For example, Heaney-Cutts says that laying the groundwork of pain management can begin during labor, and immediately after delivery, you may start with teaching the mother how to hold the baby. While joyful outcomes occur for most patients, complications can occur. This is stressful and takes every ounce of your energy. She believes that being able to help the mother work through this grief assuages some of the staff's grief. Support groups for the staff also help with the grief process.
Salaries are on a par with other nursing specialties.
Hours can be irregular, and nurses are often on-call. Orientation is individualized, says Semler, and can require from four to 12 weeks, based on the nurse's experience. Some women never forget the nurse who was with them through their labor and delivery. Once a nurse chooses labor and delivery, that decision usually results in a long-term commitment.