Overview Ensuring the achievement of Northern Arizona Healthcare’s mission, the Registered Nurse is accountable for the coordination of care for patients and their families including direct care, patient and family education and discharge planning. When providing care, Registered Nurses follow the process of assessing, nursing diagnosing, outcome identification, planning, implementing and evaluation as the basis for the delivery of care. The Registered Nurse provides leadership for ancillary personnel by being a team leader, serving as a preceptor, and being an active member of the healthcare team.The nurse practices within the ANA Scope of Practice, the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses and the standards of his/ or her specialty. Responsibilities Patient Care * Assesses the needs and conditions of assigned patients by gathering relevant patient health information.* Identifies outcomes, develops a plan of care individualized to the patient and/or situation, and implements the identified plan appropriate for the attainment of the expected outcomes.* Assesses patient's progress toward the attainment of outcomes and effectively revises/updates diagnoses, outcomes and plans of care as appropriate.* Contributes to patient experience by providing safe, high quality & patient centered care (as described above) and by respecting patients privacy, and treating all patients,family members and guests, as well as other associates, with dignity, respect, and compassion.* Evaluates patient conditions frequently and adapts plan of care appropriately.* Performs aseptic techniques by maintaining a sterile field while using principles of disinfection, sterilization, and infection control.* Maintains infection prevention standards.* Collaborates with physicians and other health care professionals.* Assists as necessary with procedures and transportation throughout the hospital per hospital and departmental policies and procedures. Education * Participates in creating and sustaining a learning environment supported by evidenced based practice and research.* Focuses on personal development areas, engaging in professional/collegial interactions with peers and students.* Work collaboratively with peers and other health care providers, and participating in ongoing in-service and educational seminars.* Participates in the mentoring and education of colleagues and students. Compliance/Safety * Adheres to regulatory and organizational standards affecting patient care and safety as well as all hospital and departmental policies and procedures. Practices in a safe, high quality and cost effective manner.* Stays current and complies with state and federal regulations/statutes and company policies that impact the employees area of responsibility.* If required for position, ensures all certifications and/or licenses are up-to-date and valid prior to expiration dates.* Completes all company mandatory modules and required job specific training in the specified time frame.* Maintains timely and accurate documentation of assessments, interventions, EMR entries, and patient responses.* Responsible for reporting any safety related incident in a timely fashion through the Midas/RDE tool; attends all safety related training programs; performs work in a safe manner; monitors work environment for possible safety issues and ensures others are also performing work in a safe manner. Qualifications Education RNs hired on or after 7/1/2016: Must graduate from a BSN program within 6 years of hire into an RN position.Existing Staff RNs: RNs hired before 7/1/2016 are not mandated to have a BSN, but are encouraged to pursue a BSN degree. Certification & Licensures Active, unrestricted, Arizona RN License or valid, participating compact license- Required BLS (American Heart Assoc.)- Required ACLS- Required Intermediate Fetal Heart Monitoring- Required within 6 months from date of hire - postpartum only Advanced Fetal Heart Monitoring- Required upon hire or at completion of Labor & Delivery Training Program - Labor & Delivery only (once initial completion of advanced fetal monitoring complete, may alternate with intermediate fetal monitoring every 2 years) NRP- Required within 90 days of hire Employee will obtain and maintain appropriate clinical competencies for the roles assigned by their departmental leader.
More than 3.6 million babies are born every year in the United States, which means labor and delivery nurses are kept busy. As an L&D nurse, you’re responsible for helping new parents before, during, and after childbirth, making you a vital part of their healthcare team.
Looking for labor and delivery nurse jobs? IntelyCare has options for you whether you prefer full-time, part-time, contract, temporary, or per diem jobs. Some of the more in-demand roles include:
In order to become a labor and delivery nurse, you need to earn a degree from an approved nursing school, whether you’re studying to be an NP, RN, or LPN/LVN. RNs can choose either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN). Keep in mind that for some RN positions, candidates with BSNs may be preferred.
Once you’ve completed your labor and delivery nurse schooling, you have to pass corresponding examinations before you can apply for your license. Then you’ll likely need at least a year of clinical work experience. Working in related specialty areas like pediatrics can put you at an advantage in your job search.
Labor and Delivery Nurse Resume and Cover Letter
Before you apply to a labor and delivery nurse job, take time to refine your L&D resume. Carefully read through the requirements in the job posting, and tweak your resume so that it reflects the employer’s language. For instance, if the description mentions that applicants must exhibit “clinical expertise in antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum care,” use that phrase in your resume. Then use your cover letter to explain how you provide exemplary care both in and out of the LDRP room.
Need more help determining which of your many skills you should emphasize in your application? Check out our sample L&D nurse job description for guidance.
Interviewing for Labor and Delivery Nursing Jobs
As an L&D nurse, you’re no stranger to high-pressure situations, but that doesn’t mean you should walk into a job interview and just hope for the best. Take time to review some of the more common labor and delivery nurse interview questions. This gives you a chance to prepare and practice smart, thoughtful responses in advance rather than struggle to come up with something good to say on the fly.
Also, be sure to check out our interview tips below:
L&D Nurse Salary
The median salary for a labor and delivery nurse is around $84,650 per year for RNs. Your pay will depend on a number of factors including your level of nursing, years of experience, facility type, employer, and geographic location. For a better picture of labor and delivery nurse jobs’ salary expectations in your area, view the latest openings on IntelyCare.
Labor and Delivery Nursing Job FAQs
L&D nurse vs. mother-baby nurse — what’s the difference?
Labor and delivery nurse jobs specialize in assisting women in childbirth, providing care during labor, delivery, and the initial postpartum period. However, mother-baby nurse jobs focus on postpartum care, providing support to new mothers and newborns after birth, including newborn care, assistance with breastfeeding, and maternal recovery.
L&D nurse vs. certified nurse midwife — what’s the difference?
A L&D nurse is a registered nurse who typically works under a doctor or midwife’s supervision. A certified nurse midwife (CNM) is an advanced practice nurse who is trained to take the lead in providing prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum care.
L&D nurse vs. OB-GYN nurse — what’s the difference?
While L&D nurses specialize in providing care during childbirth, OB-GYN nurse jobs focus on both obstetrics and gynecology, providing comprehensive care throughout a woman’s reproductive cycle.
How long does it take to get into labor and delivery nursing?
Entering this specialty usually takes about four years for RNs, including education and licensure. If you want to pursue certifications or specializations, your journey could be longer. Many L&D certifications require two years of experience to be eligible to apply.
Ready to Find Labor and Delivery Nurse Jobs?
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