20 Strategic Labor and Delivery Nurse Interview Questions

Labor and delivery (L&D) nurses have one of the most vital roles in healthcare. They are there for all stages of the birthing process and postpartum care for new parents and babies.

No matter how many times an expecting mother has gone through the labor and delivery process, birthing plans can go awry, and L&D nurses need to be prepared for any unforeseen circumstances.

This article will explore the skillsets ideal candidates should have and share strategic labor and delivery nurse interview questions to ensure you find the right candidate!

What Is a Labor and Delivery Nurse?

L&D nurses support their patients through every step of the birthing process, from antepartum to active labor and even postpartum and neonatal care. They most commonly work in maternity wards at hospitals, neonatal care units, birthing centers, or even directly in patients’ homes.

L&D nurses work alongside OBGYNs and birthing teams to monitor their patients’ vitals, administer medications, and ease the minds of expectant mothers. Immediately following the birth, the L&D is a trusted resource for parents to answer questions, support the parents through this transition, and monitor postpartum systems for the mother. They also observe neonatal vitals.

What Skills Should a Labor and Delivery Nurse Have?

Here are the necessary skills for a labor and delivery nurse:

Knowledgeable: L&D nurses should, at minimum, have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing as well as be a Registered Nurse (RN) and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. To ensure the utmost safety, many employers require certification in neonatal resuscitation and experience in the obstetrics field.
Empathetic: New parents are overwhelmed with emotions and rely on their L&D nurses for information and reassurance while experiencing this delicate and exciting new time. L&D nurses need to provide compassionate care and address patient concerns with utmost empathy while prioritizing the health of the mother and newborn.
Interpersonal: Labor and delivery nurses can become pillars in their patient’s care, and oftentimes they form bonds with patients and their families. Ideal L&D nurses will be skilled at creating trust with their patients and remaining calm throughout the process.
Adaptable: No two birthing experiences are the same. L&D nurses must be prepared for a fast-paced environment where they will have to make decisions quickly and under pressure.

20 Interview Questions For Labor and Delivery Nurses

In addition to general nurse interview questions, asking questions structured around L&D nurse skillsets will help hiring managers find qualified candidates for their unique facilities.

Knowledge and Experience

Why did you choose to pursue a nursing specialty in labor and delivery?
What previous experience do you have working alongside expectant/laboring parents in a maternity ward or delivery room?
If you’re new to L&D, please share your past field experience and how you think it will translate to your role as an L&D nurse.
What strengths or technical proficiencies do you bring to the labor and delivery unit?
What previous experience do you have working in high-volume facilities or with high-risk patients?
What efforts have you made to continue your knowledge of labor and delivery? Please share any certifications acquired or training you’ve taken to improve your abilities as an RN/L&D nurse.

Empathy and Compassion

How do you support your patients and families throughout each stage of the birthing process?
What steps do you take to keep patients calm when their birthing plans don’t go as expected?
What is your process for developing a postpartum care plan for a mother experiencing complications?
How do you provide compassionate care during high-risk situations?
Have you ever partnered with a doula, birthing coach, or third-party care provider during a patient’s delivery process? How did you work with the professional to provide compassionate care to your patient?

Interpersonal Skills

Share a time when you’ve handled a difficult patient or family member. What steps did you take to de-escalate the situation?
How would you communicate with a patient whose birth plan puts their medical health at risk?
What efforts do you make to ensure your patients understand medical jargon when it comes to their care?
How would you communicate a delivery/labor concern to your supervising physician or OBGYN?
Have you experienced a situation where you needed to advocate for your patient’s medical health? Explain the situation, the steps you took, and the outcome.

Adaptability

What coping strategies do you use to stay calm in high-stress environments?
Share a time when you had to make a difficult decision under pressure. How did you maintain composure and think rationally to make your decision? How did it turn out?
How do you stay motivated while working in high-risk, high-stress environments like a delivery ward?
What steps do you take to stay organized and prioritize patient care in an ever-changing environment?

How Do You Hire Labor and Delivery Nurses?

Over 3.6 million babies were born in the United States in 2022, and many were delivered with the help of labor and delivery nurses. Ensure your facility is recruiting and hiring top talent by asking a combination of the strategic labor and delivery nurse interview questions outlined above!