Info Regarding Neonatal Nurses Education

By Enid Hinton


Nurse practitioners have an important role in the field of medicine. There are many different kinds of practitioners who may specialize in a particular niche, which is the case for the neonatal nurse. These professionals specialize in the care of neonates, which is another work for newborn babies. Neonatal nurses education may vary by location, but higher education is necessary to practice in this field professionally.

Generally speaking, these professionals provide critical care to neonates placed in the intensive care unit. These practitioners might also serve as post-discharge and primary care providers for post-NICU babies. Some also handle case management across various health care communities and settings, and act as experts for consultants working in other units, including pediatrics, emergency room, operating room and family practices.

There are different levels where a nurse might be assigned when it comes to the neonatal nursery. The first is a place where newborns who are healthy are kept. Level two is mostly for those who need some intermediate or special attention because of prematurity or illness. At this level, the infants might need some therapy or time to adapt before discharge.

The intensive care unit or NICU is considered the third level. This is where many newborns who cannot be treated elsewhere are sent. Usually these babies need more attention and care. In fact, they often require high technology for survival in their earlier days of life. This may include need for breathing or feeding tubes. Nurses make up approximately 90 percent of the staff members in the NICU.

Level four is the last. This involves the skills that are required of nurses in the third level but is associated with more intensive care. Typically it is reserved for the most complex and critical of cases. The staff available in this level include 24-hour surgeons and neonatologists who work hard to keep these babies alive. The care given to these babies often involves intricate surgical procedures.

Neonatal nurses play an integral role for newborns during their first 28 days of life, especially those who are ill or premature. In fact, the work they do is often vital. The term neonatal is derived from neo, meaning new, and natal, meaning origin or birth. Proper education is a must to take on this position.

Typically these nurses are required to complete postsecondary educational nursing programs. They must also earn their license through this education. The details of educational requirements may vary slightly based on location. Still, because of the responsibility assigned to people in this profession, education and proper training is essential. These professionals have a lot of duties, including giving medications, performing tests and taking record of vitals.

There are both bachelors and masters programs available to those looking to get into this line of work. Nurses with more experience and education may get more opportunities in this career and therefore increase their earnings. There are numerous open positions available across the globe and the need for health care professionals only grows by the day. Demand for these nurses is only expected to go up as thousands of babies are being born on a daily basis, some of which require special care and attention. People interested in this career should do research to see what all it entails.




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