Schools offering these Degrees:
Neonatal nurses specialize in the care of newborn babies. There are three different levels of neonatal nurses, depending on the wellness of the infants they care for.
- Level I neonatal nurses care for healthy babies. This is the least intensive level.
- Level II neonatal nurses care for babies that are sick or were born prematurely.
- Level II neonatal nurses care for babies that are seriously ill and require specialized care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This is the most intensive level of neonatal nursing.
Those pursuing careers as Neonatal nurses, must first obtain either an Associate of Science in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited university. After completing one (or both) of these degrees, gaining practical experience in a hospital, and passing a test, you can seek a career as a registered nurse (RN). An RN can pursue a career as a registered nurse practitioner (RNP) by completing a Master of Science in Nursing.
Any registered nurse could pursue a career as a neonatal nurse provided they have been certified as a Neonatal Resuscitation Provider. This certification is obtained through the American Academy of Pediatrics. Information about courses in your area can be found at the American Academy of Pediatrics website (www.aap.org).