Neonatal Nursing Information
Neonatal nurses are registered nurses (RNs) who specialize in the care of newborns, particularly those 28 days old or younger. They are responsible for administering treatments, performing diagnostic tests and reviewing patient histories, as well as educating families about medical conditions and procedures.
Neonatal nurses work predominantly in hospital nurseries. While some care for health healthy newborns, others work in intensive care centers and care for premature or ill newborns.
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Work Environment
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Neonatal nurses work in hospitals or other medical institutions, and must communicate and collaborate with physicians and other nurses on a daily basis. They are often responsible for taking blood samples from newborns and providing intravenous fluids when required. Many neonatal nurses are also nurse-wives and provide prenatal (during pregnancy) and postnatal (after delivery) care for women, in addition to neonatal care. They perform gynecological examines and assist physicians in the labor and delivery processes.
Nurseries
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Neonatal nurses can work in level 1, 2, or 3 nurseries. Nurses in level 1 nurseries generally care for healthy newborns. However, these types of nurseries are disappearing because healthy babies now often share rooms with their mothers and are not required to stay for very long.
Level 2 neonatal nurses are responsible for intermediate care. They primarily supply oxygen, specialized food, intravenous fluids and other medication to infants who are ill or premature, but stable.
Level 3 nurseries are intensive care units. According to Nurses for a Healthier Tomorrow, only newborns under 28 days old can be admitted, and only if levels 1 and 2 have proved ineffective. Level 3 neonatal nurses are often responsible for controlling incubators.
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Education
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An associate degree is the minimum education requirement for a registered neonatal nurse, but generally bachelor's degrees are required. There are no specific neonatal nursing programs available, but there are often elective courses covering the subject at colleges and universities. Students must pass a state license exam to become registered nurses.
Requirements
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Employment requirements will vary depending on the medical institution. Many require no previous experience, but licensure is always expected. Sometimes experience in surgical nursery is required. Neonatal nurses are often required to continue their education, and depending on state legislature, they may need to work a minimum amount of hours per year to keep their licensing.
Salary
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses made a median yearly income of $57,280 in 2006. While the bottom 10 percent made less than $40,250 per year, the top 10 percent made over $83,440. Experienced neonatal nurses often receive higher incomes than entry-level nurses, and--according to Nurses for a Healthier Tomorrow--salaries also vary with the cost of living in the area.
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