What Does a Labor & Delivery Nurse Do?

In honor of National Nurses Week, we're taking this post to celebrate Labor & Delivery Nurses with some basic information and our gratitude. 

What Does a Labor & Delivery Nurse Do?

If you're planning to give birth in a hospital, you'll be assigned a labor and delivery nurse for your care once you're admitted. It helps to know what all your L&D nurse is responsible for during your stay. That way, you are more knowledgeable on what to expect and what kinds of things you can ask for help with. 

• Assess and monitor vital signs for you and your baby (heart rate, blood pressure, and more)
• Assess you for stage of labor, dilation& effacement, rupture of water, complications, and other physical assessments
• Administer medications, including IV
• Manage fetal monitoring device when used
• Communicate your needs/questions to your care provider 
• Manages multiple patients in labor, including assisting with induction, epidural, pain management, education, and support during birth ("delivery")
• Assist in operating room for cesarean sections, tubal, and emergency obstetric and gynecological procedures
• Provide education related to medications, labor, pushing, birth, and postpartum care 
• Collaborates with your care management team, including anesthesiologist, physician or midwife, lactation nurse, and charge nurse

Other Help Provided by Your Labor & Delivery Nurse

• Finding a more comfortable position for labor
• Locating any needed supplies
• Getting a hold of your OB or midwife
• Answering your questions
• Physical assistance with moving around while in labor

Thank you, labor and delivery nurses for your:

• Patience
• Care
• Attention to detail
• Quick thinking
• Calming presence
• Humor
• Willingness to get extra apple juice/popsicle/ice water/chux... the list goes on
• Loving kindness in hard moments
• Helpful information
• Time spent cleaning up the messes
• Dedication

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