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An infant in a neonatal intensive care unit

Neonatal nursing is a specialized nursing practice of caring for newborn infants (neo meaning new, natal meaning birth) up to 28 days subsequent to birth. There are three different levels of working as a neonatal nurse: Level I consists of caring for healthy newborns, Level II caring for either premature or ill newborns, and Level III caring for newborns who cannot be treated in the other levels and are in need of high technology to survive. It is the neonatal nurse’s choice whether they wish to work in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with the healthy born babies or with the ill and/or premature babies.^[1]

[edit] Qualifications and requirements

The entry-level requirements to become a neonatal nurse varies by location. Most hospitals require that the nurse is a graduate of an accredited RN (Registered Nurse) program and also from an accredited school of nursing with a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) or MSN (Masters of Science in Nursing).^[2] Many require a three year minimum of clinical experience in a hospital setting. It is required specifically for neonatal nurses that he or she has certification as a Neonatal Resuscitation Provider and/or certification in either Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing or Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. The NICU, for instance, requires a certification. For all of these qualifications, there must be a CNS (Clinical Nurse Specialist) or RN certification of the state in which the nurse wishes to work. Some hospitals insist that the nurse has shown clinical competence and leadership skills. The most important qualifications include the ability to administer medications, other knowledge needed for patient care, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and math calculations, as well as demonstrating knowledge of the equipment and its use.

[edit] Footnotes

[edit] References

• Whitfield JM, Peters BA, Shoemaker C (July 2004). "Conference summary: a celebration of a century of neonatal care". Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent) 17 (3): 255–8. PMID 16200108. "
  Church-Balin C Preventing prematurity". 
• COINN. Global Unity for Neonatal Nurses. Frequently Asked Questions. January 1, 2004–2007.

.Nurses for a Healthier Tomorrow Career Info

• Whitfield JM, Peters BA, Shoemaker C (July 2004). "Conference summary: a celebration of a century of neonatal care". Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent) 17 (3): 255–8. PMID 16200108. "
  Goodman DC The uneven landscape of newborn intensive care services: variation in the neonatology workforce". 
• Klinetop, Suzanne. Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. NNP
• Selga, Ana May A. MD. Hospital Length Of Stay and Readmission Rates For Normal Deliveries Hospital Stay
• The Times. Best Local Jobs Job Listing. 2006.

[edit] External links

Nursing portal

• Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses
• The Academy of Neonatal Nursing