Jobs at Hospitals: Involving Pregnancy and Newborns

If you are one of the multitude of woman looking for jobs at hospitals that will have you around pregnancy and newborns then let me assist you with these options.

The first choice you have is a labor and delivery nurse.  You do need a college degree to become a nurse but a 2 year degree will be enough.  If you continue with more education then you will have an easier chance at getting hired and you will receive better pay.  The average pay for labor and delivery nurse is about $32/hour and you are probably looking at 28-32 with a 2-year degree and 32-36 with a 4-year degree.

As a labor and delivery nurse you will be in charge of assisting the OBGYN with whatever hi/her needs are.  You could find yourself taking blood pressures, drawing blood, checking contractions or even calling the OBGYN if your patient is getting close.  You job will also including helping the patient or soon to be mother which might include, getting water, helping her to the bathroom, explaining what is going on and so forth.  This is one of the many jobs at hospitals that are in high demand and you should be able to find a suitable part time or full time position when you have finished your degree.

Another option you could choose is to become a lactation consultant.  In order to become a lactation specialist you will have to take a test and obtain a certificate from your state.  The requirements for each state differ but it should take approximately 2 years to complete the classes.  Two years of your time is certainly worth it because the average lactation consultant will make about $35/hour, but expect more like 25-30 for the first few years.

As a lactation consultant you may work at a clinic, have a private business or take one of the many jobs at hospitals.  Most of your work will be helping a new mother during the first few days or sometimes weeks after birth.  You will be teaching her the proper ways to hold and help her infant latch on and nurse.  You will also be there in case she needs intervention like a nipple shield.

If either of these careers intrigue then the best thing to do is get in contact with your local community college to find out the class requirements and get signed up.