[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke”][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Key Takeaways[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check” marker-color=”secondary”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Labor and delivery nurses monitor and support mothers and infants throughout labor, delivery, and immediate recovery in hospitals and birthing centers.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This specialty requires a registered nurse license and a BSN or ADN degree.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNC-OB certification and neonatal resucitation credentials can enhance job prospects.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A labor and delivery (L&D) nurse supports patients during and after birth under the supervision of a nurse midwife or physician. They also care for infants immediately after delivery. These registered nurses (RNs) often work in birthing centers, delivery rooms, and hospital maternity units. When labor and delivery nurses work in home and birth centers, they are often referred to as birth assistants.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Labor and delivery nurses must have excellent communication, assessment, and teaching skills. They excel in providing supportive services to help new parents navigate the birthing process. Learn more about how to become an L&D nurse, what they do, and where they work.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm mb-8″]Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Labor_And_Delivery_Nurse/Hourly_Rate”]Payscale (September 2025)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online MSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Does a Labor and Delivery Nurse Do?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An L&D nurse closely monitors patients’ condition during every step of labor and birth, providing intervention when needed. These nurses care for newborns during the immediate postpartum period (i.e., usually the first two hours after birth). Labor and delivery nurses also administer medication, closely monitor vital signs, and educate patients, their spouses/partners, and other family members.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The L&D unit is fast-paced, and nurses must quickly respond to obstetric emergencies when they occur. The labor and delivery environment combines emergency nursing, critical care, surgical (if the patient requires a c-section), and recovery. This environment can be very exciting and challenging to work in as a nurse.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Where Do Labor and Delivery Nurses Work?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Labor and delivery nurses typically work in labor and delivery units and in birthing centers. They can also assist patients during home births.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Labor, Delivery, and Recovery Rooms (LDRs)[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]L&D nurses assess labor progress and maternal and fetal status, providing updates on labor progress and deviations to providers. They also assist with the hands-on care of patients during labor, delivery, and postpartum, including practical assistance with movement and hygiene, administering medications, utilization of monitoring devices, documentation of care, and providing emotional support.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Birthing Center[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In birthing centers, L&D nurses assist during labor and postpartum, monitor progress and vital signs, and refer to hospital care if needed. They also care for the newborn and patient during the initial postpartum period.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is the Difference Between an L&D Nurse and a Certified Nurse Midwife?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]L&D nurses and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-midwife/”]certified-nurse midwives[/hen-ui-link] are RNs, but a nurse midwife has more advanced training and certification. Nurse midwives may also work with patients throughout pregnancy — not just labor and delivery.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Labor and Delivery Nurse[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Works with one patient in active labor at a time[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Cares for the patient throughout the birthing process[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Has RN license[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Carries out nurse midwife’s or physician’s orders, such as inducing labor[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Certified-Nurse Midwife[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]May work with multiple patients at once during labor or postpartum, and may evaluate patients in triage as needed[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]May care for patients throughout pregnancy[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Has an RN license, a nurse midwife certification, and a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/types-of-masters-degrees-in-nursing/”]master of science in nursing (MSN)[/hen-ui-link] or doctor of nursing practice (DNP)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Makes critical decisions[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Become a Labor and Delivery Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The minimum requirement to [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/labor-and-delivery-nurse/”]become a labor and delivery nurse[/hen-ui-link] is an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/”]associate’s degree in nursing (ADN)[/hen-ui-link] or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and an RN license, including a passing score on the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/guide/”]NCLEX exam[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Experience in the obstetrics field, a bachelor’s degree, and certification in obstetric nursing (RNC-OB) gives nurse candidates a competitive edge in the job market. Employers often require L&D nurses to get certification in neonatal resuscitation.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Much Do Labor and Delivery Nurses Make?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The average salary for labor and delivery nurses is $75,036 as of September 2025, [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Labor_And_Delivery_Nurse/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”]according to Payscale[/hen-ui-link]. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Certification=Registered_Nurse_Inpatient_Obstetrics_Certification_(RNC-OB)/Salary” target=”_blank”]Payscale[/hen-ui-link] also reports that the average base salary for RNC-OB certified nurses is $92,000 annually.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many factors influence [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/labor-and-delivery-nurse/”]labor and delivery nurses’ salaries[/hen-ui-link], including their geographic area, level of education, experience level, and whether they are RNC-OB certified.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The job outlook for L&D nurses is good. The BLS projects a 5% growth rate for all RNs in 2024-2034, which is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Resources for Labor and Delivery Nurses[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.awhonn.org/” target=”_blank”]Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]AWHONN serves nurses through advocacy, networking, and offering professional continuing education, including courses for L&D nurses, such as fetal heart monitoring. Membership is open to nurses and any other interested parties, but only RNs can vote or hold office.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.midwife.org/” target=”_blank”]American College of Nurse-Midwives[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]ACNM provides professional education for certified nurse midwives and certified-nurse midwives and advocates for the profession. Certified-nurse midwives and nurse midwives can be full members, but others can join as nonvoting members.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”http://nann.org/” target=”_blank”]National Association of Neonatal Nurses[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NANN develops and delivers continuing education and development (including an annual conference), publishes a journal and newsletters, and offers fellowships. Membership is open to nursing students as well as RNs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.npwh.org/” target=”_blank”]Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The NPWH provides continuing professional education, conducts research, and advocates for policies that advance both women’s health and nurse practitioners. Most members are practitioners, but there are membership categories for other women’s health specialists and students.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Labor and Delivery Nurses[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to become a labor and delivery nurse?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It takes at least two years to earn an ADN plus the required certifications to become a L&D nurse. However, acquiring a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/four-year-bsn-degree/”]four-year BSN[/hen-ui-link] leads to higher salaries and more opportunities for advancement.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What can you do as a labor and delivery nurse?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As an L&D nurse, you can work in a hospital, birthing center, private homes, or other healthcare settings, assisting patients giving birth and caring for newborns. You can also use the position as a stepping-stone to a nurse midwife position, which entails more responsibility and higher compensation.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What career advancement opportunities are available for labor and delivery nurses?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Advancement opportunities for labor and delivery nurses include [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-midwife/how-to-become-a-nurse-midwife/”]becoming a nurse midwife[/hen-ui-link] or pursuing certification in inpatient obstetric care. Nurse midwives can supervise other L&D nurses and have sole medical oversight over a birth.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some L&D nurses may also become clinical nurse educators who teach new nurses, perinatal health coordinators who monitor safety and quality metrics, or nurse managers who manage the unit.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the difference between a labor and delivery nurse and a neonatal nurse?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/neonatal-nurse/how-to-become/”]neonatal nurse[/hen-ui-link]‘s primary responsibility is to care for newborns with various health problems. An L&D nurse’s primary responsibility is assisting the patient through delivery and labor and initial care of the infant. For births without complications, the L&D nurse may care for both the patient and infant until they are transferred to the postpartum unit, usually around hours after birth. The postpartum and newborn nurse will care for the mother and infant until they are discharged from the hospital.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]