Components of A Successful Career in Neonatal Nursing
The five “C”s of nursing are commitment, care, compassion, competence, courage, and communication. These traits are essential for nursing at all levels, whether you have an associate degree in nursing, are a registered nurse(RN), or have years of experience working in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Neonatal nurse practitioners work in a unique environment that includes vulnerable newborns, new parents, and highly interested family members. NICU nurses must understand the newborn’s physical condition right after delivery and the family’s emotional state. These nurses also educate parents and caregivers and ensure that they understand their roles in the newborn’s care.
The below-listed items describe a variety of components of a successful neonatal nursing career.
- Must have a strong interest in newborns
- Must have strong and confident interpersonal skills
- Nurses must have empathy and demonstrate understanding as a primary caregiver
- Must have an ability to work in a highly technical and automated environment
- Must work well in stressful situations as part of a healthcare team
- Must manage time and resources under sometimes critical conditions
Typical On-Campus and Online Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Entry Requirements
On-campus or online nursing programs can earn you certificates, associate degrees, and BSN degrees. Nursing programs can also be Master’s-level degree programs and doctoral programs for advanced practice and expert status. Hospitals traditionally were a source of training and did not necessarily require a college education. Today, an online associate degree may be the minimum qualification, but an online bachelor’s degree is the preferred level. An in-person or online bachelor’s degree opens a wide range of opportunities, including opportunities for further education at the master’s and doctoral levels.
Typical Neonatal Nursing Certifications Needed
A neonatal nurse must have an RN license and a BSN degree. Some basic certifications include the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) and Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing. Most states require a period of experience in a supervised setting after you earn your degree, even if you do so online. Another typical requirement is two full years of documented experience in the field of neonatal care.
The National Certification Corporation offers some essential credentials for demonstrating skills and competencies. These include Neonatal Intensive Care, Low Risk Neonatal Nursing, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, and Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner.
Academic Standards
In theory, students can become nurses by a hospital-based training and certification program (as long as it is approved by the National Certification Corporation), an on-campus or online associate degree from a two-year college, or a four-year BSN. States approve nurse preparation programs, and their graduates can qualify for the state license examination. Program accreditation is an essential part of getting the maximum career and educational benefits from nursing education, no matter where you earn your credits. Neonatal training comes after the BSN, although students can develop the basics of neonatal care in nursing school.
Exam and Experience Needed
Neonatal nurses must first become Registered Nurses and be licensed by one or more states to practice. Many states use the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nursing or NCLEX-RN. Nursing certifications from the National Certification Corporation can establish competence in a field or sub-field. Certification can add to the neonatal nurse’s portfolio and experience in neonatal intensive care has great weight in career development.
Important Questions to Ask (FAQ)
How long does it take to earn a Neonatal Nursing Degree online?
Since some states license nurses with an online associate-level degree and the required level of experience, the shortest route to become a neonatal nurse practitioner may be a two-year online associate program. The online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program take four years to complete, or less through online education. They must still perform an internship or another type of clinical experience.
How much does an Online Neonatal Nursing Degree cost?
The costs of a nursing degree can vary by the school and program. The average range for public four-year schools is about $30,000 for out of state tuition and living expenses and about $20,000 per year at in-state rates. The private college average is about $42,000 per year.
Many students choose to attend a community college for the first and second year of a four-year degree. Community college rates can be much lower than most four-year schools. The national average is in the range of $15,000 per year, and some students can qualify for low-cost in-district rates.
Does the School have the Major You’re Considering?
Nursing schools can offer many pathways to becoming a practicing nurse. These include an online associate degree and/or bachelor’s degree in nursing. Professional nurses will gain access to some areas of nursing through training or experience after licensure as an RN. Neonatal nurse practitioners work in a specialized area of the nursing profession.
Nursing schools may not offer a degree that specializes in working with neonates. The first step in becoming a neonatal nurse is to become a Registered Nurse. Students with a definite interest in in being neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses can select a school that offers elective courses in neonatal study areas. The goal is to prepare for training and certification after the RN license. Neonatal nurses must have certification for Neonatal Resuscitation and Neonatal Intensive Nursing. Certification requires two years of neonatal work experience or about 2,000 hours.
How many students graduate “on time”?
Across the US, and across all majors, time frames are trending toward longer periods of attendance. “On time” graduation can mean 18 months to two full years to complete an online associate-level degree and four years for a BSN. Some recent studies based on the entering class of 2013 showed that about 34% completed their degrees after four years and that the six-year rate was 47%. The NCES data showed that in 2016, the six-year rate was 60% at four-year schools. The public-school rate was 59%, and the private school rate was 66%.
What kind of accreditation should the online program have? How is it regarded in the field?
Accreditation must come from an agency approved by the Department of Education. Two leading national organizations accredit nursing education programs. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredits all types of online nursing education programs including master’s, baccalaureate, and associate degrees. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits programs that offer only master’s and baccalaureate level nursing degrees. Both of these accreditations have wide acceptance among employers and educational institutions.
Professional Neonatal Nursing Organizations
NANN
National Association of Neonatal Nurses
The National Association of Neonatal Nurses is the advocacy organization for neonatal nurses throughout the country. Nurses can take advantage of opportunities for networking and continuing education resources. NAAN offers expertise and insightful training and education programs. The association also offers leadership opportunities and research. These programs help with professional enrichment as well as continuing education requirements. Students can benefit from insider knowledge of the profession, trends, and valuable career information. The organization advocates for policies at the national government level as well as in state governments.
ANN
The Academy of Neonatal Nursing
The Academy provides high-quality healthcare education across a range of nursing and neonatal specializations.
AWHONN
Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses
The association is an education and advocacy organization dedicated to improving the neonatal nursing profession and providing educational resources. AWHONN does not offer certifications but the organization does offer continuing education courses with completion certificates to satisfy continuing education requirements. The association’s education resources include courses in fetal heart monitoring and critical care obstetrics.
FNRE
Foundation for Neonatal Research and Education
The foundation is a research and advocacy organization dedicated to strengthening of Neonatal Nursing Practice. They promote research, evaluation of Neonatal Nursing Interventions, and working toward improved patient outcomes. They use scholarships and advocacy to prepare Neonatal Nurses for the present and future needs of the society.
NCC
National Certification Corporation
The corporation provides certification for neonatal intensive care nursing, including developing and administering the RNC Certification for Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing (RNC-NIC). Eligible candidates must be Registered Nurses, with 24 months of neonatal care experience that consists of 2,000 hours or more.