Frequently Asked Questions

Answers

What does being a neonatal nurse involve?

A neonatal nurse works with premature and sick infants and their families. We work as part of a multi disciplinary team managing the care, assessing for problems, and undertaking procedures such as special tube feedings, commencing IVs, administering medications, educate parents in how to care for their babies, and prepare them for discharge.

Some neonatal nurses work in advance practice roles where they use critical decision making skills and may work in different environments such as the transport team, family support or home care.

In some countries there are neonatal nurse practitioners (requires a masters degree in nursing with specialization in neonatal nursing) here you manage the babies' care, insert chest tubes, order medications, and develop plans of care for other nurses and health professionals to follow. The focus of the neonatal nurse is the unique relationship between the baby, parents and Nurse. The neonatal nurse is an advocate for the baby as well as focusing on improving the developmental outcome of the baby they are caring for.

What education do I require to work as a neonatal nurse?

Neonatal clinical nurses are registered nurses with a bachelor's degree or an Associate Degree in Nursing. Specialist post-graduate qualifications in neonatal nursing are available in some countries. A nurse practitioner is required to have a master's degree or equivalent in many countries.

A midwifery qualification is required in some countries and in some institutions. Other institutions provide in-house education programs to support the neonatal nurse in their journey through the various levels of care within a neonatal nursery.

Are there jobs available for neonatal nurses?

There is a global shortage of nurses and neonatal nurses are no exception. The specialty has seen an increase in survival for premature infants as well as those requiring neonatal surgery.

The length of hospital stay is increasing and there is a move to support families and their chronic; infants through discharge and community support programs

What are the resources for neonatal nursing?

Here are some resources

1. www.nann.org - The National Association of Neonatal Nurses
2. www.awhonn.org - Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses
3. www.academyonline.org - The Academy of Neonatal Nurses

What is the salary for neonatal nurse?

Please keep in mind that the salary packages for neonatal nurses will vary from state to state, and country to country. With that being said, in the United States the staff nurse-regular Registered Nurse with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing; the salary ranges from $56,000 to $80,000 per year.

As a traveler or agency nurse (moves from hospital to hospital and stays only several months at each) may make $50-$80 dollars per hour. The Neonatal Nurse Practitioner or teacher may make from $56,000 to $190,000; although this depends on the country and job responsibilities.

What are the settings for this career?

We work in hospitals, community high risk follow up clinics, developmental assessment units, schools of nursing, international organizations and professional associations such as national neonatal nursing associations and colleges, Council of International Neonatal Nurses, and World Health Organization.

Some teach and lecture around the world and some serve on professional boards such as the National March of Dimes Advisory Committee and the American Academy of Nursing.

Can I work in neonatal nursing in different countries?

Yes, there are opportunities to work in different countries. However every country has its own registering authority and different requirements for registration. Some countries have assist schemes for nurses wishing to work abroad, details can be found at:

1. Australia: Royal College of Nursing, Australia
2. New Zealand: New Zealand Association of Neonatal Nurses
3. United States: National Council of State Boards of Nursing

Once registered you can work as an agency or traveler nurse for short periods in different units or hospitals.

Whereas neonatal nursing maybe similar in many countries, often there are differences in the professional requirements, drug acts, nurses acts or decision -making expectations of the role.