What Is a Neonatal Nurse?
A neonatal nurse specializes in caring for premature and newborn babies who face specific challenges. They also work with older infants with chronic issues due to being born prematurely. The scope of their care can extend to children up to two years old, according to the National Association of Neonatal Nurses. In this guide, we will delve into the roles, expected earnings, and work environments of neonatal nurses.
As of July 2023 data from Payscale, neonatal nurses can anticipate an average annual income of $71,060. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 9% job growth for all registered nurses (RNs) from 2020 to 2030. For those interested in this profession, it typically takes around four years to become a neonatal nurse.
How to Become a Neonatal Nurse
How Long Does It Take to Become a Neonatal Nurse?
It usually takes four years (4 years) to become a neonatal nurse.
Struggling to meet your deadline?
Get your assignment on What Is a Neonatal Nurse? done by certified MDs and PhDs in the USA. ORDER NOW!
Job Outlook
The job outlook for neonatal nurses is positive, with a projected 9% job growth from 2020 to 2030.
Average Annual Salary
The average annual salary for neonatal nurses is $71,060.
What Does a Neonatal Nurse Do?
Neonatal nurses care for infants dealing with various medical and surgical conditions. They primarily work in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) within a hospital, but they can also work in other healthcare settings. Their daily responsibilities include tasks like feeding, bathing, and changing diapers for infants. In addition, they perform comprehensive assessments, such as monitoring oxygen levels and vital signs, as well as tracking fluid intake and waste output.
The specific duties vary based on the patient’s care plan and may involve tasks like providing specialized feedings (e.g., tube feedings), administering medication, IV fluids, and blood transfusions. NICU nurses may also be involved in high-risk deliveries and respond to emergencies in labor and delivery units. They conduct screening tests, such as hearing and vision assessments, and interpret the results. Other responsibilities encompass keeping parents informed about the infant’s status, maintaining detailed patient records, and operating specialized NICU equipment.
To become a neonatal nurse, you can qualify with either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). However, some employers prefer candidates with a BSN. While not mandatory, obtaining a certified critical care RN for neonates (CCRN Neonatal) credential is recommended.
The CCRN (Neonatal) certification is specifically for nurses who care for newborn patients with acute or critical illnesses. This may include working in the NICU, cardiac care or intensive care units, trauma units, or critical care transport/flights.
To be eligible for certification, you need:
– An unencumbered RN or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) license
– Two years of experience as an RN or an APRN, including 1,750 hours of direct acute or critical care for neonatal patients
– Or five years of experience as an RN or an APRN, with a minimum of 2,000 hours caring for acutely or critically ill neonates
Key Responsibilities
Neonatal nurses provide continuous monitoring and care to ill or premature infants. Their key responsibilities include:
– Administering special feedings, such as tube feedings
– Having expertise with specialized NICU equipment like infant ventilators, incubators, radiant warmers, and more
– Inserting IV lines
– Performing various tests
– Managing medications
Career Traits
Neonatal nurses should possess the following traits:
– Exceptional observation skills
– Empathy and social awareness
– Strong written and oral communication skills
– Ability to multitask
– Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues
Where Do Neonatal Nurses Work?
Most neonatal nurses work in the NICU, which has four levels of care for newborns. Level I is for healthy babies, while the other levels provide care for acutely or critically ill infants.
Other possible work settings for neonatal nurses include cardiac care, trauma units, and critical care transport/flights. Some neonatal nurses may work in the community or in-home settings to provide education and follow-up care for high-risk babies after their discharge.
Level II NICU
This level cares for infants born at 32 weeks gestation and above or full-term babies who need close observation. Level II NICU nurses closely monitor vital signs, weight, and fluid status. They also administer IV fluids and medications.
Level III NICU
Level III NICU includes infants born before 32 weeks’ gestation, weighing under 1,500 grams, or those considered critically ill at any gestational age. Care at this level involves close observation, expertise in ventilator care, and treatment for infants requiring surgery.
Level IV NICU
Level IV NICU nurses care for newborns needing major surgery, such as procedures for congenital heart defects. This is the highest level of care for infants.
Home and community care neonatal nurses assess how infants are faring after discharge, including factors like weight gain, growth rate, and medical stability. They also educate parents on proper infant care at home and address any questions.
How to Become a Neonatal Nurse
The minimum requirement to become a neonatal nurse is an ADN, although many employers prefer a BSN. Certification is often necessary, with options such as a CCRN (Neonatal) credential or an advanced practice RN (APRN) certification, such as a nurse practitioner specializing in neonatal nursing care. Some neonatal nurses may choose to pursue graduate programs to become APRNs.
A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree can prepare nurses for certification as neonatal nurse practitioners, opening up higher earning potential and more career opportunities.
The steps to become a neonatal nurse include:
– Earning an ADN or BSN from an accredited college or university
– Passing the NCLEX for RN licensure
– Gaining experience in working with neonatal patients
– Obtaining certification or pursuing an APRN designation, such as becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner
How Much Do Neonatal Nurses Make?
Based on Payscale data from July 2022, neonatal nurses earn an average base pay of $35.11 per hour. Payscale reports a salary range of $53,000 to $101,000, which can vary depending on the healthcare setting, experience level, and education.
Frequently Asked Questions about Neonatal Nurses
1. How long does it take to become a neonatal nurse?
It takes 2-4 years for nurses to complete an accredited program and qualify for RN licensure. After obtaining a license, RNs need two or more years of experience to earn CCRN (Neonatal) certification.
2. What’s the difference between a neonatal nurse and a neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP)?
A neonatal nurse must have a minimum of two years of nursing school education with optional certification. In contrast, a neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP) requires an advanced practice RN degree, such as an MSN or a doctor of nursing practice. A neonatal nurse practitioner must pass a certification exam after completing graduate school.
3. Can neonatal nurses prescribe medicine?
Neonatal nurses cannot prescribe medication unless they have an APRN designation, such as a neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP). Nurse practitioners can prescribe medications under the supervision of a medical doctor in most states.
4. What does a typical day look like for a NICU nurse?
Neonatal nurses feed, bathe, change, and weigh high-risk infants. They administer medications and assess oxygen levels, vital signs, and other assessments, such as measurement of fluid intake and urine output. Depending on the care plan, neonatal nurses may administer and monitor IV fluids and blood products. NICU nurses often attend high-risk deliveries and respond to neonatal emergencies in labor and delivery units.
Dont wait until the last minute.
Provide your requirements and let our native nursing writers deliver your assignments ASAP.