I was interested in critical care, pediatrics, and obstetrics, and the NICU was a way to combine all those interests. Doctoral graduates possess a deeper understanding of how to use tools specific to the neonatal unit and typically have an awareness of emerging technologies gaining a foothold in the hospital community. Most people think about neonatal nursing from the perspective of critically ill neonates. This establishes a baseline to know the neonates condition and identify any problems, new or ongoing. Many nursing associations are calling for nursing diplomas to be phased out as a path to becoming a registered nurse. Graduates of doctoral programs in nursing will have strong skills and deeply rooted knowledge, honed over years of experience and educational study. While associate and bachelor’s level degrees may only offer electives in neonatal nursing, master’s and doctoral programs should have a spectrum of electives available in this area. It's important to recognize that a degree may be required for a career or increase your chances of employment but it is not a guarantee of employment when you complete your degree. Students learn to assess research and translate findings into action. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not report data specifically on neonatal nurse incomes, it does provide information for general nursing occupations. Opioid Use Disorder and Pregnancy: What Does Evidence-Based Care Look Like? Studies highlight pharmaceutical use in hospital settings, including proper dosages, common drugs, potential interactions and adverse effects, and administration routes. Discussion of the various drugs and pharmaceutical interventions suitable for neonates and small children, including varied reactions to certain drugs, correct drug choices, and routes of administration. These related occupations allow individuals to help people, be engaged members of the medical profession, and potentially work with infants and their families. The group of infants categorized as “late-preterm” are a growing public health concern. Neonatal Nursing CEU Courses. The higher the passage rate, the more likely it is that the program has suitably prepared its students. Candidates who do not pass the test can take it again in 45 days. The work of a neonatal nurse is very valuable; indeed, infants in precarious medical situations depend on their expertise for survival. These may include volunteering, applying for a summer externship after the clinical rotations have started, or requesting assignment in the specialty area during the final clinical before graduation. Aspiring nurses must complete an accredited nursing program and then sit for the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) before beginning work as a registered nurse. These classes are typically offered in traditional settings, online platforms, or hybrid programs. It is vitally important to ensure nursing faculty members are highly trained in specific neonatal issues and have extensive experience in the NICU. .generalcontent p{margin-bottom:0}.catalog-category-view .generalcontent{padding:0 0}, td{border:1px solid #ccc}br{mso-data-placement:same-cell}. As BSN nurses, we are taught to see the big picture, care for patients holistically, and think critically. Look for faculty with past or current experience helping neonates, those who have penned in-depth research papers on neonatal issues, and those who are well known in the field for their contributions to the advancement of neonatal research or practice. The following areas are expected to offer the highest rates of employment expansion from 2012 to 2022. A small bump in education could translate to a serious bump in pay for neonatal nurses. Most nursing programs provide a variety of electives within the nursing field, allowing students to concentrate their knowledge in a particular area. Many neonatal nurses work in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU), providing highly specialized medical care to at risk newborns. Not only will graduates know how to identify these issues, they will also have the skills and knowledge needed to implement change. The Certificate of Training in Neonatal Nutrition is for nutritionists, dietitians, nurses, physicians and professionals who want to improve lives through the power of nutrition. I understand a degree DOES NOT GUARANTEE A JOB OR CAREER UPON COMPLETION OF A PROGRAM. Neonatal nurses are responsible for a wide variety of tasks, from changing of diapers to administering medications. Classes focus on the basic knowledge and skills an individual will need to step into the role of registered nurse. Those considering this option should be aware that the competition for nursing positions has led many employers to seek out applicants who have earned a higher level of education. Once obtaining a nursing position, they can begin training for a neonatal unit, maternity floor, or other opportunities leading to work as a neonatal nurse. A bachelor’s degree builds on associate level coursework, providing more in-depth classes and a greater focus on advanced skills and knowledge. Students should seek out schools that incorporate NCLEX-RN prep into the curriculum or offer supplemental courses that review necessary points of taking this particular examination. Opioid Use Disorder and Pregnancy, Part 1: What Does Evidence-Based Care Look Like? A study of the practical applications of nursing knowledge in NICUs, including essential nursery skills, resuscitation, assessment, and laboratory analysis. When learning something new, it pays to learn from the best. Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome: Off to a Shaky Start, Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia: Early Detection and Proper Nursing Care, Meeting the Challenge of Pediatric Pain Management. They should also be proficient in the specific technologies used in the field. By continuing to use our site, you consent to the use of cookies outlined in our Privacy Policy. I worked as a registered nurse for about seven years (six in the NICU), before attending Georgetown University Medical Center for my neonatal nurse practitioner certification. An in-depth view of human genetics, development and developing body systems, with studies from the embryonic stage to the neonate.