As we all know healthcare travelers and travel nurses are in high demand across the country and the need is only expected to continue to grow. There are so many opportunities in large cities, rural clinics and everything in between. L&D, Labor & Delivery RN is one of the specialties that many facilities are in need of today. Have you considered this field as your specialty? It can be highly rewarding providing care for women and their infants during labor and childbirth.
The RN in Labor & Delivery is responsible for supporting, assisting and educating women during all 4 stages of delivery. There is really no such thing as a typical day in this department as every birth is so different. It is fast paced and conditions can change from smooth to life threatening in an instant. Obviously there are no set hours for L&D so shifts can include weekends, nights, and holidays. The ability to deal with stress and work with accuracy despite frequent interruptions are a big part of working in L&D.
Some of the duties that would be specific to the L&D RN may be:
Observing and monitoring the fetal heart rate and mother's vital signs
Administer medications and perform diagnostic tests
Provide support to the mother during labor
Help the patient with breathing techniques and measure timing and strength of contractions
Check patient's cervix periodically to check for progress or lack thereof
Working as a team with physician and other healthcare team members
Keep patient clean and dry and clean up fluids
Assist with induction of labor if necessary
Identify and assist with complications
Encourage pushing at the proper time
Phlebotomy skills, basic IV and central lines
Inform the attending physician when it's time for delivery
Assist with various procedures when called for including C-sections
Record time of birth
Apgar scoring
Perform testing, observation and monitoring of newborn infant and immediate care of infant such as weighing, cleaning, etc.
Educate the support the mother and family members after the delivery.
In most instances a two year associate's degree or a four year bachelor's degree is required to begin working in this field. Some facilities may also require certification.
Mary Crawford, HealthCare Employment Network
