Is there a difference b/w a Obstetrics nurse and Laborand Delivery Nurse?

Specialties Ob/Gyn

Published

Hi there

I am in need to clarify if there is a difference between a Obstetrics Nurse and Labor and Delivery Nurse? I am interested in Maternity Care pre and post birth but I am not sure if I wanna be delivering the baby? I guess I need more clarification on these roles.

thanks

Specializes in Infection Preventionist/ Occ Health.

The RN does not actually deliver the baby in most circumstances (the MD or CNM does this). Obstetrics is the branch of medicine dealing with the prenatal, intrapartum and postpartum care of pregnant women. Labor and delivery nurses are involved in the intrapartum period, and there are also postpartum nurses that deal with the recovery period. In some facilities they are referred to as LDRP (Labor, Delivery, Recovery and Postpartum) nurses because they are involved in all stages of the birth and recovery process. I hope that this helps, but if you have more detailed questions you might want to wait for an L&D nurse to respond.

Specializes in High Risk In Patient OB/GYN.

"OB nurse" is a very catch all phrase. I do high risk OB and I consider myself to be an OB nurse. I've done L&D and would lump myself in there too.

Some hospitals float you from postpartum, to L&D to nursery. Some have a special high risk OB floor (usually called antepartum). It really depends on the size and capabilities of the hospital and the needs of the community.

L&D nurses sometimes catch a baby if the doctor can't/won't make it in time. (I say catch because it is the mother who is delivering her baby. Not a doctor, not a nurse.)

Any more specific questions?

Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

Where I am we do LDRP, meaning, we do it all in one room. Labor/delivery/postpartum recovery and newborn care. One room, one couplet, and one nurse caring for them unless census is prohibitive. I love it.

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