Having a job as a labor and delivery nurse can be one of the most rewarding specialties of nursing. You’ll work directly with OBGYNs, monitor and help expectant mothers before and after the birth, and provide compassionate care in listening and responding to questions, difficulties, and psychological issues. Labor and delivery nursing is truly an all-around job. When you add travel nursing to the mix, you’ll find yourself in new and exciting situations that allow you to learn and practice your skills in various healthcare environments.

Here’s what you can expect from the position:

1. Work in a hospital, doctor’s office, or birthing center and be the main support for the OBGYNs.
2. Keep charts and paperwork current.
3. Educate patients on pre-and post-natal care, not forgetting pre-existing conditions that might impact their pregnancy.
4. Perform ultrasounds and other pre-natal wellness checks.
5. Monitor patients in the late stages of pregnancy, including watching for any signs of complications or difficulties.
6. Assist with the birth, check the mother’s and baby’s vitals, and support the delivery of the baby and placenta. Be ready for any sudden changes in the birth plan.
7. Post-partum, be the line of communication between the mother and her doctor. Listen and explain the post-partum period compassionately with its mental and physical changes. Look for any signs of post-partum difficulties or depression.
8. If you choose the specialty, monitor, and care for babies in the neonatal care unit.

What do I need to get a job as a labor and delivery nurse?

An RN certification

You must be certified as an RN before you can begin practicing as a labor and delivery nurse. Educationally, this is the only requirement, but you will need many “soft skills” in your job.

Compassion and Care

Although you will be performing physical checks and support, you will also need to be a careful listener, attuned to the mental and physical needs of the mother. You will be the first line of defense, and it is your responsibility to attend to the mental as well as physical needs of your patients.

Because each pregnancy is different, even mothers who have given birth before can experience pre- and post-partum difficulties they did not face in previous pregnancies. Treat them the same way you would treat first-time mothers–with warmth and consideration.

Good communication skills

As a labor and delivery nurse, one of your jobs is to be the go-between for mother and doctor. You need to effectively pass information and be able to explain procedures and any difficulties to the patient. Medical terminology is difficult at the best of times, but when something goes wrong, it is vital to tell your patient what is happening in language they can easily understand.

The ability to roll with the punches

Unexpected birth plan changes, emergencies, and sudden difficulties–these are all part of a labor and delivery nurse’s job. You need to be able to adapt to sudden changes. Sometimes the decision is made within seconds to switch from a vaginal birth to a cesarean, and all staff needs to be on their toes.

What are the benefits of a travel labor and delivery nurse job?

We’re so glad you asked! Among the many benefits of travel nursing:

Work with a variety of doctors and nurses

See how different doctors perform different procedures. Gain experience as you learn from many more doctors and nurses than if you stayed in one setting. You will be able to refine your skills and even enhance them more quickly in your specialty.

Collaborate with the highest-caliber doctors and institutions

At Coast Medical Service, we screen our clients very carefully to ensure that you will experience working at top-rated healthcare institutions. Learning from the best means that your skills will be the best they can be.

Set your schedule and work when and where you want

A job as a travel labor and delivery nurse means you decide when you want to work and what part of the country. We have jobs all over the U.S., from small towns to big cities–including Alaska and Hawaii. Choose the environment you want to try, and we’ll find your best match.

Have time to spend with friends and family and go on vacation. Or just get the downtime you want between assignments. We have assignments from as short as 4 weeks to as long as 12 months. You can choose how often you want to switch locales. For nurses who want to see the insides of many healthcare facilities or pick up a shift on their days off, we also offer per diem assignments.

Why not contact Coast today and see how we can make your labor and delivery travel nurse dream job a reality?