New Mother Tips

There are three different levels of working as a neonatal nurse: Level I consists of caring for healthy newborns, Level II caring for either premature or ill newborns, and Level III caring for newborns who cannot be treated in the other levels and are in need of high technology to survive. It is the neonatal nurse’s choice whether they wish to work in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with the healthy born babies or with the ill and/or premature babies.

The entry-level requirements to become a neonatal nurse varies by location. Most hospitals require that the nurse is a graduate of an accredited RN program and also from an accredited school of nursing with a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) or MSN (Masters of Science in Nursing). Many require a three year minimum of clinical experience in a hospital setting. It is required specifically for neonatal nurses that he or she has certification as a Neonatal Resuscitation Provider and/or certification in either Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing or Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. The NICU, for instance, requires a certification. For all of these qualifications, there must be a CNS (Clinical Nurse Specialist) or RN certification of the state in which the nurse wishes to work. Some hospitals insist that the nurse has shown clinical competence and leadership skills. The most important qualifications include the ability to administer medications, other knowledge needed for patient care, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and math calculations, as well as demonstrating knowledge of the equipment and its use.