LPNs in regards to L&D

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Hey Everyone,

I'm doing some research on whether or not LPNs can work in labor and delivery. I am aware that each state is different and I have been to most of their BON sites, used google & bing, searched through their Laws and scope of practice for each state and NONE of them have really answered my questions. So here I am asking you guys to help me out a bit!

Here are the questions I'm trying to find answers to for EACH state...

Can an LPN assist in labor and delivery?

If so, what are the roles of an LPN in the delivery room?

Does an LPN need any kind of continuing education in order to assist in the delivery room?

If anyone has any links that would show me more information on this subject, it would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you in advance for helping me answer these questions!

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

In my experience (three different states), LPNs do not work in L&D. Two hospitals at which I've worked where there were LPNs on staff, they were long-time employees who were grandfathered in, and they just do mom/baby.

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Thanks for the info!

Which states are they so I can cross those off my list?

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LPNs do not work in L&D here either. They do, however work in mother/baby.

Its more of a supportive role though. They do not take their own patients.

ETA: I'm in Florida

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Thank you! I am in Florida as well! Would you happen to know any links for information on this for the state of Florida? If not, no big deal.

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.
Thanks for the info!

Which states are they so I can cross those off my list?

AZ

CO

OR

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

When I completed nursing school clinical practicum rotations in L&D, a couple of Oklahoma City area hospitals utilized LPNs in supportive roles in postpartum, such as obtaining heel stick specimens from neonates to screen for phenylketonuria, congenital hypothyroidism and other health issues.

A less-active member of these forums is an LPN who once worked as a mother/baby nurse in Washington state.

However, absolutely no LPNs were working with laboring moms in L&D.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Very few hospitals employ LPNs in inpatient areas any more.

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Specializes in NICU, RNC.

CA--no LPNs in L&D (they're actually called LVNs here). In fact, due to state mandated RN-to-patient ratios, LVNs aren't normally hired in acute care at all. They usually only work places like clinics, skilled nursing, or mental health.

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Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.

I've never worked in L&D, but have given birth 5x. I remember having LPNs postpartum with #3 and #4; the other hospitals may have had them too, but if so they were not assigned to me. At least one was my assigned nurse, vs a supportive role; she did my discharge teaching. The other, it's been 10 yrs but I want to say I didn't see an RN for those shifts.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

I saw a posting for a hospital here awhile back in Texas for a nurse in postpartum or mother/baby. It wasn't for L&D but still in the area. I don't know any hospital that would employ an LVN in L&D.

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Thank you! I am in Florida as well! Would you happen to know any links for information on this for the state of Florida? If not, no big deal.

No, sorry. I've never actually looked for written info on this. I learned what I know from being at Fl hospital and Winnie.

Good luck though! Im hoping to break into L&D once my bridge program is over.

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