Obstetrics and gynecology nurse career guide

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Obstetrics and gynecology are 2 overlapping medical specialties that deal with different aspects of female reproductive health. Obstetrics concentrates on childbirth, pregnancy, postpartum, and related areas. Gynecology focuses on the other aspects of women’s health from the onset of puberty throughout menopause and beyond. It deals with the prevention, care, diagnosis, and treatment of female reproductive issues and diseases.

They provide prenatal, postpartum, and reproductive healthcare to female patients from puberty, during and after pregnancy, through menopause, and beyond.

Obstetrics and gynecology nurses, also referred to as OB/GYN nurses, are registered nurses (RNs) who typically work alongside OB/GYN physicians. They provide prenatal, postpartum, and reproductive healthcare to female patients from puberty, during and after pregnancy, through menopause, and beyond.

Aspiring OB/GYN nurses typically major in subjects like chemistry, biology, and psychology. Apart from fundamentals like anatomy, physiology, and nutrition, OB/GYN nursing students will generally learn about female reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth. Areas of study can typically include obstetrical and gynecological care, antepartum and postpartum care, and newborn care.

What does an OB/GYN nurse do?

While specific duties may vary by workplace, an OB/GYN nurse typically:

• assists with routine examinations, including pap smears and sample collection
• collects and records patients’ health data, such as vital signs and blood pressure
• consults and educates patients regarding birth control and safe practices
• informs and educates patients about fertility treatment options
• assists with prevention and screening measures, like mammograms
• administers vaccines, such as the HPV vaccine for cervical cancer
• assists with obstetrical exams, like pelvic exams and prenatal screenings
• educates and counsels pregnant women on prenatal care
• works with physicians during the labor and delivery process
• provides support, care, and guidance to new mothers
• monitors, weighs, and vaccinates newborns
• coordinates treatment with other nurse practitioners

Where do OB/GYN nurses work?

OB/GYN nurses can apply their skills and knowledge in various healthcare environments. They can work in any setting where female patients require specialized care. As such, they enjoy a wide range of career opportunities.

Some choose to work in private practices alongside physicians, midwives, or doulas. Others provide care in hospital maternity wards, family planning centers, and community clinics. You’ll also find OB/GYN nurses in urgent care clinics, private birthing centers, and government departments, including the United States Nursing Army Corps.

OB/GYN nursing salary numbers

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage of a registered nurse in 2019 was $73,300. Employment in the nursing profession is expected to increase by 7% between 2019 and 2029, faster than the average growth of other occupations. More emphasis on preventative care, increased demand for healthcare services, and a rise in chronic conditions contribute to this growth.

The BLS also indicates that California is the top-paying state for an RN, with an annual mean wage of $113,240. Hawaii comes in second at $104,060, with Washington, D.C. third at $94,820, and Massachusetts fourth at $93,160. Conversely, the lowest-paying state for registered nurses is South Dakota, with an annual mean wage of $59,540. Mississippi and Alabama aren’t far behind, at $59,750 and $60,230, respectively.

An obstetrics and gynecology nurse is paid an average base salary of $140,748 per year. However, various factors, including qualifications, experience, and location, can influence earning potential. Further, the range in median salary for an OB/GYN clinical nurse is from $45,000 to $104,000.

Helpful skills and key considerations

OB/GYN nursing is a field that values compassion. Patients in an OB/GYN setting may be in physical pain, experiencing hormonal changes, or facing serious or difficult decisions. Strong communication skills also allow OB/GYN nurses to liaise with other healthcare professionals and explain care plans, treatment, and other medical concepts effectively.

OB/GYN RNs typically work in shifts during the week, overnight, on weekends, and even on holidays.

Attention to detail, observation, and problem-solving are other valuable traits to have in this profession. OB/GYN nurses need to understand the multi-faceted nature of their patient’s health to provide the best possible care.

In general, they also need to have a flexible schedule because work hours can vary according to the workplace. OB/GYN RNs typically work in shifts during the week, overnight, on weekends, and even on holidays. If you have demanding family responsibilities or if you prefer a less stressful career, the following related options may be more suitable:

• Nurse midwife
• Nurse educator
• Occupational health nurse
• Public health nurse
• Nurse case manager

Are you a patient, understanding, and attentive individual with strong time and stress management skills? Can you work diverse hours and sometimes attend to emergencies? Are you passionate about educating, guiding, and supporting girls and women throughout puberty, menopause, pregnancy, childbirth, and everything in between? If so, then an OB/GYN nursing career may be for you.

How to become an OB/GYN nurse

After graduating from high school, the steps towards becoming an OB/GYN nurse are as follows:

• earn an approved nursing diploma, an accredited associate degree in nursing (ADN), or bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN)
• obtain licensure as an RN after graduation
• practice in an OB/GYN setting for a minimum of 2 years
• gain certification

Overall, it can take between 3 and 6 years to become an RN certified in the area of OB/GYN nursing. However, this depends on various factors including your chosen educational path, existing qualifications, program format, and whether you study full or part-time.

Many educational institutions offer online or hybrid programs, which can cost less than traditional on-campus programs. These programs tend to be more flexible which may appeal to students who work or have family responsibilities. Note, that curricula with clinical practice components may still require students to go to campus.

Earn an associate or bachelor’s degree

Most OB/GYN nurses start their career by earning a BSN, which generally takes 4 years of full-time study to complete. Some students opt for an ADN, typically requiring 18 to 24 months of full-time study.

Alternatively, students could pursue the less common route of a 1-, 2- or 3-year nursing diploma. Candidates with any one of these degree qualifications are usually eligible for RN or LPN licensure. Obviously, programs that focus on obstetrics and gynecology may help them better prepare for OB/GYN nursing.

A bachelor’s degree is often preferred among OB/GYN nurse employers.

A bachelor’s degree is often preferred among OB/GYN nurse employers. It’s more extensive than an associate’s degree, commonly including 120 credits and 800 hours of clinical practice. It also builds a firm foundation for career and educational advancement in OB/GYN nursing and may help fulfill certification requirements.

Course concentrations can include subjects like biology, chemistry, nutrition, and ethics. A program focused on OB/GYN nursing may also include:

• fetal heart monitoring
• health assessment
• obstetric critical care
• treatment plans
• maternal-fetal triage
• obstetric patient safety
• postpartum warning signs
• gynecological health
• prenatal and postpartum care
• women’s reproductive health

Admission requirements depend on your chosen school and program. However, a minimum GPA of 3.0, strong SAT or ACT scores, and recommendations are typical prerequisites. A personal statement, in-person interview, and background check may also be required.

Alternative programs

Other options exist for non-traditional OB/GYN nursing students, too. An LPN-BSN program is ideal for licensed practical nurses who don’t have an RN license, ADN, or BSN. These programs usually allow students to apply their previous training and experience to their bachelor’s degree while fulfilling RN licensure requirements.

An RN-BSN program is suitable for licensed RNs who already have a diploma or associate’s degree but want to pursue their BSN. Also known as an accelerated or bridge program, an RN-BSN often allows students to transfer their existing credits. As such, it can reduce the time taken to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Obtain RN licensure

Once you’ve earned an accredited RN qualification, you can complete the 6-hour NCLEX-RN exam as a prerequisite for nursing licensure. It tests candidates on general nursing subjects like preventative care, safety, infection control, and care management.

After passing it, you can apply to your State Board of Nursing for your RN license. Some states have other requirements, such as a criminal background check. There’s also the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which is a multistate license that allows RNs to practice across 33 participating states.

Work in an OB/GYN setting

Get certified

The National Certification Corporation (NCC) awards certifications in obstetric, gynecologic, women’s health, and neonatal specialties to an array of healthcare professionals. There are also subspecialty certifications available, like electronic fetal monitoring and neonatal neuro-intensive care.

Certification requirements vary. A valid RN license and 2 years of relevant work experience, with a minimum of 2,000 hours, are general prerequisites. Employment in the specialty within the last 2 years is also required. Additionally, NCC certifications are valid for 3 years and must be renewed before expiration. Here are a few core certifications available for OB/GYN nurses:

• maternal newborn nursing
• inpatient obstetric nursing
• neonatal intensive care nursing
• obstetric and neonatal quality and safety

While not a requirement, certifications validate your expertise and may enhance your career advancement and earning potential. After completing an NCC certification, you receive the corresponding credential to use in your title.

Continuing education

Many OB/GYN RNs choose to advance their careers by pursuing additional certifications or graduate degrees. Organizations like the National Certification Corporation and the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses offer various continuing education (CE) modules. You can also find educational institutions that offer CE certificate programs. Coursework may include:

• gynecologic reproductive health
• menopause education
• breastfeeding
• high-risk obstetrics nursing
• reproductive endocrinology
• infertility nursing

Here are some advanced education and career pathways that OB/GYN nurses can pursue:

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

For some, earning an MSN is the next logical step after earning a bachelor’s degree. It opens various career opportunities, with specializations in reproductive health and women’s healthcare, such as:

• urogynecology
• puberty and menopause
• reproductive endocrinology and infertility
• high-risk pregnancy

This degree can usually be completed within 2 years if taken full time. Part-time programs extend the course duration. Also available are online MSN programs and hybrid program options that combine on-campus and online learning. There are also accelerated MSN degree programs available, including:

• RN-MSN – ideal for RNs with an ADN or diploma
• BSN-MSN – suitable for RNs with a bachelor’s degree
• ADN-MSN – designed for RNs with an associate’s degree

Admission prerequisites depend on your chosen program type but typically include a valid RN license, a number of clinical hours, and a minimum GPA of 3.0. Letters of recommendation, GRE test scores, and a statement of purpose may also be required.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

The DNP is a degree designed for RNs who wish to pursue advanced clinical, leadership, and administration roles in nursing. With adept knowledge and expertise, DNP-holders in a leadership or administrative position can influence and develop healthcare outcomes, policies, and care programs. Coursework may include:

• state and national health policies
• health informatics systems
• systems management
• nurse management and administration
• organizational and executive leadership ethics
• epidemiology
• biostatistics
• advanced population health

An OB/GYN RN can also opt for a clinically-focused DNP program and continue working directly in patient care, usually as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN). DNP program types include:

• ADN-DNP – suitable for ADN-holders
• BSN-DNP – an accelerated program, ideal for BSN-holders
• MSN-DNP – suitable for OB/GYN RNs with a master’s degree

Post-master’s DNP – nurse educators and administrators can choose this option without having to repeat coursework
OB/GYN RNs can pursue a DNP to become an APRN, specializing in:

• women’s health
• family health
• nurse midwifery
• neonatal care

It can take between 18 months and 4 years to earn your DNP. The anticipated course duration and the admission requirements influence the program type you choose. Your selected school will specify which types of degree- and certification-holders are eligible.

Some MSN-DNP programs may require candidates to be certified NPs, while others allow MSN-holders. ADN-DNP and BSN-DNP programs typically require candidates to have active RN licenses. GRE test scores, a minimum GPA of 3.0, letters of recommendation, writing samples, transcripts, a resume, and a statement of purpose may also be required.

Alternatively, candidates can opt for a Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.), which is considered to be a research-focused degree.

Alternatively, candidates can opt for a Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.), which is considered to be a research-focused degree. This doctoral degree may appeal to OB/GYN RNs seeking academic, scientific, or research roles in nursing science. It can take 8 years or longer and generally requires a dissertation to complete.

Eligibility criteria typically include the same as the above, in addition to an accredited bachelor’s or master’s degree.

Potential career options

Accreditation

Accreditation ensures that nursing education programs are held at high standards of quality throughout the country. Accrediting authorities assess and approve programs that meet certain criteria.

Most schools won’t allow you to transfer credits from a program that isn’t accredited by an approved body.

National accreditation refers to a program that adheres to the standards of a body approved by the U.S. Department of Education. State board accreditation means that a program is approved in a particular state only.

Most schools won’t allow you to transfer credits from a program that isn’t accredited by an approved body. Employers might not accept your qualification in this case, either.

That’s why it’s essential to do your research and make sure that any program you choose is accredited by a reputable authority. Primary accrediting bodies include:

• Commission on the Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• American College of Nurse-Midwives Division of Accreditation (ACNM)
• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

Degree costs

The cost of a degree depends on various factors. Your chosen school, degree type, and whether you choose to study part- or full-time all impact how much you’ll pay. Accelerated, hybrid, and online degree programs may be more cost-effective than traditional on-campus study.

The average tuition and fees for a full-time student at a public 4-year institution per year are:

At a private nonprofit 4-year institution, the average tuition and fees costs per year are as follows:

Financial aid

Nursing students at all major levels may be eligible to apply for financial aid, scholarships, or grants from their educational institution. Additionally, private and governmental organizations may have scholarships, work-study programs, loan forgiveness programs, and other forms of financial aid available for nursing students. Here are a few potential opportunities:

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• American Red Cross Jane Delano Student Nurse Scholarship
• Association of periOperative Registered Nurses Scholarship
• A Nurse I Am Scholarship
• Dr. Francis Anthony Beneventi Medical Scholarship

In summary

OB/GYN nurses primarily care for female patients throughout their life cycles. They focus on sexual and reproductive health, pregnancy, labor, childbirth, and newborn care. OB/GYN RNs can work in many different settings and have a wide variety of career opportunities available to them.

They can work as OB/GYN or women’s health nurse practitioners, and have the potential for advanced career options with higher earning potential that can include non-clinical and executive leadership roles. OB/GYN nurses can also specialize in specific areas like neonatal care, midwifery, or fertility.