2 answers
Dominque
Student
Memphis, Tennessee
2
Questions
Asked
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How many years do you have to do to be a neonatal nurse
I am a a high school junior and when i get to the 12th and graduate I want to go to college and study #career neonatal nurse
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2 answers
Dr. Colette Forde RN, DNP, CNM
Director of Clinical Education
16
Answers
River Edge, New Jersey
Updated
Dr. Colette Forde’s Answer
Hi Dominque,
In order to work in your favorite field, you will need to graduate as a Registered Nurse. I recommend completing a BSN program as this will give you the greatest number of opportunities for employment. As many nurses are retiring and/or moving into different types of jobs, you will be able to find NICU positions that hire new grads.
There are different levels of NICUs, classified by the acuity of the babies and gestational age. Level III and IV NICUs are the most stressful places to work in. Level I: Well newborn nursery. Level II: Special care nursery. Level III: Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Level IV: Regional
neonatal intensive-care unit (regional NICU)
I recommend applying to a hospital that offers a Nurse Residency program. This programs are becoming more popular but they currently require a separate application and interview. They generally run over 12 months and provide additional education, support, and mentoring after graduation. If the hospital does not offer this program, ask a lot of questions at an interview such as how long the orientation period will be, will you be able to have the same preceptor throughout your orientation, what type of education do they provide to newly hired NICU nurses ? Programs such as ENCCO (Essentials of Neonatal Critical Care Orientation) offer state of the art education for new NICU nurses and are generally rolled out as hybrid programs (time devoted to the online component and face-to-face time with a Nursing Professional Development Specialist (Nurse Educator). You can expect to be on orientation for a minimum of 6 - 12 months, the timing will depend on the level of acuity in that NICU and how you progress in the clinical environment.
Most hospitals will expect that you study for your certification in neonatal nursing but there are eligibility criteria you must met before applying for this exam. Currently you must have practiced as an RN for 1,750 hours in direct care of acutely/critically ill neonatal patients during the previous two years, with 875 of those hours accrued in the most recent year preceding application. The criteria is always subject to change but this will give you an idea of the amount of clinical experience you must attain before sitting for this exam.
Good luck in your studies and in finding your dream job.
In order to work in your favorite field, you will need to graduate as a Registered Nurse. I recommend completing a BSN program as this will give you the greatest number of opportunities for employment. As many nurses are retiring and/or moving into different types of jobs, you will be able to find NICU positions that hire new grads.
There are different levels of NICUs, classified by the acuity of the babies and gestational age. Level III and IV NICUs are the most stressful places to work in. Level I: Well newborn nursery. Level II: Special care nursery. Level III: Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Level IV: Regional
neonatal intensive-care unit (regional NICU)
I recommend applying to a hospital that offers a Nurse Residency program. This programs are becoming more popular but they currently require a separate application and interview. They generally run over 12 months and provide additional education, support, and mentoring after graduation. If the hospital does not offer this program, ask a lot of questions at an interview such as how long the orientation period will be, will you be able to have the same preceptor throughout your orientation, what type of education do they provide to newly hired NICU nurses ? Programs such as ENCCO (Essentials of Neonatal Critical Care Orientation) offer state of the art education for new NICU nurses and are generally rolled out as hybrid programs (time devoted to the online component and face-to-face time with a Nursing Professional Development Specialist (Nurse Educator). You can expect to be on orientation for a minimum of 6 - 12 months, the timing will depend on the level of acuity in that NICU and how you progress in the clinical environment.
Most hospitals will expect that you study for your certification in neonatal nursing but there are eligibility criteria you must met before applying for this exam. Currently you must have practiced as an RN for 1,750 hours in direct care of acutely/critically ill neonatal patients during the previous two years, with 875 of those hours accrued in the most recent year preceding application. The criteria is always subject to change but this will give you an idea of the amount of clinical experience you must attain before sitting for this exam.
Good luck in your studies and in finding your dream job.
Marini Jones, M.B.A.
Medicare Pharmacy Supervisor
24
Answers
Updated
Marini’s Answer
To become a neonatal nurse, you must obtain a four year Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree to become a registered nurse. You will also need to obtain certification in Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing and/or Neonatal Resuscitation. Experience will be very important, so you should seek out internships and practicums. It will also help to find a neonatal nurse to be your mentor. Nursing school is very competitive, so you will need to meet the program's prerequisites and admission requirements before you apply. Your admission requirements may have GPA requirements, so strive for great grades. Community service and volunteering in a healthcare setting will also help.
Good luck and remember that you can do anything that you set your mind to do.
Good luck and remember that you can do anything that you set your mind to do.