Neonatal Nurse
Denise Moran Period 10
My Career
I want to be a neonatal nurse because I've always wanted to work with babies and help them in any way that I can. I think being a neonatal nurse I can do that and save as many lives that I can. I like helping people and I've always been really good with children so I believe that being a neonatal nurse is the best fit for me
Career Details
One of the main duties that a Neonatal nurse has is the general care of the infant. They become the primary caregiver for the infants and the saving grace to worried parents with lots of questions. They also have to make sure they are charting on each of their patients.
The average hours per week for a neonatal nurse is 40 hours per week. It can be five days working eight hours or four hours working ten hours per day.
The national median salary for a neonatal nurse is $99, 230 per year.
The working locations for a neonatal nurse can vary. You can work in a hospital or you can make your own practice.
Neonatal Nursing
Taking care of sick infants
Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
One of the best hospitals for children
Loyola University
One of the best colleges for nursing
Education Needed
To become a neonatal nurse you have to get your Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN). You go to school for four years. You can also get your Masters Degree and become a neonatal nurse practitioner which you'll need to go to school two more years from your bachelors.
Skills Required
There are many skills you need to have to be a neonatal nurse.
- An interest in newborn babies
- Very good interpersonal skills
- An empathetic understanding for the parents and other family members
- A good understanding of the physiological and psychological needs of the newborn
- The competence to work in a highly technical area
- The ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team
Job Outlook/Growth
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing employment across the board is expected to increase 22% from 2008-2018.
Advancement Opportunities/Related Jobs
With being a neonatal nurse you can move into management roles, including unit manager and head nurse. From there you you can move into roles of increasing responsibility such as director of nursing and chief nurse.
Some related jobs are:
- Advanced practice nurse
- Child nurse
- Case management
- Pediatric nurse
My Resources
- Occupational Information Network (O*NET)
- Occupational Outlook Quarterly
- Career Overview
- Mapping Your Future
- Career Builder