What License or Certification Do You Need to Be a Neonatal Nurse?

Neonatal nurses are registered nurses (RNs) who specialize in medicine and treatment for newborn children.

Licensed registered nurses (RNs) may qualify to practice and specialize as a neonatal nursing practitioner. Certification is required in all states as a minimum prerequisite to becoming a licensed neonatal nurse practitioner.

Work Environment

Work performed by neonatal nurses involves assessing, diagnosing and treating high-risk infants. They must be able to counsel parents in infant care and possess skills in infection risk and nutrition for infants. Most practitioners practice neonatal nursing in hospital settings. Annual salaries in 2010 for most neonatal nurse practitioners with between one and four years of experience were between $50,601 and $80,714.

Educational Requirements

Advanced training is required to become a licensed and certified neonatal nurse. Completion of an advanced neonatal nurse curriculum usually takes two years to complete. In addition to serving an extensive residency, applicants must complete coursework in patient assessment, pharmacology and infant pathophysiology. Several schools offer online neonatal nursing degree programs although some of the degree requirements cannot be completed entirely online.

Exam Requirements

Neonatal nurse certification requires that an applicant be a licensed registered nurse. Applicants must pass the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Board Examination. The examination tests an applicant's knowledge and skill level relative to neonatal nursing.

References

• Educational-Portal.com: Neonatal Nurse Educational Requirements
• Educational-Portal.com: Online Neonatal Nurse Practioner Program Information
• Educational-Portal.com: Neonatal Practitioner Program Requirements and Career Info