Neonatal Nursing: A Rewarding and Challenging Career
Neonatal nursing is a subspecialty of nursing that works with newborn infants who have various medical and surgical conditions, such as prematurity, birth defects, infection, cardiac malformations, and surgical problems. The neonatal period is defined as the first month of life; however, these newborns are often sick for months or even years. Neonatal nurses provide daily care for these infants, such as feeding, bathing, and changing diapers, as well as performing comprehensive assessments, administering medications and fluids, operating specialized equipment, and responding to emergencies. Neonatal nurses also communicate with the parents and families of the infants, providing education, support, and updates on the status of their babies.
Neonatal nurses usually work in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) within a hospital, but they can also work in other healthcare settings, such as birthing centers, clinics, or home health care. Neonatal nurses may care for infants up to two years of age, depending on their needs and the scope of practice of the nurse. Neonatal nurses work in collaboration with other healthcare professionals, such as neonatologists, pediatricians, nurse practitioners, respiratory therapists, and social workers.
How to Become a Neonatal Nurse
To become a neonatal nurse, one must first become a registered nurse (RN) by completing an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Some employers may prefer or require a BSN degree for neonatal nurses. After becoming an RN, one must gain experience in caring for newborns or critically ill patients, preferably in a NICU setting. This can take from six months to two years, depending on the employer and the level of competency required.
To advance in neonatal nursing, one can pursue a certification or a graduate degree. A certification is an optional credential that demonstrates the knowledge and skills of a neonatal nurse. One of the most common certifications for neonatal nurses is the Certified Critical Care RN for Neonates (CCRN Neonatal), which is offered by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). To be eligible for this certification, one must have an unencumbered RN license and at least 1,750 hours of direct acute or critical care for neonatal patients within the last two years or 2,000 hours within the last five years. The certification exam covers topics such as clinical judgment, professional caring and ethical practice, and collaboration.
A graduate degree is another option for neonatal nurses who want to pursue advanced practice roles or leadership positions. A master of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree can prepare neonatal nurses to become neonatal nurse practitioners (NNPs), clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), educators, researchers, or administrators. NNPs and CNSs are APRNs who have more autonomy and authority in diagnosing and treating neonatal patients. They can prescribe medications, order tests, perform procedures, and consult with other providers. To become an NNP or a CNS, one must complete an accredited graduate program that includes both didactic and clinical components and pass a national certification exam.
The Benefits and Challenges of Neonatal Nursing
Neonatal nursing is a rewarding and challenging career that requires a high degree of skill, dedication, and emotional strength. Neonatal nurses make a difference in the lives of infants and their families by providing evidence-based care that improves their outcomes and quality of life. Neonatal nurses also experience personal and professional growth by learning new skills, advancing their education, and joining professional organizations.
However, neonatal nursing also comes with some difficulties and risks. Neonatal nurses face high levels of stress due to the complex and unpredictable nature of their work environment. They deal with life-and-death situations on a daily basis and witness the suffering and loss of their patients and families. They also face ethical dilemmas regarding end-of-life decisions, resource allocation, parental rights, and informed consent. Moreover, neonatal nurses are exposed to physical hazards such as infections, radiation, noise, chemicals, and ergonomic injuries.
Therefore, neonatal nurses need to take care of themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally by practicing self-care strategies such as getting enough rest, exercise, nutrition,
hydration; seeking social support from family,
friends,
and colleagues; engaging in hobbies
and leisure activities; seeking professional help when needed; participating in debriefing sessions
and peer support groups; maintaining a positive attitude
and perspective; setting realistic goals
and expectations; managing time
and workload effectively; seeking feedback
and mentorship; pursuing continuing education
and career development; advocating for themselves
and their patients; and joining professional organizations
such as NANN.
Conclusion
Neonatal nursing is a rewarding
and challenging career that works with newborn infants who have various medical and surgical conditions. Neonatal nurses provide daily care for these infants, as well as performing comprehensive assessments, administering medications and fluids, operating specialized equipment, and responding to emergencies. Neonatal nurses also communicate with the parents and families of the infants, providing education, support, and updates on the status of their babies. To become a neonatal nurse, one must first become an RN and gain experience in caring for newborns or critically ill patients, preferably in a NICU setting. To advance in neonatal nursing, one can pursue a certification or a graduate degree. Neonatal nursing is a rewarding
and challenging career that requires a high degree of skill, dedication, and emotional strength. Neonatal nurses make a difference in the lives of infants and their families by providing evidence-based care that improves their outcomes and quality of life. However, neonatal nursing also comes with some difficulties and risks, such as high levels of stress, ethical dilemmas, and physical hazards. Therefore, neonatal nurses need to take care of themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally by practicing self-care strategies.
Works Cited
– NurseJournal Staff. “What Is a Neonatal Nurse?” Nursejournal.org, 23 Nov. 2022, https://nursejournal.org/careers/neonatal-nurse/.
– NANN. “What Is Neonatal Nursing?” NANN.org, https://nann.org/about/what-is-neonatal-nursing.
– Wikipedia Contributors research paper writing help. “Neonatal Nursing.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 8 Oct. 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neonatal_nursing.
Kenner, C., 2019. Comprehensive neonatal nursing care. Springer Publishing Company.
Sheldon, R.E., Bissinger, R., Kenner, C. and Staebler, S., 2017. The status of us neonatal nurse practitioner education in 2015–2016. NeoReviews, 18(1), pp.e3-e21.
Verklan, M.T., Walden, M. and Forest, S. eds., 2020. Core curriculum for neonatal intensive care nursing e-book. Elsevier Health Sciences.
