How to Become a Nurse That Works With Newborns

Neonatal nurses may also work in neonatal intensive care units where they work with very sick babies.

A neonatal nurse may care for either healthy or sick babies such as those born prematurely, or with illnesses such as heart defects or respiratory disorders. Some of your duties might include monitoring vital signs, regulating ventilators/incubators, feeding babies and preparing parents to care for infants at home. To specialize in neonatal nursing you must be a registered nurse as licensed practical or vocational nurses do not qualify. Additional education, certification or training is not required.

Things You'll Need

• Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (for Registered Nurses) from an accredited college/university.
• The NCLEX-RN Exam is offered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

Instructions

Education

1. Research nursing programs. This should be either an associate's (two-year) or Bachelor's degree (four-year) in registered nursing. This training is available at numerous community colleges and universities. In choosing a school, you'll need to select a program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc. (or NLNAC) and your state's board of nurse examiners.

2. Make application and enroll in your chosen school. In most instances, you will need to provide documentation proving that you have a high school diploma or GED. Other support documentation such as letters of reference or an entrance examination may also be required.

3. Apply for admission into the nursing program. Many schools admit freshman in a pre-nursing program only. After completing preliminary classes, students will then be given the opportunity to apply for the nursing program. Often there are limited slots or positions available for new students in the nursing school, making it quite competitive.

4. Complete coursework required to graduate. Classes you may take in the early part of your training include biology, chemistry, English, anatomy and psychology. More advanced classes required for graduation include classes such as dosage calculations, microbiology, client care and human growth and development.

5. Complete an internship in neonatal care. At the end of your nursing program, you will be given the opportunity to fulfill an internship, or on-the-job training in nursing. If at all possible, you should request a site within a birthing center or neonatal unit. This experience may give you an edge over other candidates when applying for a job.

Licensing Exam

1. Register to take the National Council Licensure Examination or (NCLEX-RN) exam. After graduating from nursing school, you will then be qualified to take the licensing exam for registered nurses. The test application and fees can be taken care of through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing website, or through your state board of nursing.

2. Wait for approval to take the exam. Once you are approved to take the exam, you can then schedule a testing date and time. It is also important to review the testing rules and procedures before the date of the exam.

3. Take the NCLEX-RN exam at your selected location.

4. Await exam results. Results will be received by mail. Once you have passed the RN exam, you are qualified to apply for neonatal nursing jobs.

Tips & Warnings

• In some areas, you may be able to find employment as a neonatal nurse immediately following graduation and passing of the RN exam. In other instances, you may have to work in a more general nursing area before securing employment as a neonatal nurse.

References

• Nurses for a Healthier Tomorrow:Career Info
• Medical Career Training:Neonatal Nursing Career Overview