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The 411 on Neonatal Nursing
Renee Berg / Monster Contributing Writer
With an increase in the number of premature babies requiring acute hospital care, new and experienced nurses are finding more career opportunities in neonatal nursing.
Neonatal nurses work in general maternity wards and in neonatal intensive-care units (NICUs). Those caring for premature and critically ill babies spend their shifts diapering and feeding the infants, checking vital signs, administering medications and tests, and teaching families how to care for their children properly.
“For parents, having a baby is one of the best times of their life,” says Lori Loan, PhD, a former NICU charge nurse. “To share that with so many people every week is really exciting. And even when you have really sick babies, there’s personal reward from taking care of them as if they were your own.”
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metot
2 months ago
198 comments
Thoughtful article:)
NurseMotz
3 months ago
2 comments
I am starting school in Jan. to get my BSN. I am wanting to be a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. That is my only goal. I know I have to work up to that point, but I have not found any information on what degrees I need or where to get that training. Please help If you can. Nursemotz@gmail.com is my e-mail. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
VictoriaNICURN
3 months ago
6 comments
To Whom it may concern...NICU is a wonderful area of Nursing. I have been doing this for over 30 years...I was laid off last January and have not found work since...My only area of expertease in nursing is NICU and it is an area that is cencus dictated... In Phoenix the NICU cencus is way down even for my friends that have full-time jobs ...If you want to be a NICU nurse, Hang in there and be persistent...If you're meant to be an NICU RN, a position will be available for you....Every NICU trains new RNs coming on board so don't let that stop you if it's what you want.
LaceyLehn
3 months ago
8 comments
BTW. My email address is NurseLacey@ymail.com
LaceyLehn
3 months ago
8 comments
I really REALLY would LOVE to be a NICU nurse. That is why I got into nursing but I can't seem to get anyone to hire me as a new graduate. Any suggestions?? All these websites you go to are junk, most of the positions are no longer available. Help anyone?
Newk28
3 months ago
6 comments
I thought this would be something I'd like very much to do but when I was practicing as a medical technologist and had to draw blood from a neonate I was terrified and could not proceed. They were so tender and so much in need of protection and love I felt like I was hurting them. Totally not the response I thought I would have. My heart would hurt everyday if I pursued this.
janceyrt
3 months ago
48 comments
maryjo, with your history, they would love nothing more than to train you for neonate....any nurse needs a strong background of med/surg to have a good strong base of practice. Growing from that you will be able to work anywhere! I personally don't know if I could handle NICU....my son spent 5 weeks there and I really don't know if I could handle such sick little ones....they are so precious and it would be rewarding, but that is a huge responsibility...good luck to anyone who chooses that path!
mzchas
3 months ago
10 comments
Neonatal is path I strongly considering to take as a new RN. Eventually wanting to become an NNP (Neonatal Nurse Practitioner).
Esq2bRN
3 months ago
10 comments
This is the specialty I intend on entering as an RN.
Jazzy_Future_Nurse
3 months ago
104 comments
As a future nurses this is an area of nursing i am strongly considering.
maryjo1
9 months ago
8 comments
This is something I would love to do but as an R.N with over 20 yrs of nursing experience in other arena's and with an associate degree to boot I am not sure if someone would be willing to hire and train me the right way. Any thoughts?
Account Removed
9 months ago
This where I want to work, being in the NICU seems like such a great reward. I have always loved children and babies are such a delight that I would probably smile everyday on the way to work.