Labor and delivery nursing is a specialized branch of nursing that concentrates on caring for women during and just after giving birth. As healthcare organizations face increasing demand for qualified maternity care professionals, labor and delivery nurses are becoming essential members of clinical teams across the country.

labor and delivery nurse

What Is a Labor and Delivery Nurse?

A labor and delivery nurse is a Registered Nurse (RN) who specializes in caring for patients throughout the childbirth process. These nurses work alongside obstetricians, midwives, and neonatal teams to ensure the health and safety of both mother and baby.

How to Become a Labor and Delivery Nurse

  • Educational Foundations
    • To embark on a career as a labor and delivery nurse, starting with a solid educational foundation is crucial. Aspiring nurses must obtain either an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution. Following this, passing the NCLEX-RN exam is essential to gain licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN).
  • Specialized Training and Certifications
    • Beyond basic qualifications, specialized training in obstetric and neonatal care greatly enhances a nurse's capabilities. Obtaining certifications such as the Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (RNC-OB) from the National Certification Corporation can be a game-changer. This certification is ideal for RNs with at least two years of experience in obstetrics, gynecology, or neonatal nursing, paving the way for advancement into leadership roles and potentially higher salaries.
  • Training and Residency Programs
    • Healthcare systems often offer nurse residency or fellowship programs for new labor and delivery nurses. These programs - which can range from several months to a year - provide hands-on experience under the guidance of seasoned preceptors, helping nurses build confidence and refine their clinical skills.

Job Outlook for Labor and Delivery Nurses

The demand for skilled labor and delivery nurses continues to grow, driven by an aging workforce and a general nursing shortage. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% growth in the RN workforce from 2021 to 2031. This growth signifies robust job security and numerous opportunities for nurses looking to specialize in labor and delivery.

Career Paths and Work Settings

Labor and delivery nurses have diverse opportunities across various healthcare environments:

  • Hospital Labor and Delivery Units: High-paced settings that handle emergency deliveries and surgical births.
  • Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs): Focused on caring for high-risk or premature newborns.
  • Postpartum Units: Support mothers during the recovery period after childbirth.
  • Birth Centers: Offer holistic and natural birth experiences in a more relaxed atmosphere.
  • Obstetric and Gynecologic Clinics: Provide prenatal and postnatal care with longer patient relationships.

These varied roles offer nurse recruiters flexibility in matching candidate preferences with employer needs.

Salary and Benefits for Labor and Delivery Nurses

Labor and delivery nurses typically earn higher-than-average salaries compared to general RNs. Compensation varies by location and experience level, but many positions include robust benefits such as:

  • Comprehensive health insurance
  • Retirement savings plans
  • Paid parental leave
  • Tuition reimbursement or continuing education support

These incentives make labor and delivery nursing an attractive and competitive career path for qualified candidates.

Key Attributes of Successful Labor and Delivery Nurses

To thrive in this field, nurses need a blend of skills and personal qualities:

  • Empathy and Compassion: Essential for providing patient-centered care during such a critical life event.
  • Quick Decision-Making: Ability to make swift decisions during emergencies is crucial.
  • Effective Communication: Strong skills are necessary for coordinating with a diverse team and ensuring patient and family understanding.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding and respecting diverse cultural beliefs about childbirth.

Building a Fulfilling Career

Labor and delivery nursing is more than a specialty - it’s a fulfilling career that blends clinical expertise with compassionate care. With the right education, certifications, and on-the-job training, nurses can thrive in this high-impact field while enjoying professional stability and personal satisfaction.

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Article originally published 6/26/2024, updated 5/19/2025

 
Paul Olzak, MBA, CPRP

With a career focused on healthcare Business Development and Service Line performance, Paul had recently been at the forefront redefining the traditional In-house Provider Recruiting role. In his position as Medical Staff Development Officer at University Hospitals, Lake Health Region in Cleveland, Ohio, Paul integrated collegial interaction, analytics, and provider experience expertise to drive a differentiated recruitment strategy.

 

Paul has brought that knowledge and experience to Client Sourcing at PracticeMatch. Joining PracticeMatch in 2021, Paul supports Client Sourcing’s pro-active recruiting model that generates a robust prospect pool, creates an effective and efficient recruiting experience, and identifies key metrics to ensure optimal performance for the client. Paul has a commitment to learning, development and passion for building a team of recruiting professionals to leverage their national footprint which benefits its client organizations and their candidates.

References:

Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Registered Nurses: Occupational Outlook Handbook." U.S. Department of Labor, Apr. 2025, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm.