The number of job opportunities for the neonatal nurse is growing as many consider the neonates. Neonates are newborn babies who are younger than 4 weeks. As the number of premature births, birth defects, and anomalies has increased, a greater concern has built up towards neonates.
The nurses who care and look after newborn babies are called neonatal nurses. At the same time, they support their families and educate them to the necessary extent.
If you are interested in neonatal care, here is a support to get an idea about neonatal nursing.
Who is a neonatal nurse?
Neonatal nursing is a nursing specialty which focuses their care towards newborn babies and their families.
Duties and responsibilities of a neonatal nurse.
As with all other nursing specializations, neonatal nurses also provide patient-centered care. They will look after premature babies, take necessary steps to prevent malnutrition and malnourishment among newborns, care for babies with birth defects, and take necessary steps to recover/ get rid of the deformities according to the physician’s advice.
Monitor neonates for complications and prevent furthering of the deformities.
These nurses must maintain alert during their duty hours because these babies are the assets of the county.
What are the steps to becoming a neonatal nurse?
The initial step is the completion of the degree. You will have to read for a bachelor’s of science in nursing degree. Approximately this will take about three to four years to complete your degree.
After graduation as a nurse, the next step is to up your level to a registered nurse. To register as a nurse, a nurse must get through the NECLEX-RN examination.
After obtaining the necessary clinical experience in neonatal care or pediatric care, you can specify a neonatal nurse. A minimum of two-year experience in above mention field is necessary. Then you need to get certified from the Neonatal Resuscitation Program to practice as a neonatal nurse.
When you complete all the above requirements, you can prepare your resume and apply for job opportunities. If you wish to further your education, you can keep steps to the master’s degree in science. Then you can end up being a neonatal nursing practitioner, and you will be able to earn more.
How long does it take to become a neonatal nurse?
It will take more than 4 years to become a neonatal nurse to fulfill the requirements of a bachelor’s of science in nursing degree
Neonatal ICU nurse vs. neonatal nurse
Neonatal ICU nurses care for newborn babies who are admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. Because of a life-threatening condition or a serious health condition. Neonatal ICU nurses are level III neonatal nurses having more clinical experiences and skills. Level II neonatal nurses care for premature babies, while neonatal nurses of level I care for new babies with less serious complications.
Due to the advancement of technology, exposure to radiation, use of drugs during the pregnancy, Infections during pregnancy, and environmental factors will increase the number of premature babies, birth anomalies, and babies with birth defects. So neonatal nursing has become an important part of nursing care.
Also read How To Become An Emergency Room(ER) NURSE
