OB/GYN Nurse Job Description – Salary, Education and Career Guide for becoming an OB/GYN Nurse

Despite common misconceptions, the duties of an OB/GYN nurse do not always revolve around pregnancy and childbirth. OB/GYN stands for Obstetrics and Gynecology, and many OB/GYN nurses spend time tending to women who aren’t pregnant.

 

The duties of an OB/GYN nurse include assisting women having hysterectomies, as well as those who are being treated for cancers that affect a woman’s reproductive system. OB/GYN nurses also provide care and help for women who have lost their babies through miscarriage or stillbirth, as well as assisting women throughout pregnancy and through the birthing process.

 

Some OB/GYN nurses don’t work in a hospital at all, and are employed at medical clinics. These OB/GYN nurses spend much of their time refilling prescriptions, answering phones and preparing patients to see the doctor. They also help by explaining procedures, birth control methods and other medical information to patients. If necessary, they also help the doctor give pelvic exams or perform ultrasounds.

 

Jobs in the medical field often offer good benefits, and OB/GYN nursing jobs are no exception. OB/GYN nurses often derive much personal satisfaction from their work. Furthermore, careers in nursing typically offer job stability, competitive pay, full health benefits and paid time off.

The duties of an OB/GYN nurse are varied and often quite challenging; however, OB/GYN nurses often earn highly competitive salaries to compensate them for their work. An OB/GYN nurse's earnings vary depending on how long she has been working in the field. OB/GYN nurses who have been on the job one to four years can expect an average pay of over $23 an hour. For five to nine years, the rate jumps to almost $27. Once a nurse has been on the job for 10-19 years, they earn nearly $30 an hour, while anyone over 20 years makes around $32 hourly. Pay rates also vary depending on state.

There are many different training programs for becoming an OB/GYN nurse. For many, the first step is going for an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) certification. LPNs assist registered nurses in caring for patients. It takes about a year to get this certification, which can be earned at a community college or vocational/technical school. It’s usually a good idea to work as an LPN for a little while to get some on-the-job experience before going back to school to get your RN (Registered Nurse) license and or BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) degree.

As mentioned earlier, it may be a good idea to work as an LPN for a while before deciding to become an OB/GYN nurse. By doing so, you will be able to get a feel for nursing, and see the demands of working in obstetrics and gynecology firsthand. You will also have the opportunity to learn basic nursing skills, which will be an asset to you when treating patients no matter what you decide to specialize in. Being a medical assistant, pharmacist or social worker can also help on the road to becoming an OB/GYN nurse.

Medical careers often offer exceptional advancement opportunities, and an OB/GYN nurse is no exception. Once you’ve mastered the duties of an OB/GYN nurse and are ready to move on, you may then want to advance to a management position. Some OB/GYN nurses may decide to continue their schooling and become physicians. OB/GYN nurses’ responsibilities – and salaries - often increase based on the amount of experience they have in the field.

The following associations and groups are available to OB/GYN nurses: