What does an obstetrics nurse do?

An obstetrics nurse cares for pregnant women during pregnancy and labor, women who are experiencing pregnancy-related complications, and new mothers and infants recovering from childbirth. In a hospital setting, obstetrics nurses also work with NPs or physicians to provide routine or urgent women's reproductive healthcare. Education is an important part of an obstetrics nurse's job too, especially those working with new mothers or mothers with health conditions.

How long does it take to become an obstetrics nurse practitioner?

It takes two years to earn an ADN and four years to earn a BSN. Inpatient obstetric nursing certification requires two years of nursing experience and 2,000 hours of OB/GYN nurse experience. Prospective obstetrics NPs spend two years earning a master of science in nursing. Though a doctorate is not required to be an NP, some go on to complete a doctor of nursing practice which typically takes three or more years.

What is a nurse's role during childbirth?

An OB/GYN nurse practitioner or nurse midwife can supervise births. Licensed obstetrics RNs may work in collaboration with the physician, NP, or nurse midwife to monitor the mother's and infant's vital signs and provide support for the mother.

OB/GYN Nurse Careers And Salary Outlook

How Long to Become

2-4 Years

Average Earning Potential

$82,526

Job Outlook (2024-2034)

5% Growth for all RNs

Obstetrics Nurse Career in Brief

adn or bsn required

certification optional

An OB/GYN nurse cares for pregnant women before, during, and immediately after labor, while an obstetrics nurse practitioner (NP) may oversee the birthing process. Both obstetrics nurses and NPs also care for women's health-related needs, such as routine pelvic exams, birth control advice, and other reproductive health issues.

Primary Responsibilities

Educating pregnant women and their families about healthy pregnancy and childbirth
Conducting tests and monitoring the health of the mother and fetus
Assisting a physician, nurse midwife, or OB/GYN NP during childbirth

Career Traits

Communication skills
Empathy
Good decision-making under pressure
Collaborative

Where Do Obstetrics Nurses Work?

Obstetrics nurses work in hospitals, private practices, birthing centers, and clinics. What do OB/GYN nurses do in these settings?

Labor & Delivery Units

Obstetrics nurses function as part of a healthcare team which includes physicians, nurse midwives, or OB/GYN NPs. Since many hospitals assign the same nurse to an expectant woman, obstetrics nurses often work in antepartum (for high-risk pregnancies) and postpartum care units as well.

Prenatal Clinics

Obstetrics nurses educate pregnant women and family members, perform tests to assess maternal and prenatal health, and help develop birth plans.

Women's Health Clinics

Obstetrics nurses conduct testing that a physician or an NP orders and determine if symptoms require referral to a physician, nurse midwife, or OB/GYN nurse practitioner.

Neonatal Nurse vs. Obstetrics Nurse

Neonatal Nurse

Obstetric Nurse

How to Become an Obstetrics Nurse

How Much Do Obstetrics Nurses Make?

According to PayScale, the average salary for an OB/GYN nurse is $82,526, with total pay ranging from $51,000-$120,000. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that nurse practitioners, in general, earn a median annual wage of $129,210 and nurse midwives make $128,790.

All RN jobs are projected to grow by 5% from 2024-34, faster rate than the national average. However, growth rates for obstetrics nurse jobs vary by geographic area due to regional differences in birth rates.