Expert: Mary Pat Seibel, R.N. - 5/18/2006

Question
It's been my dream to become a RN in Labor and Delivery for a while now, but the ambition to go  for my dream came after I had my little girl. I had wonderful nurses who made my labor process more comfortable. I now am looking at colleges but need so direction on how to get started. The furthest my education goes is a high school diploma. Which classes would I need to start on. I would love to know what requirements I need to become a RN in labor and delivery and how long it would take me to get my degree. Thank you so much for your time in reading my letter.

Answer
Dear Cesilee:

You will need to attend a 4 year college program to obtain a BSN in nursing or a two year associate degree program for RN"s.  You must enroll in a nursing program at either type college.

You need to first get an RN and pass the state board of nursing before you can be employed as a nurse in a hospital.  I would suggest you get a year of Med_Surg first before pursing Labor & Delivery.

It will take 4 years to get a nursing degree.

Mary Pat