The pros and cons of being a NICU nurse
Neonatal nursing is an in-demand subspecialty, requiring dedicated RNs with advanced skills and knowledge to care for vulnerable and ill newborns. Before considering a NICU nursing career, it’s crucial to understand some of the pros and cons.
Advantages
Career advancement
NICU RNs can acquire additional training, education, and certification for more advanced roles in NICU nursing. These include positions such as chief nurse, neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP), and NICU clinical nurse specialist (CNS).
Increased earning potential
Advanced roles often come with a higher salary and better benefits. Additional certifications are available for NICU RNs who wish to enhance their skills and knowledge in a particular subspecialty. As such, they may be able to find higher-paying places of employment.
Job satisfaction
Many NICU RNs enjoy fulfillment when a healthy infant is discharged. This career often comes with a sense of profound appreciation for the miracle of life.
Disadvantages
High-pressure working environment
Sick and premature infants can be extremely unstable patients. They can develop complications without warning, so NICU RNs must be attentive, precise, and agile at all times. Accurate record-keeping and medical dosages are vital.
Emotionally taxing
The nature of vulnerable, premature, or critically ill infants means that, sadly, death could occur despite the medical staff’s best efforts. NICU RNs often have to deal with distraught parents in these scenarios.
If you can’t see yourself coping in these kinds of situations, it may be worth considering an alternative career that isn’t as stressful. Some options include a nurse-midwife, an OB/GYN nurse, or a nursery nurse.
However, if you think NICU nursing is the right fit for you, then keep reading to learn more about the profession.
How to become a NICU nurse
The steps it takes to become a certified NICU nurse can be summarized as follows:
- earn an approved nursing diploma, an associate’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree
- get your RN licensure
- gain a minimum 2 years of clinical experience
- obtain certification
Earn an ADN or BSN degree
Many NICU nurses choose to earn a traditional 4-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. An associate degree in nursing (ADN) is also usually accepted, typically taking 18 to 24 months of full-time study.
Some hospitals also offer 1- to 3-year nursing diplomas, although this route is being phased out. Check for the precise program requirements from your state board of nursing.
Although some employers accept candidates with a diploma or ADN, BSN-holders are generally preferred.
It is recommended that prospective NICU nurses enroll in a program with elective neonatology coursework. Although some employers accept candidates with a diploma or ADN, BSN-holders are generally preferred. A BSN is more extensive than an ADN and usually includes 800 clinical practice hours and 120 credits. It’s also a typical admission requirement for advanced studies, such as a master’s or doctoral program.
Students can usually find online or hybrid options, which may be more flexible and cost-effective. The latter is a combination of on-campus and online learning. Alternatives, such as accelerated, bridge, or direct-entry programs, are also available and include the following:
LPN-BSN
Ideal for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) who don’t have an ADN, BSN, or RN license. Students are usually allowed to apply their previous education to their BSN while fulfilling RN licensure requirements.
RN-BSN
Suitable for licensed RNs with an ADN or diploma who want to pursue their BSN. These programs usually allow students to transfer existing credits to reduce study time.
Accelerated BSN
Ideal for candidates with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree who want to earn their BSN.
The time it takes to become a NICU nurse depends on the program type and format you choose. Note that RN licensure and NICU certification both usually require at least 2 years of clinical practice.
BSN programs are comprised of subjects like ethics, pharmacology, microbiology, anatomy, and nutrition. Elective neonatal coursework may also include:
- pathophysiology
- neonatal theory
- neonatal respiratory care
- health assessment and nutritional support
- thermal management
- infection control
- neonatal acute care
- neonatal critical care
While specific admission requirements depend on the school and program, a high school diploma, minimum GPA of 3.0, and strong SAT or ACT scores are general prerequisites. A personal statement, recommendations, and a background check may also be required.
Become a registered nurse
Upon earning your State Nursing Board-approved degree or diploma, the next step is to pass the NCLEX-RN exam. This 6-hour test is a requirement for obtaining RN licensure. It tests candidates on general nursing subjects like pharmacological and parenteral therapies, basic care and comfort, and safety infection and control.
With licensure, NICU RNs can seek employment before becoming certified or pursuing further study.
After passing the exam, apply for your RN license from your state board of nursing. Some states require a criminal background check or have other criteria that must be met by candidates. Some states offer the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) multistate license that allows RNs to practice in member states without additional licenses.
With licensure, NICU RNs can seek employment before becoming certified or pursuing further study. Experience in Level III neonatal and intensive nursing care is ideal and often required for certification.
Get your certifications
While not mandatory, certification demonstrates competency and enhances career opportunities. It can also make it easier for RNs to secure employment as NICU nurses.
Neonatal and intensive care nurses can choose to become certified in a variety of subspecialties. The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses offers the CCRN® (Neonatal) certification.
The National Certification Corporation (NCC) has various options available, including:
- Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing (RNC-NIC®)
- Neonatal Neuro-Intensive Care (C-NNIC)
- Maternal Newborn Nursing (RNC-MNN®)
- Electronic Fetal Monitoring (C-EFM(®))
- Obstetric and Neonatal Quality and Safety (C-ONQS)
- Care of the Extremely Low Birth Weight Neonate (C-ELBW)
Certification requirements vary but typically include a valid RN license and 2 years of relevant clinical experience, comprising at least 2,000 hours. Employment in the specialty within the last 24 months is another general prerequisite. NICU nurses may need to renew their NCC certifications every 3 years.
