Neonatal Nurse
A neonatal nurse is a registered nurse that specializes in the care of newborn babies during the first twenty-eight days following birth. These nurses provide general treatments, educate parents on how to care for their newborn baby, provide specific medical care, and supply all emotional and physical support for babies and their families. Neonatal nurses keep accurate records regarding patient needs, symptoms, reactions, as well as performing basic diagnostic tests. He or she then interprets data, analyzes test results, and administers treatments (such as IV drug therapy, dietary treatments, ventilation, incubation, and oxygen treatments). Neonatal nurses work with healthy, full term babies, as well as premature and/or babies born with difficult medical conditions or illnesses. He or she may work in a neonatal intensive care unit, or a traditional hospital nursery setting. Other common duties include: monitoring vitals, operating special equipment, reporting to physicians, and handling insurance claims.
Neonatal nurses must be registered nurses and must have completed all necessary educational requirements to become an RN. There is no other formal education required to work in the neonatal field. Some employers may require candidates to complete neonatal hospital training, or to have worked under other neonatal nurses. Other recommended skills include: a compassionate demeanor, the desire to help others, the ability to work unsupervised, leadership skills, reporting skills, record keeping skills, and the ability to handle stress.
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The typical average salary of an entry-level neonatal nurse is about $30,000 per year, while experienced neonatal nurses earn an average of about $48,000 per year. Salaries can vary a great deal depending on skill level and location.
