How to Become an OB-GYN Nurse

Image of professional woman smiling at camera
Written by Ann Real, BSN, RN Content Writer, IntelyCare
An OB-GYN nurse works with a patient.

An OB-GYN nurse, short for obstetrics and gynecology nurse, specializes in both pregnancy care (obstetrics) and women’s reproductive health (gynecology). Obstetrical nursing is all about taking care of pregnant women, including prenatal care, labor assistance, and postpartum support. On the flip side, gynecology deals with the female reproductive system when pregnancy isn’t in the picture.

If you’re passionate about women’s health and aim for a rewarding and enjoyable career in the OB-GYN specialty — a profession in high demand and with high job satisfaction — this article is your guide to kick-starting your journey.

OB-GYN Nurse: Career Snapshot

  • Mission: Support women’s reproductive health across life stages.
  • Responsibilities: Prenatal, labor, postpartum, and gynecological care.
  • Workplaces: Hospitals, clinics, OB-GYN practices, and women’s health centers.
  • Demand: 6% growth expected for RNs — higher than average for all occupations.
  • Path: Nursing degree followed by optional certification.
  • Salary: Approximately $80,440 a year.
  • Perks: Meaningful impact and interactions with newborns.
  • Cons: Exposure to sensitive and emotionally challenging situations.

What Is an OB-GYN Nurse?

You can think of OB-GYN nursing as a two-in-one specialty, combining the roles of a gynecology and obstetrics nurse to provide comprehensive care to women in all stages of the reproductive cycle, whether pregnant or not. The typical patients in this practice include:

  • Expectant mothers
  • Postpartum mothers
  • Women seeking gynecological exams
  • Women exploring contraception options
  • Women managing menopausal symptoms
  • Couples dealing with infertility
  • Individuals attending perinatal classes
  • Women in emergency obstetric situations
  • Community members in health programs
  • Anyone seeking sexual health education

What Do OB-GYN Nurses Do?

In addition to typical nursing tasks like head-to-toe assessments, medication administration, and accurate documentation, OB-GYN nurses’ duties typically include:

  • Conducting prenatal assessments, monitoring fetal development, and educating expectant mothers on proper prenatal care.
  • Assisting during labor and delivery to ensure a smooth birthing process.
  • Supporting postpartum patients, offering guidance on recovery and infant care.
  • Providing breastfeeding education, including latching, positioning, and addressing common breastfeeding challenges.
  • Conducting routine gynecological exams, including Pap smears and pelvic exams.
  • Educating on sexual health, safe practices, contraception options and family planning.
  • Assisting women in managing menopausal symptoms.
  • Participating in community health programs to promote women’s health awareness.
  • Providing support to couples dealing with infertility.
  • Leading perinatal classes for parents-to-be.
  • Assisting in emergency obstetric situations, including labor and delivery complications.
  • Advocating for women’s health and actively participating in initiatives to improve women’s health outcomes.
  • Collaborating with other members of the healthcare team including SANE nurses, pediatric nurses, postpartum nurses, and nurse midwives.

Where Do OB-GYN Nurses Work?

These dedicated professionals enjoy workplace versatility, with the ability to find employment in many different settings. If you’re a certified OB nurse or have another relevant specialty certification, your job options will likely increase. Some common places where they work include:

For the latest and most comprehensive insights into where these professionals can work, explore OB-GYN nurse jobs on IntelyCare.

OB-GYN Nurse Schooling

Getting into this meaningful nursing specialty may be simpler than you think. Let’s explore the key steps to start your journey as an OB-GYN professional:

1. Earn a Nursing Degree

The fastest way to become a nurse is to earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN), which can be done in as little as six months. For a more in-depth education, you can also choose to pursue a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree.

Time to complete: six months to four years

2. Obtain Licensure

The path to becoming a licensed registered nurse (RN) involves passing the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) and submitting all required documentation to your state’s board of nursing.

Time to complete: one to six months

3. Build Your Skills With Experience

Gain practical experience in relevant specialties, such as medical-surgical, labor and delivery, and neonatal care. This background forms a solid base for moving into the OB-GYN specialty.

Time to complete: one to two years

4. Attain OB-GYN Certification

There are several organizations offering OB-GYN certifications for nurses. If you want to boost your credibility, you can choose to pursue one of these certifications:

Time to complete: You’ll need 24 months of specialty experience to be eligible to sit for these exams. The preparation timeline and exam scheduling details differ based on the type of certification.

5. Advance Further With Continuing Education

Want to become a top-notch candidate on the job market? Advance your practice by attending conferences, joining professional organizations, and taking continuing education courses. IntelyEdu offers affordable, flexible, ANCC-accredited online courses. Make sure to take advantage of this opportunity.

Time to complete: self-paced

6. Pursue Advanced Education

Aiming high in your career? Go the extra mile with advanced education, like a master of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree, or become a nurse midwife. Although this step isn’t required to enter this field, it can be a great way to take your career to new heights.

Time to complete: two to four years

How Much Do OB-GYN Nurses Make?

The typical OB-GYN nurse salary in the U.S. is about $80,440, but it can range from $73,211 and $91,094. Your pay might differ based on factors like education, experience, location, facility, and certifications. (You may earn more if you’re a certified OB nurse.)

Open to relocation? Consider submitting your RN resume to one of these top-paying states:

Frequently Asked Questions About OB-GYN Nursing

How long does it take to become an OB-GYN nurse?

Entering this field typically requires completing a nursing program, which takes two to four years on average. Additionally, gaining experience in the field and becoming a certified OB nurse or pursuing other relevant certifications may add to the timeline.

OB-GYN nurse vs. labor and delivery nurse — what’s the difference?

Labor and delivery nurses specialize in assisting women during childbirth, while OB-GYN nurses focus on both obstetrics and gynecology, providing comprehensive care to women across their reproductive cycles.

Certified nurse midwife vs. OB-GYN — what’s the difference?

A certified nurse midwife is an advanced practice registered nurse who focuses on holistic care during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. An OB-GYN is a registered nurse who works with physicians and nurse practitioners and covers a wider range of obstetric and gynecologic tasks.

Can men pursue a career in OB-GYN nursing?

Yes, men can pursue a nursing career in this field. Gender is not a barrier to entering this specialty, and men can contribute valuable skills and perspectives to women’s healthcare.

It’s Time to Find Your Job Match

Interested in becoming an OB-GYN nurse or exploring other specialties? IntelyCare offers personalized job matching to help you find a job you’ll love.

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