Behind the Scenes: Being a Labor and Delivery Nurse
Examples of labor and delivery nurse skills
Here are several labor and delivery nurse skills:
Communication
Being an effective communicator is essential for labor and delivery nurses. Labor and delivery nurses also write to other members of the medical team in addition to speaking with patients to understand their level of pain or medical history. When updating records for newly hired staff members, clear, concise writing is a must.
Problem-solving
Problem-solving abilities are frequently used by labor and delivery nurses to control patients’ overall symptoms and level of pain. They might have to classify different types of pain and offer treatment suggestions. When the baby’s health may be in jeopardy, they might also need to make quick decisions. This calls for sound judgment, decision-making abilities, emergency preparedness, and critical thinking.
Project-management
Work as a labor and delivery nurse can also benefit from having strong project management abilities. Typically, nurses have a large caseload of patients at once. To guarantee that every patient receives the care they require, it is essential to have the ability to prioritize tasks and manage time. The fast-paced and occasionally stressful nature of the labor and delivery environment can be lessened by effective project management.
Teamwork
To provide for their patients, labor and delivery nurses frequently work in a team environment. They could assist the doctor during labor and delivery or collaborate with other nurses. Additionally, when their shift is over, they will transfer care to another team of nurses. In the labor and delivery department, effective teamwork is crucial to ensuring that all patients receive the care they need.
Technical skills
Technical expertise is necessary for labor and delivery nurses because they use equipment to track the mother’s vital signs and the baby’s position. Being able to use this equipment and fix minor issues with it will help nurses perform their duties successfully. Additionally, labor and delivery nurses might need to update patient records using computer software and programs.
Medical skills
Being a labor and delivery nurse requires strong medical and nursing skills, which you typically learn in nursing school. These abilities include giving medication and performing simple surgical procedures. As they assist new parents and newborn children, nurses continue to hone these abilities. This may entail helping medical professionals administer epidurals, reporting vital signs, locating the baby, and timing contractions.
What are labor and delivery nurse skills?
The specific hard and soft skills required to work in the labor and delivery unit are labor and delivery nurse skills. Assistive and medical care are given to mothers and their newborn children by labor and delivery nurses. They make sure the mother is secure and at ease prior to, during, and following childbirth. In addition, they are in charge of keeping an eye on the infant’s health and working with other medical personnel to provide for them.
Some labor and delivery nurses might work in a specialized setting, giving high-risk pregnant women or premature infants medical attention. They might work in a conventional labor and delivery room or in the operating room, caring for mothers having cesarean deliveries. Some labor and delivery nurses might elect to work in management, supervising all nursing staff in the division.
How to improve labor and delivery nurse skills
The steps listed below can help you develop your skills as a labor and delivery nurse:
1. Make a list of important skills
Make a list of the abilities you believe are necessary for labor and delivery nursing. Then, rate your current level for each skill. For each skill you list, use descriptors like “beginner,” “intermediate,” or “well-developed.” Select three to four skills you want to work on acquiring.
2. Take a class
You can develop specific skills, like communication or computer skills, by enrolling in classes. You might be able to enroll in classes offered by your employer, a nearby community college, or even online. Some courses, such as those in public speaking and research, may help you qualify for promotions at your current job or they may boost your confidence in your professional abilities.
3. Request additional duties during your internship experience
A good way to develop skills and learn new things is through internships. Even if your internship only allows you to perform certain tasks, you could offer to help out with other tasks to hone your skills. To increase their learning opportunities, some interns may also ask to spend floor time with other medical professionals.
4. Volunteer your time in a medical setting
Your ability to communicate and solve problems can be improved by volunteering in a medical setting. Most hospitals welcome volunteers to help with duties like providing patient comfort or delivering meals. Request volunteer positions on the labor and delivery floor if at all possible. Interact with patients and other members of the medical staff during this time.
5. Further your degree
You might choose to pursue a master’s degree in nursing or certifications to advance your education. You could study to become a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Registered Nurse (RN).
6. Read a book related to labor and delivery
Additionally, reading nonfiction books about labor and delivery can aid in the development of skills. You could review your nursing program textbooks or read a book aimed at new mothers to get inside their heads while giving birth. Reading books specifically about the abilities you want to hone, like communication or medical abilities, is another option.
7. Ask a supervisor for tips
You can identify the skills you already possess as well as those you want to further develop by asking your supervisor for feedback. The development of new skills can be monitored and measured with assistance from your supervisor.
8. Attend company training sessions
Companies frequently plan training sessions that can be a good opportunity for you to advance your skills. These training sessions are typically published in employee newsletters or on the company bulletin. Additionally, you can inquire with human resources about potential upcoming training opportunities.
Labor and delivery nurse skills in the workplace
You can use the following advice to hone your labor and delivery abilities at work:
How to highlight labor and delivery nurse skills
Employers want to know that you have the essential qualifications for a position open. With the steps below, you can emphasize your skills during each stage of the hiring process:
Labor and delivery nurse skills for resume and cover letter
Use the following advice to emphasize your labor and delivery nurse skills on your resume and cover letter:
Labor and delivery nurse skills for interview
With the help of the following advice, you can demonstrate your labor and delivery nurse skills in an interview:
FAQ
What makes a great labor and delivery nurse?
- Quickly establishing trust and rapport by being genuine. …
- Being professional, knowledgeable and current in evidence-based practice. …
- Showing that you care and advocating for patients. …
- Prioritizing appropriately. …
- Fetal monitoring, based on the patient’s plan of care.
