NICU RN Job Description
A neonatal intensive care unit registered nurse (NICU RN) practices a specialized form of nursing which deals with newborn babies and births. NICU RNs work in hospitals and other types of healthcare facilities. They are usually an integral part of a team of doctors and other medical professionals who provide care for newborn infants.
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Job Functions
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An NICU RN works with healthy newborn babies, as well as, newborns with various types of health problems. They may be responsible for dealing with parents’ questions and concerns about their newborn. The NICU RN takes the baby’s temperature, changes diapers, feeds milk to the baby and administers medicines, according to doctor prescriptions. This type of nurse may also administer IV’s and supply oxygen when necessary. NICU RNs often work closely with NICU doctors and neonatologists.
Work Environment
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NICU RNs work in the intensive care unit of private and public healthcare facilities. Newborns require care around the clock, therefore nurses may be on call and required to work on short notice. NICU RNs may be required to work nights, weekends and holidays. Like other nurses, NICU RNs are exposed to disease and various other dangers, such as accidental needle sticks and potentially harmful chemicals.
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Training, Education and Experience
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In order to qualify to be a NICU RN, you must have a bachelor’s degree and one year of work experience in the neonatal ICU. Bachelor’s degrees in science are highly preferred. Nurses must pass a licensing exam to be registered. Many nurses continue to a master’s program in nursing. Also, an NICU RN must be certified as a resuscitation provider. Communication, leadership and critical thinking are important skills in all nursing niches.
Salary
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Nursing is one of the most lucrative careers in the nation. NICU RNs earn approximately $79,674 on average, according to PayScale. This is a significantly higher salary than other types of registered nurses. Registered nurses, in general, earned $62,450 per year, according to May 2008 Bureau of Labor Statistics. The middle 50 percent of registered nurses earned between $51,640 and $76,570 per year. Many employers will also offer bonuses and educational benefits to registered nurses.
Job Outlook
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Demand for NICU RNs is expected to increase significantly. There are approximately 40,000 low-weight births every year in the United States, according to AllNursingSchools.com. The job market for registered nurses, in general, is expected to grow by 22 percent from 2008 to 2018. This is an increase of approximately 581,500 jobs for a total of 3,200,200 registered nurses working in the United States. Salaries are also expected to rise, while high education and certifications will become more valuable.
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References
- Photo Credit newborn image by jodi mcgee from Fotolia.com
