what do lpns get to do in L&d?

Specialties Ob/Gyn

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i want to become a nurse and work in labor and delivery but i was wondering what all do lpns get to do in l&d? i would like to be involved as much as possible. i have 2 children and i am a single mom so i was thinking about becoming a lpn couse school isnt as long but if i cant do everything that my heart is set on then i will go ahead and become a rn. any info???thanks in advance!!!!

sheila

The Danbury Hospital in Danbury, CT, hires and trains doulas. They have the only program in the nation that I have ever heard about. The doula's get $250 per birth, but they have to come when called and stay until the birth - sometimes 20 hours or more. A hard work schedule when you have kids. Most people privately hire the doulas. LPN's do work in the nursery most places. Some places even use CNA's in the nursery, but that is more rare.

Specializes in NICU.

It all depends on the state. In CA, our hospital uses LVN's on L&D and pp. We don't have a normal newborn nursery, only couplet care. My suggestion is to go for your RN. Check with your local college, both with the Nursing Program and Financial Aid. You are looking at an investment of several years time, but you will be able to work anywhere when you are through. Some places do take new grad's on L&D, but a year or so of med/surg still gives you a good base.

Good luck!

thanks everyone! well it looks like the school wont be starting a new semester for nursing until jan 06..ugh!!!so i just have to wait! :angryfire thanls so much for all of your help!! see ya soon!

Most hospitals do NOT use LPN's at all in L&D. That's critical care. many do not use them at all.

My advice to you (if you wnat to do L&D), spend the extra time and go for your RN. That way, you are not limiting your possibilities. depending on where you live, LPN's are pretty restricted as to what they can do and how they can function. Many hospitals (like mine) have become all RN facilities. LPN's either had to go back to school (hopsital paying the bill) or become CNA's.

If you are just starting out, go all the way. Then you'll really have a lot of opportunity when you graduate.

I agree w/ bestrn.most acute care settings are not using lpn's at ALL.......esp for infants, peds, etc... so if your just starting or contemplating nursing school, you gottta get your RN at the least, BSN is preferred now.

The Danbury Hospital in Danbury, CT, hires and trains doulas. They have the only program in the nation that I have ever heard about. The doula's get $250 per birth, but they have to come when called and stay until the birth - sometimes 20 hours or more. A hard work schedule when you have kids. Most people privately hire the doulas. LPN's do work in the nursery most places. Some places even use CNA's in the nursery, but that is more rare.

Can you tell me what a Doula is? I don't think I have ever heard that word before. Thanks

A doula is a person who does labor support. They support and advocate for the wishes of the mother. They are not medically trained and it is out of their scope of practice to "help" the mother make decisions regarding medical care by giving advice. The best doulas help the mother clarify her options and her feelings about each option while supporting WHATEVER choice she makes. No charting, no legal liability, great personal satisfaction. If I could make a decent living at it I would gladly give up my L&D job. However, the work is sporadic and you are "on-call" for the woman whenever she goes into labor and you stay the entire labor.

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

http://www.dona.org

for information regarding doulas.

well looks like im going all the way!!! i realy dont want to be limited to (cleaning up the mess) :p so if i go full time to be an rn how long do you think it will take? i am realy interested in doing this! also how was your first delivery experience? scary? im just realy scared of messing up. but i knkow alot about ttc being pregnant and labor and delivery...i did to much research when i was pregnant!! :rotfl: thanks so much !!

sheila

Might be a good idea to look into a nursing program where you are an LPN after the first year and bridge over to RN the second year (ADN). Might be a waiting list but you can get some of the classes out of the way.

its weird you mention doulas i origionaly wanted to be a doula but i have nevr even heard of one around here. i wish hospitals hired doulas! actualy they might i dont know but we have only 1 litttle hospital here maybe i should call the hospital and ask a few questions. i would also be interested in working in the nursery what do you have to be to do that? sorry about all the questions!

Not sure where you are from, but here in Lexington, South Carolina (yes, in po-dunk SC) they have Doulas on staff. WONDERFUL!

:)

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

wow I have a friend in Lexington, SC. Just had a baby there last APRIL!

It all depends on the state. In CA, our hospital uses LVN's on L&D and pp. We don't have a normal newborn nursery, only couplet care. My suggestion is to go for your RN. Check with your local college, both with the Nursing Program and Financial Aid. You are looking at an investment of several years time, but you will be able to work anywhere when you are through. Some places do take new grad's on L&D, but a year or so of med/surg still gives you a good base.

Good luck!

Really Mimi?? Where in CA are you?? You see I'm here too...but we only use LVNs for scrubs in our c/s. Just curious as to the capacity in which your facility uses them.

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