What Do You Need to Become a Neonatal Nurse?

A nurse is a health professional who helps care for patients when they are ill. Nurses perform many different duties. They administer medications, monitor the health status of patients and help educate them about how to care for any further treatment. A neonatal unit is a specialty care facility for premature infants or infants who may be full term but have health needs. Neonatal nurses are nurses who have received special training in the care of such infants.

Undergraduate Education

Neonatal nurses are required to be Registered Nurses. To be an RN, one must complete undergraduate education classes in the hard sciences as well as liberal arts. Typical courses include work in pathophysiology as well as chemistry, statistics and human anatomy. Registered Nurses complete either an associate's degree or bachelor's degree. Potential neonatal nurses are generally urged to complete a four-year degree of nursing before they can gain employment.

RN Hospital Training and State Licensure

Registered nurses must complete on-the-job training in a hospital setting for at least one term. During this time, they work with experienced nurses to learn hospital policies and procedures. Potential neonatal nurses should pay close attention during this time to procedures in the maternity and nursing ward. There are often opportunities during this time to help care for premature babies. Once an RN has completed her undergraduate coursework and hospital training, she is required to work to complete state licensing exams. The NCLEX or National Counsel Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses requires potential nurses to demonstrate their understanding of nursing policies and procedures.

Certifications

To apply for work as a neonatal nurse, one must generally have additional training and certification. Neonatal Resuscitation Provider Certification tests a student nurse's knowledge of techniques designed to help an infant in respiratory distress. Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing Certification indicates a nurse has completed classes and passes an exam designed to test her knowledge of intensive care practices. Most neonatal care nurses have completed coursework in all three areas. Classes are given in many nursing schools and higher education institutions.

Certified Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

A certified Neo Natal Nurse Practitioner has completed a master's degree in the field of neonatal nursing. To apply for this program, generally one must complete all RN requirements as well as a year of experience in the field of neonatal nursing. A nurse practitioner master's degree prepares applicants for leadership and research roles in this field.

Duties

Neonatal nurses help care for babies in the neonatal unit. They do the sort of infant care such as diapering and feeding common to all hospital care for infants. They also perform other duties such as monitoring infants who may be on oxygen to help them breathe or may have feeding lines to help them gain additional weight. A neonatal nurse may administer a blood transfusion, chart an infant's reactions from hour to hour and assist parents in helping to care for their newborns.