Neonatal nurses care for newborn babies who are born premature or sick. A newborn baby can suffer from a range conditions requiring treatment.
Working life
Premature babies have specific problems such as respiratory difficulties or nutritional needs that can be life threatening. You’ll be a crucial part of the team that ensures that treatment is given promptly and appropriately by a team.
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You’ll provide 24 hour care in acute hospitals. You’ll work shifts in intensive care, high dependency and special care baby units.Some nurses work in the community, providing continuing care and support for babies and their families who have been recently discharged from hospital.
You’ll have a range of tasks that will include:
- preparing and checking medications
- managing a baby’s fluids
- recording observations and documenting a baby’s care
- initiating appropriate basic resuscitation in an emergency situation.
You'll work with a range of professionals such aspaediatricians,dietitians,midwivesand otherchildren’s nurses.You’ll also have an important role in supporting the parents of the baby at a time when they themselves are very anxious and stressed.
Entry requirements and training to be a neonatal nurse
You need to be a registered adult nurse, child nurse or midwife to apply for a job as a neonatal nurse. Some employers may ask for experience or knowledge of neonatal nursing issues eg. handling bereavements or related areas, for example breast feeding.After a period of six months of relevant experience, you’ll be encouraged to undertake professional development. This will usually involve specific training modules on different aspects of neonatal nursing. These are delivered in partnership by your employer and local universities. They might be online, offering the opportunity for distance learning.
You might be responsible for babies with a range of health needs so being highly organised, flexible and able to prioritise effectively will be vital. You'll also be highly observant, able to assess patients and take responsibility for determining the best course of action.You’ll also need empathy and understanding for the families of the babies you are working with. You'll also need a good understanding of the physiological and psychological needs of the new-born and be able to workeffectively within a multidisciplinary team.
Career develoment
You could move into management, research or advanced practice. There are also opportunities to work as a nurse consultant. Or you could work in education, training student nurses or supporting current nurses with their continuous development.
Pay and conditions
Your standard working week will be around 37.5 hours on shift pattern which can include nights, early starts, evenings, weekends and bank holidays. As a neonatal nurse, you’ll be paid on theAgenda for Change (AFC) pay system, typically starting at band 5.
You’ll also have access to our generous pension scheme and health service discounts, as well as at least 27 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.
Other roles that may interest you
FAQs
The national pass rate of the Adult CCRN exam is about 79%, with the neonatal and pediatric pass rates coming in at 67% and 76%, respectively. So, purely looking at the national pass rate, it is safe to say that the exam is on the more difficult side.
How hard is neonatal nursing? ›
Becoming a NICU nurse can be challenging as it requires extensive training, an advanced skill set and the ability to work in stressful environments. In addition to a nursing degree, nurses must gain around two years of clinical experience to begin working as NICU nurses.
How to pass a NICU interview? ›
It's essential to show that you understand the unique vulnerabilities of preterm infants and can provide specialized care to address those needs. Avoid giving generic answers or simply listing differences without elaborating on their implications for nursing care.
How to answer why you want to work in NICU? ›
The medical field has been an interest of mine for a long time, and in my undergraduate studies, I realized I had a specific passion for neonatal medicine. I want to help as many infants and parents as I can."
What is the hardest nursing exam? ›
The National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX, is a critical exam that every nursing student must take to become a licensed nurse. Passing the NCLEX is essential to begin your nursing career, but it is also one of the most challenging exams you will ever take.
What is the hardest part of being a neonatal nurse? ›
Neonatal nursing is emotionally taxing, as nurses form deep connections with both infants and their families. Witnessing the struggles of tiny patients and providing support to anxious parents can take a toll.
How do you stand out in an RN interview? ›
- Research the organization's mission and history. ...
- Read the job description. ...
- Prepare potential questions. ...
- Dress for success and act professionally. ...
- Practice nursing interview questions. ...
- Develop a professional resume and a well-written cover letter. ...
- Clean up your social media. ...
- Be on time.
Working as a NICU nurse can be very rewarding career. It gives you the chance to improve and save the lives of infants and newborns and comfort their families. Being able to make a positive difference in the lives of others can be very rewarding and beneficial.
Are nursing interviews hard? ›
Generally, during nursing interviews, hiring managers will ask general, behavioral, and situational questions. You can expect questions about your motivations, your ability to work in a team, your patient care expertise, and the soft and hard skills you bring to the table.
What experience do you need to work in NICU? ›
Experience Requirements for Neonatal Nurses
In general, a NICU nurse's resume should include a bachelor's degree and at least two years of nursing experience, preferably in pediatrics. Neonatal nurse certificates often require two years of experience before nurses can apply to take the exams.
Some of the top neonatal nurse benefits include:
Supporting families during the most difficult time in their lives. Teaching parents how to care for their infant both in and out of the NICU. Advancement opportunities within the hospital. One of the most competitive nursing salaries.
Is it hard to get into neonatology? ›
One's relationships and personal life may be put under pressure by these long hours. Extremely competitive field: Neonatology demands significant medical training and commitment to complete. There are limited residency and fellowship spots are available each year, making the path difficult.
Why is neonatology so difficult? ›
Working as a neonatologist in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is stressful and involves ethically challenging situations. These situations may cause neonatologists to experience high levels of moral distress, especially in the context of caring for extremely premature infants (EPIs).
What is the pass rate for maternal newborn certification? ›
Exam Results - 2018 to 2023
| Exam | Year | % Candidates Passed |
|---|
| 2022 | 76% |
| 2023 | 79% |
| MNN | 2016 | 87% |
| MNN | 2017 | 84% |
77 more rowsThe CEN exam is 175 questions, and you have 180 minutes to complete. All questions are multiple-choice, no “all of the above” or “select all that apply”. 6. Yes, the 2022 pass rate was 52%, but if you follow my advice, you have a much higher chance of passing the exam.
