Mariana
For a neonatologist, are there constant needs for research and education in the NICU?
I'm an incoming sophomore at the University of the Incarnate Word. I've developed the love for working in the NICU in high school when I was a volunteer at the local hospital and now I essentially want to make a career out of it. I was able to shadow some doctors during my time there and only few enlightened me on the research projects they were working on. Instead, they all mentioned seminars and conferences they attend throughout that year. So, is research a high demand when a neonatologist? #doctor #health #research #hospital-and-health-care #neonatal
4 answers
Rehana Dharani, CPC
Rehana’s Answer
You can just be a general neotologist or one that is involved in research which usually is in an academic university Hospital settings.
Julie Garcia, MSN, APRN, CNS, CCRP
Julie’s Answer
Casey O'Brien
Casey’s Answer
I have a cousin who just started at a NICU and she absolutely loves it. She went to school for neonatology and found work quickly thereafter. I think you would only be focused on advanced research if you were pursuing a pHD or a higher program in a pediatrics grad department. That's certainly an interesting road to pursue, but probably not necessary to find a job at a NICU "off-the-bat." Of course, that higher level of research can certainly help placing you higher in a position in an NICU down the road. Conferences and the like are mandatory to CME's, as mentioned above, and no matter how much research you do, you'll be going to those on a yearly basis.
It's a fascinating path to pursue and I hope that you'll excel to the highest degree!
Julie Garcia, MSN, APRN, CNS, CCRP
Julie’s Answer
Hello,
While there are Research needs in this population you will see less than in the adult population. There are several reasons for this. All new drugs are tested on adults first. Once it shows promise in adults it will be tested on children and younger. There are pediatric scientists who are trying to change this though. In neonatal research you will most likely see more bench research (in a lab) or observational studies. You may also see retrospective chart reviews where a large number of charts are reviewed to look for patterns or establish which interventions have a better outcome.