Top 10 Benefits of Being a Labor and Delivery Nurse
Labor and delivery nursing is more than just a job—it’s a calling that blends compassion, critical care, and deep human connection. It’s a role that brings professionals into the most intimate and transformative moments in a family’s life.
According to Jennifer Schlette, MSN, RN, a pediatric critical care nurse in New York City and former Director of Undergraduate Nursing at a New York college, labor and delivery nursing offers a deeply rewarding career path. Here are the top advantages she identifies, expanded with insights into what makes this specialty both powerful and fulfilling.
1. You Get to Be Part of Bringing New Life Into the World
Few jobs offer the privilege of witnessing life’s first moments. Labor and delivery nurses are by a mother’s side as she brings her child into the world. Whether it’s the first cry or the joy of a family meeting their newborn, these are moments that leave a lasting impact—not just on patients, but on the nurses themselves.
2. You Can Save Lives
Nurses in this field are often the first to spot signs of distress—whether in the mother or the baby. They assist in emergency interventions and critical care procedures, playing a hands-on role in saving lives every day. This kind of direct impact is rare in many professions and is one of the most meaningful parts of the role.
3. Strong Job Security
Labor and delivery nurses are essential in every region, from rural clinics to major metropolitan hospitals. The demand for skilled maternity nurses remains strong, especially as healthcare systems face nursing shortages. That translates into long-term job security and a reliable career outlook.
4. Opportunities to Advance Your Education
This specialty opens doors to advanced roles such as Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) or Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP). Many employers support continued education, and the foundation built in labor and delivery can easily lead to graduate degrees, specialized certifications, and leadership positions.
5. Competitive Salary
Labor and delivery nurses are well-compensated for their skills and responsibilities. According to national salary data, registered nurses earn a median annual wage above $90,000, with labor and delivery nurses often on the higher end of that range—especially those with experience or working in high-demand areas.
6. The Freedom to Travel and Work
With labor and delivery skills, nurses can work in almost any location—including as travel nurses. Short-term contracts in different states (or even internationally) allow professionals to explore new environments while continuing to do meaningful work.
7. No Two Days Are the Same
In labor and delivery, no shift is identical. One moment you’re coaching a first-time mother through labor, the next you're assisting in an emergency C-section. The variety keeps the job dynamic and engaging. It’s ideal for nurses who thrive on fast-paced, evolving challenges.
8. You’re a Critical Part of the Healthcare Team
Labor and delivery nurses work closely with obstetricians, anesthesiologists, pediatricians, and neonatal specialists. They're central to ensuring safe deliveries and providing continuous care during labor. Their observations and decisions often guide the entire medical team’s response.
9. You Can Feel Good About the Work You’re Doing
Nurses in this field regularly make a difference—not just medically, but emotionally. They support mothers through fear, pain, and uncertainty, and provide reassurance during one of life’s most vulnerable times. It’s the kind of work that brings a strong sense of personal fulfillment.
10. You Get to Educate and Empower New Parents
Labor and delivery nurses are often the first to guide parents on how to care for their newborn—teaching everything from swaddling to feeding. Their role in early education helps new families build confidence and creates a more supportive postpartum experience.
Final Thoughts
Labor and delivery nursing offers more than just technical work—it offers heart work. As Jennifer Schlette, MSN, RN highlights, the rewards are deeply human: saving lives, guiding new families, and witnessing joy in its purest form.
While the challenges of the role are real, so too are the moments that make it profoundly worth it.
