Understanding The Neonatal Nurse Career

A neonatal nurse practitioner is a nurse who is trained to take care of newborn babies who are premature or are impaired by a sickness or disease. They are responsible for the 24/7 care of infants. In addition to taking care of infants, they are also responsible for making sure that new mothers know how to care for their infants. However, not only do they take care of new mothers and their babies, they also take the leading role in training other nurses. These nurses normally work in hospital neonatal intensive care units. Most of these units are usually in larger hospitals or healthcare facilities.



Working as a nurse practitioner involves using a lot of specialized skill. When working with infants, a nurse has to know they cry and know how to fix the problem. However, unlike older people, a baby cannot tell you what is wrong. The nurse has to figure out what the problem is and take of it. This is why a nurse practitioner has special skills of diagnosing problems. These skills are acquired from a combination of experience and formal education.



You might not think so, but you do not have to do much in order to be a neonatal nurse practitioner. If you are a RN who likes working with babies, then enroll in a good master’s program. The only thing that really separates a neonatal nurse and a nurse practitioner is that one has a master’s degree. But do the research and find out what other states are doing in turns of qualifications. Usually a majorityof states will need to see that you have an advanced degree in nursing, such as a master’s degree. There are some states that say you have to work so many hours in experience.



Once you get certification, what will it be worth to you? Neonatal nurse practitioners earn anywhere in the range of 39k to 112k per year. The average salary is 80k annually. That is a pretty good salary. So, if you are a RN looking for a promotion, then get your master’s degree and enter a neonatal nurse practitioner program. The employment opportunities in this area should rise by 22 percent in the next few years.



For the person who likes to work with infants, a neonatal nursing profession might be what you are looking for. You will take care of both infants and their mothers. Basically, a neonatal nurse practitioner has additional training and education than other neonatal nurses. Just like with other business position, more training and education will result in a higher job title. The same principle applies to neonatal nurses. The neonatal nurse practitioner is the highest nurse in the unit and is responsible for the well being of newborn infants, their mothers and also possibly a nursing staff. This will oftentimes consist of training nurses on the staff and insuring that their functions are fine.



In conclusion, becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner is not that difficult to do if you are already a registered nurse who holds a bachelor’s degree. It is just a matter of adding on to the knowledge and training that you already possess.