Treatment provided during the first 28 days of an infant’s life is referred to as neonatal care. Registered nurses with specialized knowledge in neonatal care give direct patient care to infants in Level I, II, and III nurseries. Depending on the institutional requirements and local demand for neonatal nurses, many graduates are able to directly enter a neonatal position with a bachelor of science in nursing degree (BSN degree) .
What is a Neonatal Nurse?
A graduate with a BSN degree who chooses to specialize as a neonatal nurse cares for newborns that need special treatment. Newborns are typically admitted to a neonatal care unit during the first 28 days of life due to being born prematurely or suffering from an illness. Depending on the level of care, neonatal nurses with a BSN degree may monitor special feedings, ventilators, incubators, and intravenous lines. Neonatal nurses also care for newborns that have undergone surgery.
Required Education to Become a Neonatal Nurse: BSN Degree
All nurses must be licensed as Registered Nurses within the U.S. through a hospital diploma, associate degree, or BSN degree. The specific standards for neonatal nurses are set by each hospital. If the supply of local neonatal nurses is low, institutions may accept graduates directly from a BSN degree program. However, locations with a healthy supply of neonatal nurses may require one year of prior general adult nursing care experience.
Prospective students interested in learning more about working as a neonatal nurse may visit College-Pages.com, a leading education and career resource website. Students will find an extensive list of available BSN degree programs as well as informative articles for making education and career decisions.