The Registered Nurse (RN) in Labor and Delivery (L&D) is responsible for providing comprehensive care to women during labor, delivery, and the immediate postpartum period. The RN in this specialty is skilled in managing both routine and high-risk pregnancies, monitoring fetal and maternal well-being, and assisting with deliveries. The L&D nurse collaborates with obstetricians, midwives, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals to provide safe, compassionate, and effective care to both mothers and newborns.
Key Responsibilities :
Pre-Labor and Admission Assessment :
- Assess and monitor the health of pregnant women at various stages of labor, including gathering health histories, vital signs, and physical assessments.\n
- Perform non-stress tests (NSTs), monitor fetal heart tones, and evaluate uterine activity for signs of labor progression.\n
- Educate patients on labor and delivery processes, pain management options, and what to expect during childbirth.\n
Labor Support and Monitoring :
Monitor the progress of labor through regular assessment of contraction patterns, cervical dilation, fetal heart rate, and maternal vital signs.\nAdminister medications, including epidurals, Pitocin, and pain relief options, as prescribed, and monitor their effects.\nProvide continuous emotional support and pain management throughout the labor process, using comfort measures, including positioning, breathing techniques, and offering encouragement.\nAssist with amniotomy, if necessary, and other procedures as directed by the healthcare team.\nAssisting with Delivery :
Assist obstetricians or midwives during vaginal deliveries, including providing instrumentation assistance, suctioning, and other necessary actions during the birth.\nParticipate in cesarean section procedures by ensuring the sterile field, assisting with the delivery process, and providing immediate newborn care after birth.\nPerform neonatal resuscitation and initial assessment of the newborn’s health immediately after delivery.\nPostpartum Care :
Monitor the health and recovery of both the mother and the newborn in the immediate postpartum period, including assessing vital signs, bleeding, and uterine tone.\nAssist with breastfeeding support, including teaching proper latch techniques, positioning, and addressing any concerns related to infant care.\nProvide education on postpartum recovery, self-care, and newborn care, such as diapering, bathing, and recognizing signs of illness.\nDocumentation and Reporting :
Document all assessments, interventions, medications, and patient progress accurately in the electronic health record (EHR) to maintain compliance with hospital policies and legal standards.\nMaintain accurate and timely records of labor and delivery processes, including patient and fetal monitoring results.\nCollaboration and Communication :
Work closely with obstetricians, anesthesiologists, neonatologists, and other healthcare team members to plan and implement individualized care for each patient.\nCommunicate clearly with patients and families about the progress of labor, potential complications, and available options, ensuring that informed consent is obtained for procedures when necessary.\nInfection Control and Safety :
Follow infection control procedures to maintain a safe and sterile environment for labor, delivery, and postpartum care.\nEnsure that all equipment used during labor and delivery is properly sterilized and functioning, including fetal monitoring devices, IV pumps, and delivery instruments.\nEmergency and High-Risk Situations :
Recognize signs of complications, such as fetal distress, preeclampsia, and hemorrhage, and initiate appropriate interventions or escalate care as needed.\nRespond to obstetric emergencies, such as shoulder dystocia, uterine rupture, and neonatal resuscitation, utilizing appropriate protocols and teamwork.\nAdminister medications and interventions for high-risk pregnancies, including managing complications like hypertension, gestational diabetes, or infections.\nPatient Education and Advocacy :
Provide education and support to patients and families regarding labor, delivery options, newborn care, and postpartum recovery.\nAdvocate for patient preferences and informed decision-making, ensuring that patients have access to the resources they need to make choices about their care.\n
Salary : $228
