- Nursing
- Nursing specialties
- Neonatal intensive care nurse
Neonatal intensive care nurse
A neonatal intensive care nurse cares for premature and critically ill newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit of a hospital.
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Required education
MSN
In demand
Neonatal intensive care nurses are in demand due to advances that have dramatically increased the survival rate of infants born with a low birth weight.
Varied
Take on different tasks, patients, and situations every day.
Fast-paced
React and make decisions quickly in demanding conditions.
Patient-facing
Work hands-on, directly with patients.
Structured
Follow a routine that allows you to anticipate and prepare for every situation.
High demand
This specialty is in high demand in the U.S.
What is the role of a neonatal intensive care nurse?
You’ll look after infants with premature congenital disabilities, dangerous infections, and other problems from birth until they’re discharged.
What you’ll do as a neonatal intensive care nurse
Collaboration
You’ll be a liaison with other healthcare professionals.
Documentation
You’ll record an infant’s progress and recovery.
Education
You’ll teach parents about their baby’s condition, breastfeeding, and help with any other concerns they may have.
Treatment
You’ll give medication and connect infants to the latest technology that helps them breathe and be fed intravenously.
The skills of a pediatric and neonatal critical care transport nurse
Hear what Anita, MSN, RN, CCRN, C-NPT, has to say about being a pediatric and neonatal critical care transport nurse.
What I love most about being a nurse is that I go home feeling great about what I’ve done. To me it’s not just about holding hands or wearing colorful scrubs. It’s about using fast critical thinking skills, listening to your gut, your instinct, and going from there.
Anita, MSN, MS, CCRN, C-NPT
Pediatric and neonatal critical care transport nurse
Where you’ll work as a neonatal intensive care nurse
Neonatal intensive care nurses work in a variety of settings, including:
- Home health services
- Hospitals
- Medical evacuation and transport services
- Neonatal intensive care units
How to become a neonatal intensive care nurse
Get an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
When considering a future nursing career, it’s important to explore the different nursing programs available and the paths they offer. With various options like associate degree programs, bachelor’s degree programs, and direct-entry master’s degree programs, prospective students can choose the educational path that best suits their goals and interests.
Pass the NCLEX-RN.
The National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) is the all-important step between graduating from nursing school and becoming a nurse. It’s a standardized test, set by the Board of Nursing in each state, that makes sure you have the knowledge and skills you need to work in the field of nursing.
Work as a Registered Nurse.
Gain at least two years’ experience in neonatal nursing and at least 2,000 hours in neonatal direct patient care, administration, education or research.
Pass the Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing Certification exam through the National Certification Corporation.
You’re ready to work as a neonatal intensive care nurse!
Neonatal intensive care nurse career resources
Become a member of a neonatal intensive care nurse organization to find career opportunities, learn from your colleagues, and support the profession.
National Association of Neonatal Nurses
National Association of Neonatal Nurses
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