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Neonatal Nurse Specialist - Career Profile |
Career OverviewTypically, neonatal nurse practitioners provide care to both low and high risk infants. They treat infants with both acute and chronic health issues and they also counsel family members to deal with issues of neonatal illness. They may also education family members in the general and specific treatment of infants.
They work in a range of different environments, including general hospital settings, intermediate care unites, follow-up clinics, community-base settings, and neonatal intensive care units.
Neonatal clinical nurse specialists also fulfill the roles of consultants, educators, researchers, and leaders in neonatal care. They can offer expert clinical care to infants directly and also indirectly by assisting other nurses and medical personnel. They have important roles to play in parent education and staff education and training.
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Career RequirementsNeonatal Nurse Specialists are required to train as Clinical Nursing Specialists prior to completing any advanced training in the field. They are required to have some advanced training in the nursing field. Most Clinical Nursing Specialists have advanced degrees. Approximately 93% of all CNSs have a Master's Degree or equivalent graduate certificate to compliment their training as an RN.
Neonatal Nurse Specialists are required to have an active RN license and typically have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing to have obtained this qualification.
Specialist training in neonatal care is a requirement for this profession, typically met by the practical experience of each candidate. Experience is focused on dealing with infants, including the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic conditions, as well as the administration of patient care, and education of family members.
Some institutions offer specialist training programs and certification in the care of infants. More information about training programs and certification is available through the following organizations:
Association of Women's Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses
2000 L St. NW, Ste. 740,
Washington, D.C.20006
American Nurses Credentialing Center
600 Maryland Ave., SW, Suite 100 West
Washington, D.C. 20024-2571
(800) 284-2378
American Nurses' Association
8518 Georgia Ave.,
Ste. 400,
Silver Spring, MD 20910
www.nursingworld.org
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Job OutlookThere is and always will be a need for specialist care for infants and young children from birth. Clinical Nurse Specialists are in a unique position to care for infants and their families. Their specialist medical training in neonatal care, combined with typical nursing skills, determine that they are in an excellent positions to provide sensitive care under difficult circumstances.
All indications suggest that Clinical Nurse Specialists with specialist skills and training in neonatal care will have opportunities to work as administrators, policy-makers, educators, researchers, and practitioners to improve the care of infants. They will be valuable members of the workforce well into the foreseeable future.
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Career TrackSee Clinical Nurse Specialist
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CompensationSee Clinical Nurse Specialist
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