What does a maternity ward nurse do?
Most maternity nurses will focus on supporting women during the labor and delivery process – working at the patient’s side to monitor both mother and baby, and to encourage, coach, educate and support. Others may care for women who are experiencing complications before birth or provide postpartum (after delivery) care.
Can nurses work on a maternity ward?
A hospital maternity ward, for example, cares for new mothers and their babies. Registered nurses are qualified to work in these wards, although some RNs choose to pursue additional training in the specialized field of maternity, labor and delivery, or newborn care.
What is a nurse in the maternity ward called?
A maternity nurse, also know as a labor and delivery nurse, is usually a registered nurse who specializes in working with pregnant women, new mothers and newborns in a hospital maternity ward or birthing center. Some are licensed practical nurses who work under the supervision of a registered nurse.
What do you need to become a maternity nurse?
There are two pathways to becoming a registered midwife. One is to complete a Bachelor of Nursing course at university and then complete postgraduate studies in Midwifery. The other is to complete Bachelor of Midwifery course (three years full-time or the equivalent part-time).
What is the difference between a midwife and a maternity nurse?
But in addition to the similarities, there are many differences in the two professions. Although midwives care for women during their labor, they also care for women throughout their pregnancy, not just when they are giving birth. Labor and delivery nurses do not take care of women throughout their pregnancy.
Can adult nurses work in maternity?
Adult nurses also need to have a basic understanding of pregnancy and birth, so that they can act in an emergency to help pregnant women or care for them when they need medical or surgical nursing.
What does a Labour and delivery nurse do?
A labour and delivery nurse assists new mothers throughout the birthing process. They monitor new mothers and infants for possible complications with delivery and may continue to provide care for patients during the days that follow the birth.
Can nurses manage Labour and delivery?
Registered Nurses (RNs) provide assessment, monitoring, interventions and care to women and their families when it comes to family planning, pregnancy, labour and delivery and postpartum care.
What do RNs do in labor and delivery?
Labor and delivery nurses work alongside obstetricians and other doctors in labor and delivery rooms, helping administer antepartum (before delivery) and postpartum (after delivery) care.
How do new graduates get into labor and delivery?
Tips for how to become a labor and delivery nurse
- Become an RN.
- Reflect on why you’re interested in this area.
- Consider investing in continuing education courses or additional training.
- Shadow a nurse.
- Join relevant associations.
- Be prepared for on-the-job training.
- Don’t be intimidated by challenges.
- Find your inner strength.
