Exploring Careers in
Women ’ s Health , Obstetrics , and Neonatal Nursing
By Karen Crowley
Planning a career in the perinatal field involves understanding the roles of women ’ s health , obstetric care , and neonatal nurses . Perinatal nurses are actively involved in supporting women throughout their pregnancy , labor , and postpartum period , as well as providing essential education and care during a significant life transition . The joy of helping new families to welcome their babies into the world , along with a passion for women ’ s health and the birthing process , makes this career deeply fulfilling . Gaining insight into the qualifications required , positioning yourself effectively for job opportunities , and exploring the diverse settings in which you can work are all crucial steps on your journey .
Aspects of Perinatal Nursing
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n Direct impact on families : Perinatal nurses play a vital role in ensuring healthy pregnancies and deliveries , as well as offering personalized support and education to pregnant women and their partners throughout the process .
n Variety of experiences : The role encompasses prenatal care , labor and delivery assistance , and postpartum support , offering diverse and dynamic work situations .
n Emotional fulfillment : Witnessing the miracle of birth and supporting families during a momentous life event can be deeply rewarding .
n Opportunity to educate : Perinatal nurses educate expectant parents about pregnancy , childbirth options , and newborn care , empowering them to make informed decisions .
n Specialized knowledge : This field requires advanced understanding of pregnancy complications , fetal monitoring , and newborn assessment , allowing nurses to provide expert care .
Practical Information
What can you expect from a career specializing in perinatal nursing ? Below is some practical information about the field .
Employment Outlook : The demand for registered nurses is expected to remain strong , with approximately 194,500 job openings annually between 2023 and 2033 , reflecting a 6 % growth rate . As many current nurses retire or transition to different occupations , new nurses are well-positioned to fill these roles , particularly in specialty areas , as employers focus on succession planning .
Salary Range : The median fulltime salary for a registered nurse in the U . S . is $ 86,070 , with a range of $ 63,000 to $ 132,000 . Factors influencing salary include education level ( ASN , BSN , MSN , or Doctorate ), specialty certifications ( such as maternal newborn nursing from the National Certification Corporation [ NCC ] or perinatal