Some infants are very tiny and very fragile.Neonatal nursing units require experienced, adept nurses. These young patients are typically born prematurely or with some type of illness or developmental defect, which can sometimes lead to long stays in the NICU . Then, after they are licensed, they can seek out nursing jobs in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). A Neonatal Nurse is a Registered Nurse that works in the NICU and works under the supervision of physicians and Neonatal Nurse … The Job Description of a Telephone Triage Nurse, Difference Between Obstetric Nursing & Neonatal Nursing, The Special Training Required for Operating Room Nurses. Nurses who are certified must recertify every five years by retaking the exam or completing continuing education relevant to the practice of neonatal intensive care nursing. According to NANN, each year approximately 40,000 infants are born in the United States needing specialized care. The doctor of nursing practice, or DNP, is the most common credential for nurses who want to remain in clinical practice. A NICU nurse is usually a registered nurse, though she might also be an advanced practice nurse such as a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist. APNs also learn to perform a lumbar puncture, a procedure in which a small needle is inserted into the baby’s spine to obtain samples of fluid to test for infection or measure the pressure in the spinal column. The doctoral degree is also an option for advanced practice nurses. Advanced practice nurses have a wider scope of practice than RNs, who are educated up to the associate, diploma or baccalaureate level. Some premier hospitals offer residencies to new graduates. Schooling for a neonatal nurse begins by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. An advanced practice nurse, or APN, must have a master’s degree in nursing. NICU is an acronym for neonatal intensive care unit, and the nurses who work there are commonly called neonatal or NICU nurses. Neonatal nurses care for babies who are born prematurely, who have birth defects, infections or other medical or surgical problems. Neonatal nurses care for premature or sick newborn babies in the NICU, or Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Although one can achieve RN licensure with an associate's or bachelor's degree, the BSN can be better preparation for a neonatal intensive care unit. Nurses for a Healthier Tomorrow: Neonatal Nurse, American Nurses Association: How to Become a Nurse, American Academy of Pediatrics: NICU Nursing Team, National Certification Corporation: Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing, American Association of Critical Care Nurses: CCRN — Certification for Adult, Pediatric and Neonatal Critical Care Nurses, How to Become a Wound Care Nurse Specialist. Beth Greenwood is an RN and has been a writer since 2010. They learn how to suction secretions from an infant’s mouth and nose, insert a urinary catheter or manage a preemie on oxygen. Focused experience in a NICU along with specific certifications will help prepare you for this job. NICU is an acronym for neonatal intensive care unit, and the nurses who work there are commonly called neonatal or NICU nurses. An APN in a NICU might place intravenous or central lines in an infant to allow fluid and medication to be administered. Although certification is not required to become a NICU nurse, many institutions prefer to hire nurses who are certified. Advanced practice nurses learn other skills that reflect their wider scope of practice. NICUs may admit babies with relatively minor medical problems or critically ill infants who are so sick that one nurse … She specializes in medical and health topics, as well as career articles about health care professions. However, it might take longer if there are many prerequisites the student must complete prior to entry. NICU Nurses complete additional training beyond what is required to be licensed as a … All neonatal nurses must be educated about normal infant conditions and development as well as congenital problems, illness and prematurity. Nursing Management of Patient With Chicken Pox. Greenwood holds an Associate of Science in nursing from Shasta College. During their nursing education, students can take neonatal nursing courses. A neonatal nurse is a Registered Nurse that works in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and assesses, monitors, and cares for medically fragile newborns.In addition to caring for premature newborns, NICU nurses … NICUs may admit babies with relatively minor medical problems or critically ill infants who are so sick that one nurse is assigned to a single infant. A baccalaureate degree takes four years. Nurses might also take the certification exams to ensure their knowledge and competency. A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Nurses and Neonatal Nurse Practitioners are similar roles, but the difference is in the education requirements and scope of practice. A neonatal intensive care nurse is a licensed RN with an ADN, BSN, or advanced degree .They care for newborns who need round-the-clock attention.