The Role Of Labor And Delivery Nurses In Nursing

The nursing profession offers a wide variety of choices for career opportunities. There are also a wide variety of jobs and specialties for nurses. It is estimated there are approximately 3,129,452 Registered Nurses in the United States, and 92,113 in Georgia. The expected projected job growth in 2014-2024 is 16% for all registered nurses. Labor and Delivery nurses are registered nurses who provide care to women and their newborns during various stages of pregnancy and childbirth. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the nursing shortage is predicted to be 1.2 million between 2014 and 2022. The career path of a Labor and Delivery nurse is demanding but a gratifying choice.

The required education is an associate or bachelor’s degree

They are responsible for the total care of the mother and unborn fetus. They provide care to women during labor and childbirth. There are three stages of delivery: antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum phases. During the antepartum phase, the nurse provides support and pain control during labor, monitors the fetal heart rate and contraction pattern, and the mother’s vital signs and progress. The nurse assists with inducing labor as needed, monitors the mother and fetus for complications. During the intrapartum phase, the nurse assists with vaginal deliveries and cesarean sections. During the last phase of postpartum care, the (L&D) nurse assists and monitors the mother and baby after delivery. The nurse assesses the newborn with the APGAR(Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration) score and monitors the mother and baby for complications by assessing vital signs and doing physical assessments. During this phase, the nurse is also responsible for providing education and support to the mother with breastfeeding, pain control, and newborn care after

Ms. Robin Mitchell, an experience labor and delivery nurse, says, “ I have worked in many different fields of nursing, but working in Labor and Delivery was by far, my favorite. There is nothing to compare to the joy and satisfaction of sharing the experience of childbirth with a family. It is an unforgettable feeling of pride and sense of accomplishment, to see the new parent’s look in their eyes when they get to hold their newborn baby in their arms for the first time. Most times it is a happy experience, but many times, you have to share the loss of a child with a family. These are times that are difficult, but are unforgettable and despite the sad situation, helping a family through this difficult process can be rewarding and is something that you will never