What Is a Neonatal Nurse?
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Credit: FatCamera / E+ / Getty ImagesA neonatal nurse specializes in caring for newborn infants. Some neonatal nurses are responsible for healthy infants, while others, often known as NICU nurses, care for infants with medical complications. Some of the most common neonatal complications include infections, congenital disabilities, and prematurity.
Nurses who love pediatrics, excel in providing gentle care, and easily develop bonds with families could be great for this specialty. Learn more about neonatal nurse responsibilities, education requirements, and career trends.
How Long to Become
4 years
Degree Requirements
ADN or BSN
Average Annual Salary
$78,180
What Does a Neonatal Nurse Do?
Neonatal nurses practice in hospitals that treat newborns. They collaborate with other members of the healthcare team to address patient complications. They also manage daily infant care and support families through frequent communication.
JGI/Tom Grill / Getty Images
Key Responsibilities
- Caring for the newborn, including through feedings and diaper changes
- Administering medications
- Monitoring and recording vital signs
- Provide education and emotional support to families
- Administering certain special treatments, such as tube feedings
- Bathe infants and change diapers
- Use medical equipment unique to each patient
Career Traits
- Detail orientation
- Patient advocacy
- Stress management
- Empathy and emotional intelligence
- Written and oral communication
Where Do Neonatal Nurses Work?
Neonatal nurses work on well-baby hospital units or NICUs (neonatal intensive care units). Well-baby units support healthy infants, while NICUs treat babies with health complications.
Patients on well-baby units often only require typical newborn care, while infants admitted to NICUs need more interventions. These work environments are divided into four levels. Level one is for well-baby units, while levels two through four address infants with issues increasing in severity.
Level II NICU
This level cares for infants born at 32 weeks gestation and above or full-term babies needing close observation. This level of care includes close monitoring of vital signs, weight, and fluid status. Level II NICU nurses administer IV fluids and medications.
Level III NICU
Level III NICU includes infants born before 32 weeks’ gestation weighing under 1,500 grams or those at any gestation considered critically ill. Common care at this level includes close observation, mastery of ventilators, and care of infants needing surgery.
Level IV NICU
This is the highest level of care for infants. Level IV NICU nurses care for newborns needing major surgery or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). These infants require procedures for congenital heart defects or cardiopulmonary failure.
How to Become a Neonatal Nurse
An associate degree in nursing (ADN) is the minimum requirement to become a neonatal nurse, but many employers require a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Certification, such as a CCRN (neonatal) credential, is often required. Some positions may require advanced practice RN (APRN) certification, such as a nurse practitioner specializing in neonatal nursing care. Neonatal nurses may choose to pursue graduate programs to become APRNs.
Master of science in nursing (MSN) degrees prepare nurses for certification as neonatal nurse practitioners, leading to a higher salary and more career options.
The steps involved in becoming a neonatal nurse include:
- Earn an ADN or BSN from an accredited college or university.
- Pass the NCLEX for RN licensure.
- Gain experience working with neonatal patients.
- Obtain certification or pursue an APRN designation, such as a neonatal nurse practitioner.
How Much Do Neonatal Nurses Make?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that RN jobs will increase by 6% each year from 2022-2032. That’s faster than the national average for all occupations.
The median annual salary for all RNs is $86,070, reports the BLS. The average annual salary for neonatal nurses is about $78,000 of May 2024, according to Payscale. Individual salaries vary based on experience, facility, geographic location, and other factors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Neonatal Nurses
It typically takes nurses 2-4 years to complete an accredited program and qualify for RN licensure. Some hospitals require prospective neonatal nurses to log at least one year of clinical experience before entering this specialty. RNs need two or more years of neonatal nurse experience to receive CCRN (Neonatal) certification.
Related Pages
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Career Overview
Interested in a career working with newborns? Learn about neonatal nurse practitioner roles, including how to become a neonatal nurse practitioner, salary expectations, and job duties.
Meet a Neonatal Nurse
Have you ever wondered how to become a neonatal nurse? This resource offers first-hand information about neonatal nurse schooling and licensure from a neonatal nurse.
Neonatal Nurse Salary Guide
Neonatal nurses work vital jobs in the healthcare industry, caring for newborn infants. Here’s everything you need to know about neonatal nurse salaries.
Page last reviewed on May 15, 2024