Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) Career Overview
If you have a passion for working with newborns, a career as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner might be right for you. This guide will provide you with insights into NNP roles, the path to becoming an NNP, salary expectations, and the duties you’ll undertake.
How Long to Become an NNP:
To become a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, it typically takes about 6 years of education and experience.
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Job Outlook for NNPs:
The job outlook for Nurse Practitioners, including NNPs, is very positive, with a projected 52% increase in employment from 2020 to 2030.
Average Earning Potential:
NNPs can earn an average annual salary of around $122,500.
Source: American Association of Nurse Practitioners
What Does a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Do?
To work as an NNP, you must hold a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree and the relevant certification. NNPs usually work in hospital inpatient units, such as the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Some may also work in delivery rooms and clinics. They play a critical role in providing care to sick and premature infants, offering support to their families. While emotionally demanding, this profession can also be highly rewarding. NNPs collaborate closely with specialized physicians and often supervise registered nurses (RNs).
Primary Responsibilities:
– Providing care to at-risk infants
– Supervising neonatal RNs and other nursing staff
– Educating and communicating with families
– Planning the discharge of high-risk infants
Career Traits:
– Empathy
– Advanced knowledge of nursing
– Stamina
– Effective communication
– Good judgment
Where Do Neonatal Nurse Practitioners Work?
According to data from the National Association of Neonatal Nurse Practitioners (NANNP), most NNP jobs are within hospitals or hospital systems. Approximately 60% of NNPs work primarily in a level III NICU, and around 33% work in level IV units, which handle the most severe cases.
NNPs may find employment in these common settings:
1. Level III NICU:
NNPs in level III NICUs order tests, adjust treatments as needed, coordinate care with specialists like respiratory therapists, and communicate with parents.
2. Level IV NICU:
At this level, NNP roles may include tasks such as putting infants on life support, making immediate test analyses and escalating care, and collaborating with other neonatal specialists on treatment plans.
3. Community/Home Care:
NNPs work with families with severely ill newborns to provide ongoing treatment. They educate families on how to care for their child’s condition and when to seek further treatment. NNPs may also serve as primary care providers for infants with serious health issues.
Neonatal Nurse Practitioners vs. Neonatal Registered Nurses
While both NNPs and Neonatal Registered Nurses (RNs) provide essential care to infants, the additional training and education that NNPs receive enable them to provide a higher complexity of care and take on leadership roles. Neonatal RNs typically have at least two years of education and must pass an RN certification exam. In contrast, Neonatal NPs need to earn a graduate degree and pass an advanced certification exam.
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner:
– Holds a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a doctorate
– Passed an advanced certification exam
– Can diagnose, order treatment, and prescribe medications independently
– Earns a higher salary (median annual NNP salary was $122,500 in 2019)
Neonatal Registered Nurse:
– Holds an associate degree or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
– Passed a certification exam
– Works under the supervision of an NNP or physician
– Earns a lower neonatal nurse salary than NNPs (median annual neonatal RN salary was $77,600)
How to Become a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
1. Earn a BSN:
While nurses can become licensed as RNs with an associate degree in nursing, nurse practitioners need to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or its equivalent.
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN to receive RN licensure:
Nurses need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN) to obtain their license. This national nursing exam primarily consists of adaptive multiple-choice questions.
3. Gain nursing experience:
Most MSN-NP programs require applicants to have 1-3 years of full-time RN experience, or at least give admission preference to those with this experience. Applicants must maintain an unrestricted RN license.
4. Earn an MSN or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP):
NNPs must complete an advanced degree. MSN programs usually take two years of full-time study, along with fieldwork. DNP degrees may take longer to complete.
5. Pass the NNP certification exam to become board certified:
This national examination, administered by the National Certification Corporation, assesses whether a graduate can safely provide care as an NNP.
How Much Do Neonatal Nurse Practitioners Make?
NNPs can access high salaries and numerous job opportunities. According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners survey results, NNPs earned a median base salary of $122,500 and a median annual total compensation of $130,500 in 2019.
NNP salaries vary significantly by geographic location and workplace setting. For example, in 2019, the annual base salary for a nurse practitioner in California was $130,000, while it was $105,000 in both Arkansas and Kentucky. Nurse practitioners working in hospital inpatient settings earned a median annual base salary of $131,000, while those working in community health centers earned $102,000 per year.
As a whole, nurse practitioners, including NNPs, are in high demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 52% job growth rate for nurse practitioners between 2020 and 2030, significantly higher than the national average for all occupations.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take to become an NNP?
Becoming a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) typically requires at least six years of education and experience. This includes six years of education, which consists of earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), plus the two years of registered nurse (RN) experience usually required for admission to an MSN program.
2. Can NNPs prescribe medicine?
Yes, like all nurse practitioners, NNPs can prescribe medications in most states, including controlled substances. However, in some states, nurse practitioners must work in collaboration with or under the supervision of a physician to prescribe controlled substances.
3. How much does an NNP make in a year?
According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) survey results from 2019, NNPs earned a median annual base salary of $122,500 and a median annual total compensation of $130,500. Salaries for NNPs can vary significantly based on geographic region and workplace setting. Generally, NNP salaries are highest in larger communities with higher costs of living.
4. Where do NNPs work?
The majority of NNP jobs are in hospital inpatient settings, typically in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). Some NNPs also work in community or clinic settings, where they often assist families in caring for a child after release from the NICU.
Resources for Neonatal Nurse Practitioners
– Council of International Neonatal Nurses (COINN):
COINN’s mission is to improve neonatal outcomes on a global scale by promoting standards, advocacy, and resource sharing. While individuals are welcome to join, COINN primarily functions as an international affiliation of organizations that aim to enhance neonatal nursing worldwide.
– National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN):
NANN provides publications, offers continuing education and other professional development opportunities, and grants fellowships. Membership is open to nursing students and registered nurses (RNs). NANN members who are nurse practitioners can also join a special section dedicated to NNPs.
– Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN):
AWHONN’s mission is centered around empowering nurses, advancing research, and advocating for women’s and infant health. The organization offers professional continuing education, including courses on fetal heart monitoring. Membership is open to both nurses and non-nurses, with only RNs eligible to vote or hold office.
– National Black Nurse Practitioner Association (NBNPA):
NBNPA focuses on advancing the careers of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and promotes community involvement and philanthropy. To support their mission, NBNPA encourages networking and provides scholarships. Membership is open to APRNs, and they hold monthly meetings in the Houston, Texas area.
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