by completing either a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or an associate degree in nursing (ADN). Typically, registered nurses work for at least a year before they specialize as a labor and delivery nurse.

A doula is a childbirth and postpartum coach, thus the role differs from labor and delivery nurse. A woman’s labor and delivery nurse cannot also be their doula. Labor and delivery nurses who want to become doulas can complete a doula certification.

Additional resources

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Is it hard to get into labor and delivery nursing?

L&D is also a notoriously competitive specialty, but with solid credentials and a professional resume and cover letter, it's not impossible. With that said, working in labor and delivery won't be the right fit for every nurse.

What skills do you need to be a labor and delivery nurse?

Qualifications: L&D nursing requires empathy, critical thinking, decision-making, and communication skills. Most L&D registered nurses have some general medical-surgical nursing background. L&D nurses must be able to communicate well with patients, families, and other health care providers.

How much do L&D nurses make in Texas?

How much does a Labor and Delivery Nurse make in Texas? The average Labor and Delivery Nurse salary in Texas is $76,000 as of September 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $69,200 and $86,100.

How do you get into labor and delivery?

To become a Labor & Delivery Nurse, either an associate's degree in nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is required. It's also required to become licensed. This can be done by passing the RNC-OB exam. There are many specialty areas in the field of nursing.