1. Nursing Programs
  2. /
  3. Nursing Careers
  4. /
  5. Obstetrics (OB) Nurse

Obstetrics (OB) Nurse

What Is an Obstetrics Nurse?

A registered nurse who specializes in obstetrics (OB) assists female patients during pregnancy, labor, and deliveries. Obstetricians and obstetric nurses have a critical and unquestionable function at this stage of a woman’s life. Certain obstetrics nurses care for female patients and assist them in maintaining reproductive health throughout puberty and menopause. OB/GYN nurse is a generic word that is occasionally used to refer to OB nurses.

Interested in a career as an obstetric nurse?

Registered nurses with experience in obstetrics, gynecology, and/or labor and delivery are required for OB nurses. Many obtain experience working in a hospital’s maternity department or as doulas, providing non-medical care to expectant women, until they gain sufficient experience to become an OB nurse. A desire to assist women and care for newborn infants is required for this position.

What Educational Requirements Are There for OB Nurses?

The initial step for aspiring OB nurses should be to enroll in a nursing school at a reputable university or college. The majority of nurses earn an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) (BSN). Graduates with BSN degrees may find it simpler to get work and progress their careers, and they can also pursue higher degrees through graduate school. After earning their chosen nursing degree, potential nurses must sit for an exam called the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination). After passing this exam, people can apply for licensure in their state to practice nursing. Following licensure, registered nurses (RNs) must receive experience as a staff nurse and clinical experience through employment in a distinct area of female health before becoming accredited obstetrics and gynecology nursing.

Is it necessary to obtain any certifications or credentials?

Acquiring certification in obstetrics, gynecology, perinatal, and labor and delivery nursing can undoubtedly assist further your OB/GYN nursing career. The NCC (National Certification Corporation) certifies OB nurses in Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (also referred to as RNC-OB). Prospective applicants must hold a valid RN license. Additionally, RNs must have worked in obstetrics for a minimum of 24 months and logged a minimum of 2,000 hours to be considered eligible candidates for Inpatient Obstetric Nursing certification. After passing the Inpatient Obstetric Nursing certification examination, registered nurses can obtain full certification as obstetric nurses.

Where Do Obstetricians-Gynecologists Nurses Work?

OB nurses can work in the following settings:

  • Physician’s office for Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN)
  • Maternity Ward in a Hospital
  • Family Planning Center Midwife Practice
  • Private Labor and Delivery Facilities
  • Clinics of Urgent Care
  • Clinics in the Community
  • U.S. Army

What Does an Obstetrics Nurse Do?

Obstetrics nurses provide care and support to female patients throughout their pregnancies and beyond. The duties and responsibilities of OB nurses vary significantly according to the setting in which they operate. Nurses who specialize in obstetrics teach their female patients about physical and sexual health. Additionally, they will discuss birth control options and other preventative measures with patients, such as mammograms for early detection of breast cancer and HPV vaccinations to help prevent cervical cancer. Obstetricians and nurses frequently collaborate to ensure the health of their female patients. Together, they counsel women on how to properly prepare their minds and bodies for motherhood and educate them about the many fertility therapies available. Regular prenatal and postpartum visits with OB physicians are critical to ensuring the healthiest possible pregnancy and delivery. During these check-ups, an OB nurse plays a key role. Obstetrics nurses are frequently present in the delivery room. They provide two key functions: as assistants to physicians and as mentors to moms. Additionally, OB nurses must be prepared for medical situations that may occur during delivery.

What Are the Roles and Responsibilities of Obstetric Nurses?

OB nurses have the following roles and responsibilities:

  • Assist the obstetrician with prenatal examinations and procedures, which may include the following: Pelvic examinations
  • Prenatal examinations
  • Collection of urine and blood samples
  • Weight tracking
  • Ultrasounds
  • Assist in the management of pregnancy
  • Determine how to alleviate a pregnant mother’s stress
  • Inform patients about available birth control methods.
  • Mammograms and other screenings should be performed
  • Clean, weigh, measure, immunize, and monitor the infants, as well as aid the new mother while she recovers from labor’s strain.
  • When an atypical pregnancy develops, OB nurses assist pregnant moms in making difficult decisions that directly affect their own and their children’s health.

Salary and Employment for Obstetric Nurses

As an OB nurse, you will have numerous options for career and personal growth. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that nursing is one of the fastest growing vocations, with a projected growth rate of 16% in the future years. Annual salaries for OB nurses range from $62,327 and $77,548 with a national average of roughly $68,485. However, there are a multitude of factors that might affect an OB nurse’s compensation, including the region of the country in which they work and the number of years of experience they have. The level of education attained by a nurse is also significant. Advanced practice nurses, particularly nurse practitioners specializing in obstetrics, can earn up to $84,000 per year. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse practitioners and other advanced practice nurses will be the most in-demand nursing occupations during the next decade.