What To Know About Neonatal Nurses Education

By Elena McDowell


Neonatal nursing refers to a specialty in the nursing field in which professionals work specifically with newborns infants that have a range of medical problems. The first month of life is considered the neonatal period. Neonatal nurses education requirements are expected to vary based on the place of practice.

People looking to work in this position as a career have to be properly trained. After all, they are given the major responsibility of caring for ill infants. Before starting neonatal studies, most students are expected to complete their undergraduate education and receive a degree.

Some community colleges that proved associates degrees in the field and most four-year universities offer bachelors degrees. Most of these programs do not have any specialty courses included. Still, sometimes neonatal elective classes are an option for those interested.

There are three main routes that can be taken to earn this type of education and certification. There is a baccalaureate degree that can be earned through a university or college. Usually this takes four years to earn. This allows for the greatest flexibility in career path. There is also the associate degree that can be earned from two to three years at a community or junior college. A hospital-based nursing school offers a diploma degree. However, these programs are being taking out in many areas.

Those who have obtained a degree in another field might be able to participate in an accelerated program to earn their Master or Bachelor of Science in two years or less. Those interested in advanced nursing must have a doctoral or masters. Sometimes nurses with masters degrees go on to earn their PhD.

Once a person becomes registered as a nurse, he or she will work in a hospital NICU. Most of these programs require that individuals have some experience working in infant care, such as pediatrics or in the nursery for newborns. Still, most facilities will hire graduate nurses with a strong interest in this specialty care. Through orientation programs, the nurses will learn how to properly treat the sick infants. There are many educational programs that offer basic information on this type of care.

In the process of learning, people will do training via real-world clinicals and skills labs. The training will be made available through the employer after a student has graduated with a degree. There are many mentorship or preceptor programs and classes available through employers. This kind of formal training may last for up to three months, depending on past experience. Some facilities require the new graduates to have at least one to two years in general or maternal nursing before going into the NICU.

Neonatal nurses education and certification may vary from place to place. Likewise, the tasks and job descriptions for these professionals are also known to differ. These individuals are expected to pay attention to details and be critical thinkers to succeed in their work. They should also be able to communicate complicated skills and concepts with parents of patients, and be patient and compassionate.




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