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NURSING AND NEONATOLOGY?
NURSING AND NEONATOLOGY?
EN:Hello, how are you? I'm thinking about studying a degree in Nursing and specializing in Neonatology, so I would like to know. What am I going to have to study, what courses or topics do I need to master in this career?
EN: Hi everyone, I'm cheering myself to study Nursing and specialize in Neonatology, so I want to know. What subjects will I have to study? What courses and what knowledges do I must have?
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4 answers
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RACHEL’s Answer
This is exciting to hear you want to specialize in caring for smallest patients in the hospital.
First become a RN, preferably with a BSN as this will challenge your leadership and critical thinking skills.
During nursing school, ask your professors to make sure you are able to do a rotation in a NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) so you can get your introduction to neonatology there.
After graduation, look for a hospital that provides new graduate nurse training in the NICU. If for any reason you are unable to find this, you can start in either pediatrics or maternity (caring for both new mothers and new healthier babies). From there you will likely be able to transfer into NICU.
Some of the other answers shared many resources on neonatal care, but it is important to realize you will get introduction to many of these in nursing school and will definitely get them during your training to NICU.
Some hospitals may have "Cuddlers Program" where you can volunteer in the NICU to help care for infants whose parents are not able to be present all the time and these infants may need to be held more often. While you are volunteering, you can learn from lots from the nurses and physicians.
Good luck!
First become a RN, preferably with a BSN as this will challenge your leadership and critical thinking skills.
During nursing school, ask your professors to make sure you are able to do a rotation in a NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) so you can get your introduction to neonatology there.
After graduation, look for a hospital that provides new graduate nurse training in the NICU. If for any reason you are unable to find this, you can start in either pediatrics or maternity (caring for both new mothers and new healthier babies). From there you will likely be able to transfer into NICU.
Some of the other answers shared many resources on neonatal care, but it is important to realize you will get introduction to many of these in nursing school and will definitely get them during your training to NICU.
Some hospitals may have "Cuddlers Program" where you can volunteer in the NICU to help care for infants whose parents are not able to be present all the time and these infants may need to be held more often. While you are volunteering, you can learn from lots from the nurses and physicians.
Good luck!
Updated
Sandra’s Answer
Hi Daniella,
I agree with Mr. Frangos. I am a big advocate of nurses becoming nurse practitioners and specializing. I strongly recommend that you get your BSN and become a NICU(neonatal intensive care unit) nurse. You should work for about 1 year to get some good experience then if you would like to go back to school, consider getting your master's degree in nursing and becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner. Many times, after working for a year most employers will provide tuition assistance to help nurses pay for going back to school to enhance their career choices. Good luck in your endeavors!
Sandra
I agree with Mr. Frangos. I am a big advocate of nurses becoming nurse practitioners and specializing. I strongly recommend that you get your BSN and become a NICU(neonatal intensive care unit) nurse. You should work for about 1 year to get some good experience then if you would like to go back to school, consider getting your master's degree in nursing and becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner. Many times, after working for a year most employers will provide tuition assistance to help nurses pay for going back to school to enhance their career choices. Good luck in your endeavors!
Sandra
Updated
Shelia’s Answer
Nursing is an extraordinary profession, teeming with a myriad of thrilling paths just waiting to be explored. Have you ever thought about offering your time as a volunteer at a hospital? This could be a wonderful way for you to get a taste of the nursing profession and identify the role that truly speaks to your heart, especially since you've shown interest in the neonatal intensive care unit. Generally, acquiring a bachelor's degree in nursing takes around 4 to 5 years.
The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is a sought-after division for registered nurses (RNs). If you're a recent RN graduate, you might need to gain experience in a different unit for a couple of years before transitioning to the NICU. Sandra's advice about pursuing a master's degree in nursing and becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner is truly insightful.
Best of luck on your journey!
The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is a sought-after division for registered nurses (RNs). If you're a recent RN graduate, you might need to gain experience in a different unit for a couple of years before transitioning to the NICU. Sandra's advice about pursuing a master's degree in nursing and becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner is truly insightful.
Best of luck on your journey!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Daniela,
Embarking on a journey to earn a Nursing degree with a specialization in Neonatology requires mastery over a range of subjects and courses. Here's a comprehensive guide to the key areas you should concentrate on:
## Fundamental Nursing Courses
Start by completing the fundamental nursing courses that provide the bedrock of knowledge and skills for all nursing professionals. These typically encompass:
Health Assessment
Anatomy and Physiology
Microbiology
Pathophysiology
Pharmacology
Nursing Theory and Practice
Evidence-Based Practice
Professional Ethics
## Neonatology-Specific Courses
After laying the foundation with basic nursing courses, shift your focus to specialized neonatology courses. These might include:
Newborn Nursery Care
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Nursing
Neonatal Development and Growth
Neonatal Pathophysiology
Neonatal Pharmacology
High-Risk Newborn Care
Neonatal Resuscitation and Stabilization
Neonatal Assessment and Monitoring
Neonatal Nutrition and Feeding
Special Care Nurseries for Medically Fragile Infants
Family Centered Newborn Care in the NICU
Neonatal Comfort Care and Palliative Care
Neonatal Transport and Transfer of High Risk Infants
Please note, the course offering may vary across universities based on their specific program requirements.
To further support your learning, consider these additional resources:
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN)
Society of Pediatric Nurses (SPN)
Quizlet - Neonatal Nursing Study Guide
Kaplan - Neonatal Nursing Exam Prep
National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) - Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Exam
Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN)
March of Dimes - Premature Birth Report Card
The information provided here is based on authoritative references from the University of Washington School of Nursing, Duke University School of Nursing, and Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing.
Best wishes,
JC.
Embarking on a journey to earn a Nursing degree with a specialization in Neonatology requires mastery over a range of subjects and courses. Here's a comprehensive guide to the key areas you should concentrate on:
## Fundamental Nursing Courses
Start by completing the fundamental nursing courses that provide the bedrock of knowledge and skills for all nursing professionals. These typically encompass:
Health Assessment
Anatomy and Physiology
Microbiology
Pathophysiology
Pharmacology
Nursing Theory and Practice
Evidence-Based Practice
Professional Ethics
## Neonatology-Specific Courses
After laying the foundation with basic nursing courses, shift your focus to specialized neonatology courses. These might include:
Newborn Nursery Care
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Nursing
Neonatal Development and Growth
Neonatal Pathophysiology
Neonatal Pharmacology
High-Risk Newborn Care
Neonatal Resuscitation and Stabilization
Neonatal Assessment and Monitoring
Neonatal Nutrition and Feeding
Special Care Nurseries for Medically Fragile Infants
Family Centered Newborn Care in the NICU
Neonatal Comfort Care and Palliative Care
Neonatal Transport and Transfer of High Risk Infants
Please note, the course offering may vary across universities based on their specific program requirements.
To further support your learning, consider these additional resources:
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN)
Society of Pediatric Nurses (SPN)
Quizlet - Neonatal Nursing Study Guide
Kaplan - Neonatal Nursing Exam Prep
National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) - Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Exam
Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN)
March of Dimes - Premature Birth Report Card
The information provided here is based on authoritative references from the University of Washington School of Nursing, Duke University School of Nursing, and Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing.
Best wishes,
JC.
Thanks for your encouragement!
Daniella