NICU Nurse Information
A neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurse works with babies born prematurely or with severe medical conditions. A baby is considered premature if he is born before 37 weeks. Every year, 13 million babies are born prematurely, according to the March of Dimes. They require constant monitoring. NICU nurses not only care for these babies round-the-clock, they also play a major role in making sure the parents are ready to take over when the baby is healthy enough to go home.
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Education
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Most NICUs only hire registered nurses (RNs), as opposed to licensed practical nurses. Some may require a bachelor's degree in nursing. Nurses generally work in the nursery for a period of time, gaining experience caring for healthy babies, before they are eligible to work in the NICU, although some areas experiencing shortages may take a nurse right after graduation. There is no special degree program to become a neonatal nurse, but colleges may offer electives and hospitals may provide additional training after hiring a nurse to work in the NICU.
Duties
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NICU nurses provide constant care for underweight, underdeveloped or very sick babies. These babies may have difficulty breathing, maintaining their own body temperature or eating on their own. Nurses provide care for complications, monitor vital signs, keep the doctor informed about changes in status and keep parents updated on their child's progress. They also educate the parents on how to care for their preemie while in the NICU and when it is time to go home.
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Work Environment
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Most NICU nurses work in a hospital-based unit. They interact with doctors, surgeons, respiratory therapists and other specialists to provide continuity of care. They may work 8- to 12-hour shifts and spend most of this time on their feet. NICUs are very fast-paced and require good communication and decision-making skills. Occasionally, NICU nurses do home visits to care for a baby after discharge.
Salary and Career Outlook
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The average salary for a NICU nurse is $50,000 a year, although this can vary depending on experience and location. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the need for registered nurses in general is expected to continuing growing faster than average over the next 7 years. The rate of premature babies has increased 36 percent over the last 25 years and is continuing to rise, according to the March of Dimes.
Considerations
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NICU nursing can be a very rewarding career. Watching tiny, underdeveloped babies grow and thrive, then seeing them go home with their parents is a highlight of the job. But it can also be very difficult when the baby doesn't make it, especially once the nurse has become attached to the baby during days or weeks of care. NICU nurses, like all nurses, need to be compassionate and empathetic while maintaining objectivity and professionalism.
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