Neonatal Nurse Career Overview

how long to become

4 years

job outlook

7% growth from 2019-2029

average earning potential

$49,000-$105,000

SOURCE: PayScale/ZipRecruiter

Neonatal Nurse Career in Brief

Neonatal nurses support women during labor and provide care for newborns. Healthy infants may only require neonatal nurse services for a few days, while sick infants may stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for an extended period of time. Responsibilities include performing cognitive tests, evaluating test results, and providing treatment. These professionals also run NICU equipment and document patient histories. Neonatal nurses regularly communicate with parents which requires a compassionate attitude.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide excellent patient care
• Create individualized care plans
• Document patients' progress and status
• Keen observation skills

Career Traits

• Social perceptiveness
• Service orientation
• Communication skills
• Oral and written comprehension

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Where Do Neonatal Nurses Work?

Most neonatal nurses work in nurseries and birthing rooms within hospitals. While level II nurseries house less acutely ill patients, these infants still require constant care. Level III nurseries include babies with critical illnesses or babies born before 32 weeks of gestation. Some neonatal nurses find job opportunities in communities or clinics. For instance, nurses may provide home follow-up care for high-risk infants.

• Level II Nursery

  Provide excellent patient care, treat illnesses, and monitor patients

• Level III Nursery

  Perform medical procedures and tests, assist NICU physicians, create treatment plans, and support families

• Community/Home Care

  Assess patients for any signs of infection or complications, discuss feeding, and evaluate mothers for signs of postpartum depression or other complications

Neonatal Registered Nurses (RNs) versus Neonatal Nurse Practitioners (NNPs)

Neonatal nurses seeking career advancement generally earn an advanced nursing degree in the NNP specialty. This credential allows professionals to take on more responsibilities. The table below looks at some differences between the two roles.

How To Become a Neonatal Nurse

Neonatal nursing offers a rewarding career in healthcare. Aspiring neonatal nurses can launch their career by earning either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a BSN. While both routes lead to state licensure, students must consider their long-term goals to determine which program best meets their needs.

Complete undergraduate education

RN licensure and nursing education can be achieved through two common routes: an ADN or a BSN. BSN degrees take around four years to complete and are the preferred education level for a neonatal RN.

Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam To Receive RN Licensure

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing offers the NCLEX-RN exam, which is open to graduates from accredited ADN and BSN programs. The exam primarily includes multiple choice questions.

Complete Required Nursing Experience

While NICU experience requirements vary, employers often prefer candidates with two or more years of experience working with neonatal patients.

Pass the Registered Nurse Certified-Neonatal Intensive Care National Certification Examination (RNC-NIC)

The RNC-NIC exam tests for speciality knowledge in neonatal intensive care. Although employers may not require the RNC-NIC exam, this certification can help candidates establish a competitive edge in the job market.

How Much Do Neonatal Nurses Make?

Neonatal nurses earn about $73,880 on average. However, multiple factors influence neonatal nurses' earning potential, including geographic location, level of education, and experience. For instance, neonatal nurses can earn nearly $49 an hour, but the pay range can vary by as much as $26 depending on location and experience.

Neonatal nurses enter a growing field. The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics data projects a 7% increase in employment for RNs from 2019 to 2029. This growth should account for about 175,900 job opportunities each year. Openings result from practitioners retiring or transferring into other occupations.

Professionals should note that BSN-holders enjoy a competitive advantage over candidates with an ADN. Similarly, employers favor applicants with extensive work experience or additional specialty certifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do neonatal nurses do?

Neonatal nurses care for babies who face complications after birth, including defects or prematurity. Responsibilities include assisting mothers during birth, monitoring infants, performing tests, and evaluating results. Other duties may include educating mothers on infant care, maintaining patients' history, and operating NICU equipment.

How many years does it take to be a neonatal nurse?

Aspiring neonatal nurses can enter the field through multiple paths. Professionals who wish to enter the workforce quickly can earn an ADN, which typically requires two years to complete. Students seeking a competitive advantage and intending to earn an MSN may prefer a BSN, which takes four years to complete, on average. Many hospitals offer new graduate nursing programs and residencies and train new RNs specially to the NICU. Most RNs starting out in the NICU will have to precept for more than 12 weeks due to the complexity of care.

How much does a neonatal nurse make a month?

A neonatal nurse's earning potential varies by experience, education, and work environment. Employers may offer salaried pay or hourly pay. Salaried neonatal nurses earn about $73,380 on average, or about $6,115 each month. According to some job websites, hourly neonatal nurses can earn roughly $49 an hour. Based on 40-hour work weeks, hourly professionals make about $5,600 a month.

Do neonatal nurses perform surgery?

Neonatal nurses assist mothers during the birthing process and aid newborns who need immediate care. Responsibilities in level II nurseries may include providing intravenous therapy or oxygen. In level III nurseries, neonatal nurses may need to monitor patients with induced hypothermia using a cooling blanket or patients with noninvasive mechanical ventilation.

Resources for Neonatal Nurses

• National Student Nurses' Association

  This organization serves over 60,000 members nationwide, providing access to scholarships, semi-annual meetings, career services, and NCLEX-RN exam resources. NSNA also offers educational sessions for students and faculty and hosts conventions and leadership development opportunities.



• National Association of Neonatal Nurses

  NANN provides the tools, connections, and information neonatal nurses need to excel in their jobs. Membership benefits include networking opportunities, training resources, professional development, and newsletters. The association hosts local chapters in nearly 30 states and special interest groups.



• Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses

  AWHONN supports nurses who care for newborns and mothers. Members can attend annual conventions and earn online continuing education credits. AWHONN also offers professional development, volunteer, and research opportunities. Other benefits include grants and scholarships, journals, and podcasts. AWHONN offers student, professional, and partial memberships.



• National Black Nurses Association

  Established in 1971, the NBNA promotes culturally competent healthcare. Over 200,000 nurses hold active memberships in the U.S., Africa, and Eastern Caribbean. The association boasts 115 local chapters, conferences, continuing education credits, and a career center. Other resources include newsletters, scholarships, webinars, and podcasts.

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