Neonatal refers to the first 28 days of life. Neonatal nurses care for newborns during this period. In the case of healthy babies, this can be relatively routine, but because newborns have not built up any immunological resistances, treatment of newborns with medical problems requires medical expertise and skills. For this reason, neonatal nurses need extensive educational backgrounds to prepare them for their positions.
The Facts
To be a neonatal nurse, a student must become a registered nurse (RN) or a nurse-practitioner (NP). A registered nurse is usually a graduate of a 4-year college or university, although some community colleges offer specialized programs designed to train registered nurses in 2 years. These programs are often run in conjunction with nearby hospitals to provide clinical experience for the students. Some hospitals offer 3-year programs to train and educate registered nurses. A nurse-practitioner needs a master's degree in addition to a 4-year degree.
Significance
Hospitals and other medical facilities base their assignments of neonatal nursing positions on the skill and certification of the registered nurses or nurse-practitioners. Registered nurses are required to pass a state examination called the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses and are therefore considered qualified to perform nursing functions, but neonatal nursing requires some degree of specialization, and some RNs specialize in this coursework during their undergraduate work. If not, they can be nationally certified as neonatal nurses by taking a national certification exam given by the National Certification Program. Nurse-practitioners, because they are required to earn a master's degree, can specialize in neonatal nursing while earning the master's degree.
Features
The same requirements for maintaining the registration and certification of a registered nurse also apply to neonatal nurses. Nurse-practitioners also must maintain their certification as registered nurses, although certification is not required for nurse-practitioners. The features of neonatal nursing for newborns needing extra medical care can include providing additional oxygen, intravenous therapy and special feedings.
Misconceptions
Because there can be a sense of joy that pervades maternity wards in hospitals as parents celebrate the births of their children, the position of neonatal nurse is often seen by new students entering the nursing profession as enjoyable work because of the atmosphere. There can be cases that don't turn out well in deliveries, however, and these can shatter the sense of care-giving for neonatal nurses. Students should understand that neonatal nursing involves cases that don't always turn out well medically.
Expert Insight
The neonatal nurse has a special role in communicating with parents who are concerned, sometimes frantic, about the health of the newborn. For this reason, a neonatal nurse must have superior communication skills and be able to have a calming effect on parents under stress. Neonatal nurses also need to understand that they can only do so much in helping a newborn's health, and sometimes genetic factors can work against them.
Nurses for a Healthier Tomorrow
National Association of Neonatal Nurses
National Certification Program
American Nurses Association