Neonatal Nursing
What You Need to Know about Neonatal Nursing
Neonatal nurses care for newborns, both healthy and ill, until they are ready to leave the hospital. These positions are usually found in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU), but there are different levels of care provided by neonatal nurses, depending on the health of the infant.
Preparation Path
Attain a BSN
Pass the NCLEX and become an RN
Become certified as a neonatal resuscitation provider
Obtain Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification (recommended)
Typical Tasks
- Managing and carrying out a newborn’s plan of care
- Administering medications and monitoring the newborn’s condition
- Providing vaccinations for newborns
- Changing diapers, feeding, bathing, and comforting babies in distress
- Interacting with parents and answering their questions about the infant’s medical status
- Instructing mothers about the importance of breastfeeding
- Advising parents on how to care for the healthy infant once they are home
Employment Settings
- Hospitals — often the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
Annual Salary Range
$78,224 – $139,028
Certification
RN, plus certification in Neonatal Resuscitation. Certification as a Critical Care Registered Nurse is also recommended.
Education Requirements
BSN
