- Monitoring vital signs
- Providing respiratory support
- Administering medications
- Feeding infants
- Changing diapers
- Bathing infants
- Providing comfort and support to infants and their families
To become a neonatal nurse, you will need to complete the following education and training:
1. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): This is the minimum educational requirement to become an RN. BSN programs typically take four years to complete and include coursework in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, and nursing.
2. RN licensure: After completing a BSN program, you will need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed as an RN.
3. Neonatal nursing certification: There are several neonatal nursing certifications available, but the most common is the Neonatal Nurse Certification (NNCC) offered by the National Certification Corporation (NCC). To obtain the NNCC, you must have a BSN, be licensed as an RN, and have at least 1,750 hours of experience working in a NICU.
In addition to the education and training required to become a neonatal nurse, there are also several personal qualities that are important for success in this field, including:
- Compassion
- Patience
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving skills
- Teamwork skills
- Communication skills
Neonatal nursing is a rewarding and challenging career that offers the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of infants and their families.