how many years of college do you need to become a neonatal nurse

by Theodore White Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Neonatal Nursing Degrees by Level

Associate Degree in Nursing The associate degree in nursing typically takes two years to complete and includes a blend of classroom instruction and clinical training. After finishing their degree and becoming licensed, graduates can move directly into work as a registered nurse. ...
Bachelor of Science in Nursing ...

Master's Degree in Nursing ...
Doctorate Degree in Nursing ...

Neonatal Nursing Online Schools ...

To become a neonatal nurse, you must earn at least a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), although a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is becoming more commonly required. You must also be licensed as a registered nurse.

Full Answer

What education do you need to become a neonatal nurse?

Important Facts About Neonatal Nurse Education
Neonatal Nurse Requirements. ...
Associate Degree Programs. ...
Bachelor's Degree Programs (BSN) As an aspiring neonatal nurse, you may consider earning a bachelor's degree. ...
Graduate-Level Degree Programs. ...

What skills are needed to become a neonatal nurse?

Wherever one starts their training, the following skills will help NICU nurses be successful:

Assessment skills. “NICU babies can decline quickly,” Williams said. ...
Critical thinking, which “can be a game of detective work as you have a nonverbal patient whose clinical presentation can be so subtle,” Williams said.
Effective communication for handoffs, reporting changes in condition and working with colleagues and the babies’ family members.

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What all does it take to become a neonatal nurse?

First, become a registered nurse. I won't go into all the options, but trust me when I recommend getting your bachelors degree.
Second, get a job as a nurse, hopefully in an acute care setting. ...
If at all possible, get hired into a tertiary care center. ...
Get your certifications in NRP and PALS. ...
Watch the internal job posting board like a hungry ha

What do colleges do you go to become a neonatal nurse?

Best Colleges for Neonatal Nursing

University of Pennsylvania. ...
Vanderbilt University-School of Nursing. ...
Arizona State University. ...
Duke University-School of Nursing. ...
East Carolina University- College of Nursing. ...
Northeastern University- School of Nursing. ...
University of California - San Francisco-UCSF School of Nursing. ...
University of Florida- College of Medicine. ...

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How many years do neonatal nurses go to college?

How Do I Become a Neonatal Nurse? Neonatal nurses first need a degree in nursing. If studying full time, an associate degree takes about two years, while a BSN requires four years.

Is it hard to become a neonatal nurse?

If you're considering a career as a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurse, congratulations — NICU nurses have one of the hardest jobs in medicine. A NICU nurse is a nursing specialty who cares for sick or premature babies, including babies with birth defects.

What are the steps of becoming a neonatal nurse?

Understand the specialized role of a neonatal nurse. ... Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. ... Pass the NCLEX-RN exam and become a Registered Nurse (RN) ... Build clinical experience working in a neonatal facility. ... Take and pass a national neonatal certification exam. ... Begin your career as a certified neonatal nurse!

What education do neonatal nurses need?

To become a Neonatal Nurse, either an associate's degree in nursing or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is required. It's also required to become licensed. This can be done by passing the Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing exam.

Which nursing job is easiest?

Nurses can work in a variety of clinics, but many consider one of the least stressful nursing jobs to be working in a generalist physician's office. Nurses who work in doctor's office—think of a pediatrician's office or family medicine—see a steady stream of patients every day.

What type of nurse works with babies?

Neonatal nurses Job description: Neonatal nurses are typically the next specialized group to enter the picture of infant care after labor and delivery nurses. This type of nurse specializes in the care of newborn infants. Within this area of nursing are several subspecialties.

Do NICU nurses hold babies?

For the most part NICU nurses spend time providing direct patient care, teaching parents about basic infant care, assisting parents with holding their babies skin-to-skin, or creating an atmosphere where infants can sleep in a developmentally appropriate environment.

What nurse takes care of babies after birth?

neonatal nurseA neonatal nurse cares for newborn babies. They help new parents hold, bathe, and feed their baby, and often act as a bridge between the parent and the specialists working with the infant.

How much does a neonatal nurse make?

Neonatal nurses appear to earn a higher income than the average registered nurse salary in the US. The BLS states that the average nurse salary in 2021 was $77,600 or $37.31 per hour. While neonatal nurses earn an average income of $100,944 per year or $48.53 per hour per ZipRecruiter.

Do neonatal nurses deliver babies?

Both perinatal and neonatal nurses are involved in the childbirth process. The main difference between the two is that perinatal ("around the birth") nurses take care of pregnant women before, during and just after birth, while neonatal ("newly born") nurses care for newborn infants through the first 28 days of life.

What careers work with babies?

Here are 17 jobs working with babies.Nanny. Nannies care for babies and children in their own home or in the family's home. ... Child care center owner or worker. ... Children's gym owner or teacher. ... Pediatrician. ... Pediatric nurse. ... Pediatric nurse practitioner. ... Neonatal nurse. ... Labor and delivery nurse.More items...•

What exactly does a neonatal nurse do?

A neonatal nurse is a nurse that works specifically with newborn babies typically in their first month of life. Most often, neonatal nurses work with infants who face specific challenges right after birth including birth defects, heart problems, prematurity, and more.

Are NICU nurses in high demand?

As such, neonatal and intensive care nurses, known as NICU nurses, are in high demand. These nurses need to have extensive knowledge and expert skills to care for critically ill and premature newborns.

Do neonatal nurses deliver babies?

Do NICU nurses hold babies?

How much does a neonatal nurse make?

What are some duties of a Neonatal Nurse?

Apart from providing direct patient care for babies, they help with feeding them, monitoring their health, collaborating with the pediatric departm...

What is the difference between a Neonatal Nurse and a NICU Nurse?

A Neonatal Nurse is a Nurse that cares for a baby right from point of delivery till when the baby is discharged.In most cases, the baby is not born...

How long does it take to become a Neonatal Nurse?

To become a Neonatal Nurse, Registered Nurses can spend a minimum of 3 years.For high school leavers, the entire process can take up to 6 to 7 year...

What is the annual salary of a Neonatal Nurse?

The National Bureau of Labor Statistics puts the average annual salary of a Neonatal Nurse at $105,000, which is $56 per hour.However, depending on...

What is the difference between a Neonatal Nurse and a Labor and Delivery Nurse?

A Labor-and-Delivery Nurse is directly in charge of delivering the baby. Their assignment starts immediately after a pregnant woman comes in for ch...

What are the benefits and drawbacks of being a Neonatal Nurse?

Neonatal Nurses are reputable among contemporaries because of their numerous certifications and good salary.Apart from that, they also get to pursu...

How long does it take to become a neonatal nurse?

Aspiring neonatal nurses can enter the field with an ADN degree that takes two years to complete. However, a BSN degree, which takes four years to...

What career advancement opportunities are available for neonatal nurses?

Neonatal nurses who pursue advanced practice nursing roles and certifications will have the best opportunities for career advancement. These includ...

How hard is it to become a neonatal nurse?

Neonatal nursing requires extensive training, advanced skills, and the ability to work in stressful environments. While not as physically tasking a...

What is the difference between a neonatal nurse and a pediatric nurse?

Neonatal nurses care for infants facing serious health challenges, often in hospital NICUs and delivery rooms. They usually work with newborns unti...

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What Does a Neonatal Nurse Do?

Neonatal nurses care for infants with exceptional medical needs. Like other healthcare careers, experience, certification, and additional education affect day-to-day responsibilities.

What Are the Steps to Become a Neonatal Nurse?

Answering how to get a neonatal nurse license begins with education. Aspiring neonatal nurses should earn a bachelor's to make themselves more competitive. Other steps include passing the NCLEX-RN, applying for a license, and working in a hospital's NICU.

Neonatal Nurse Education Requirements

The neonatal nursing field is one of the fastest-growing in the healthcare industry.

Types of Neonatal Nurses

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, neonatal medical facilities are categorized based on the care they provide to newborns and the services they render.

Is Neonatal Nursing Good for Me?

Having considered all these, have you made up your mind yet whether neonatal nursing is something you’ll like to try out?

What degree do you need to become a neonatal nurse practitioner?

You will need to complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree in Neonatal Nursing to become a neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP).

How long does it take to become a neonatal nurse?

It takes about 2 to 3 years to become a neonatal nurse, which is the time required to obtain your associates degree in nursing (ADN) and become a registered nurse.

What is the primary concern of a neonatal nurse?

Your primary concern as a neonatal nurse is caring for newborns. This will be a responsibility that entails close supervision by physicians.

How long does it take to get a masters in nursing?

A master’s degree in nursing takes 2 years. Many schools grant this degree after the student has completed the Advanced Practice Neonatal Nursing Program.

What does it mean to be certified in nursing?

When you are certified, it means that you have shown knowledge, expertise and skill in this particular nursing specialty. Certification is a requirement prior to licensing.

How long does it take to get a BSN?

Before doing this, make sure you have passed the SAT or the ACT exam. The BSN will take around 4 years for a full time student to complete.

What is advanced skills and expertise?

Advanced skills and expertise provides opportunities for advancement, such as researcher, university educator, health care clinical manager, and other non-bedside roles.

What Do NICU Nurses Do?

Neonatal nurses perform a wide variety of tasks. They may assist with birthing, and they measure and weigh infants after they are born. The bulk of their profession involves caring for infants immediately after birth.

Where Do Neonatal Nurses Work?

Neonatal nurses work in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) and maternity wards at hospitals, birthing centers, and clinics. They may carry out their duties in delivery rooms and nurseries. In the United States, these nurses fall into four categories: Level I (well newborn nursery), Level II (special care nursery), Level III (NICU), and Level IV (regional NICU).

Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

Whether you’re looking to get your pre-licensure degree or taking the next step in your career, the education you need could be more affordable than you think. Find the right nursing program for you.

What is a neonatal nurse?

Neonatal nurses work with infants born with critical health problems, giving them the specialized care they need to lead healthy lives. Infants might be born prematurely, or with congenital disorders or infections. According to the National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN), about 40,000 infants are born with below-healthy birth weights each ...

How old can a newborn nurse be?

Although "neonatal" technically refers to infants up to one month old, neonatal nurses might work with young children up to two years old. If you want to learn more about the neonatal nursing profession as a whole, this guide will serve as a useful resource.

What are the careers of neonatal nurses?

Nurses can take advantage of several pathways to work with babies; they can work as labor and delivery nurses, pediatric nurses, and neonatal intensive care nurses. Neonatal nurses perform important and fulfilling work caring for critically ill infants in need of extra attention after birth.

What are the responsibilities of a neonatal nurse?

Job Responsibilities. Work Settings. Steps to Become a Neonatal Nurse. Salary and Job Growth. Many people who adore babies choose to dedicate their careers to working with infants. Nurses can take advantage of several pathways to work with babies; they can work as labor and delivery nurses, pediatric nurses, and neonatal intensive care nurses.

How long does it take to become a neonatal nurse?

It takes four years to become a neonatal nurse plus practical experience in a residency.

How many hours do you need to be a neonatal nurse?

Each certification specialty has varying requirements. You can expect to spend between 10 and 100 hours every three years to maintain your certification.

What Does a Neonatal Nurse Do?

A neonatal nurse treats premature and critically ill newborn babies in a specialized intensive care unit. Feeding, monitoring vital signs and operating medical equipment like a ventilator are common duties of this position. Some neonatal nurses transport patients, work on surgical teams or focus on cardiac care. In addition to taking care of their patients, a neonatal nurse provides support and education for families and caregivers.

What certifications are required for neonatal nursing?

Other preparation and certification that’s recommended for a neonatal nurse includes basic life support, neonatal resuscitation and advanced cardiovascular life support. You may be able to take these certification classes at your local hospital or online.

What level of NICU do you need to be to work with babies?

The education and experience required to become one of the nurses who works with babies depends on the NICU level. A level II NICU is equipped to care for babies who need short-term care and don’t require long-term life support.

What is the best career choice for a neonatal nurse?

If nursing is your passion and you love working with babies, becoming a neonatal nurse may be an ideal career choice. Caring for premature babies and critically ill infants, a neonatal nurse works in a hospital in a neonatal intensive care unit, also known as a NICU. A high level of experience and special certifications are required ...

How many hours of neonatal nursing experience do you need?

The American Association of Critical Care Nursing offers a specialization in neonatal care. To become eligible to take this exam, you’ll need 1,750 hours of neonatal nursing experience within the past two years.

What certifications do NICUs need?

Many NICUs require RNs to at least have their Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP), Basic Life Support (BLS), and/or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certifications. Neonatal nurses may also choose to advance their careers or specialize in a particular area with specialty certifications like:

How much does a neonatal nurse make?

Neonatal Nurse Salary Information. According to PayScale.com, the average annual salary for a NICU RN was $62,378, as of June 2019. That website also reported that a neonatal nurse starting salary was $57,384, while NICU RNs with 5 to 9 years of experience made $65,168.

What degree do neonatal nurses need?

While there is not a specific neonatal nurse bachelor degree program or neonatal nursing major, students can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which may be preferred or required by hospitals.

What degree do you need to become a NICU nurse?

Students can become an RN by completing a diploma, associate's, or bachelor's degree program in nursing.

How long does it take to become a neonatal nurse?

Neonatal nurses typically need 2 to 6 years of postsecondary education. Below we discuss the steps for how to become a baby nurse in more detail.

How to become a nurse practitioner?

Another way to advance in the career is to become a nurse practitioner by earning a master's degree. There are even some Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs with a specific major in neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP). These degree programs typically require extensive hours of clinical experience.

How much does an NNP make?

Also, as of June 2019, PayScale.com reported that the average annual salary for an NNP was $98,312. This average annual salary is expected to increase with years of work experience, as the website reported NNPs with 20 years or more of experience made an average of $115,945.

How long does it take to become a neonatal nurse?

From there, you can get your Master's degree in Neonatal Nursing. To obtain Bachelor's degree in Nursing takes 4 years and 2 yrs for Master's degree. I know it didn't answer your question, but I hope it gives you an idea of years in college.

How long does it take to get an ADN to an MSN?

Actually you can go from an ADN to a MSN directly in about 3 years. It is something I am looking into, but as Steve mentioned, experience in the NICU is required.

Can a NNP practice without certification?

In any case, all NNPs need to sit for their national (NCC) specialty certification/credentialing exam.

Is the NICU a bed of roses?

NICU ain't no bed of roses like everyone thinks it is. It's full of high-tech equipment and high-acuity babies. But it's what I love.... good luck!

Do universities take non-BSN nurses?

The Universties around here will take non-BSN nurses.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Neonatal Nurse

For most people, from start to finish, it will take a little more than four years to become a neonatal nurse.

How to Become a Neonatal Nurse: A Step-by-Step Guide

It is possible to obtain either an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree in nursing. However, your prospects of finding entry-level employment will be significantly enhanced if you have a bachelor’s degree from a four-year college.

Pros and Cons of Becoming a Neonatal Nurse

If you love children and are especially fond of infants, a career as a neonatal nurse can bring great rewards. You’ll be able to use your hard-earned medical skills to help infants in distress. You’ll gently and skillfully guide them toward recovery, helping them get a good start in life even if they’ve faced severe health challenges.

Important Characteristics of a Successful Neonatal Nurse

The best neonatal nurses are motivated by compassion and empathy. They must be highly observant and pay great attention to detail, since their young patients are unable to express their feelings or describe their symptoms verbally.

What Is a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)?

A neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP) is a highly skilled, highly educated advanced practice registered nurse ( APRN) who is responsible for providing specialized care to newborn infants who are experiencing a broad range of acuity and states of health, including prematurity, low birth weight, infections, genetic disorders, congenital heart abnormalities, and respiratory problems. Neonatal nurse practitioners should also be well versed in the diagnoses of other health conditions. NNPs care for neonates who require constant attention and frequently act as primary caregivers to premature or ill newborn infants. Neonatal nurse practitioners can often be found working in intensive care units, delivery rooms, emergency rooms, and specialty clinics. In spite of the fact that neonatal nurse practitioners work under the instruction of a neonatologist physician or neonatal fellow, NNPs assume absolute responsibility for their patients' health, employing judgment when required to evaluate, consider, diagnose, and commence medical procedures.

What is a level 3 NICU?

Level III NICUs (Subspecialty Newborn Care): NNPs employed at this particular level of the NICU are in charge of caring for newborn infants who've been born at less than 32 weeks' gestation, or those suffering from severe afflictions at any gestational age. NNPs working in level III NICUs offer their patients access to a wide variety of pediatric subspecialties, respiratory support systems, and advanced imaging technologies.

What is the NNP BC?

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP-BC) To be eligible for the electronic fetal monitoring subspecialty certification exam, individuals must meet the following requirement: Hold a current license as an RN. Hold a current license as a Nurse Practitioner.

How to become a registered nurse?

After an individual has achieved their BSN, they can then sit for the NCLEX-RN (Nursing Council Licensure Examination). As soon as they have successfully passed the NCLEX-RN examination, the next step is to apply to the state's licensing agency to become a fully licensed, traditional registered nurse (RN). The final educational hurdle that a person seeking to become an NNP is to either earn a post-grad Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree with a concentration in neonatology, or to enroll in and complete a two-year Advanced Practice Neonatal Nursing (APNN) program. Completing one of these two educational programs is a prerequisite for licensure as a nurse practitioner (NP) or clinical nurse specialist (CNS). Both of these routes are acceptable for national certification and advanced practice licensure or recognition through all state Boards of Nursing.

What is the responsibility of a neonatal nurse practitioner?

In spite of the fact that neonatal nurse practitioners work under the instruction of a neonatologist physician or neonatal fellow, NNPs assume absolute responsibility for their patients' health, employing judgment when required to evaluate, consider, diagnose, and commence medical procedures.

What do neonatal nurses need?

Prospective neonatal nurse practitioners who wish to care for newborn infants need to have exceptional dexterity, vision, agility, and should be highly observant with excellent hearing to ensure the well-being of infants under their care.

What is the particular setting in which an NNP works?

The particular setting in which an NNP works will determine the kind of tasks they will be expected to perform. The following describes what kind of care each level entails and the kind of tasks NNPs are expected to execute: