NNPs work in close collaboration with not only the parents and families of their patients, but also with neonatologists and other specialist clinicians to actualize the most favorable results for neonates. Prospective NNPs must enroll in a four-year university to obtain their Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Interested in learning more about NP salaries and other avenues of APRN careers? Upon completion of a degree program, students are prepared to take the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Board Exam. Neonatal nurse practitioner careers require the utmost diligence and high levels of teamwork. Some states do mandate continuing education coursework to renew a license. All graduate-level degree programs will consist of both didactic studies as well as clinical preceptorships. The final educational hurdle that a person seeking to become an NNP is to either earn a post-grad Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree with a concentration in neonatology, or to enroll in and complete a two-year Advanced Practice Neonatal Nursing (APNN) program. Curriculum, relevancy of sample programs, and outcomes will vary by school. (2019, Sep 12 of publication). They are also able to make medical decisions for types of care without a doctor. All neonatal nurse practitioners are required to pass the NCLEX. PLEASE NOTE: The contents of this website are for informational purposes only. Learn about the job duties, salary and job outlook, required education and... Research online neonatal nurse practitioner courses and programs. After an individual has achieved their BSN, they can then sit for the NCLEX-RN (Nursing Council Licensure Examination). At a minimum, they must hold a master's degree in their specialty, complete a residency and secure both certification and licensing as a neonatal nurse practitioner. Individuals interested in learning how to become neonatal nurse practitioners (NNP) can review this guide to learn more about pathways to consider when pursuing the profession. Enter zip: ), Study.com / Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Education Requirements and Career Info. A neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP) is a highly skilled, highly educated advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who is responsible for providing specialized care to newborn infants who are experiencing a broad range of acuity and states of health, including prematurity, low birth weight, infections, genetic disorders, congenital heart abnormalities, and respiratory problems. (Physician's Assistant, Be a licensed respiratory therapist or paramedic, Medical Evacuation and Transport Services, Monitoring and appropriately managing specialized equipment like ventilators and incubators, Beginning and maintaining IV lines in infants, Providing education, assistance, and support to patients and their families concerning neonatal and postpartum care, Properly distributing and administering medication in collaboration with a medical doctor, Performing procedures like intubation and diagnostic tests, Ensuring conventional feeding and basic care, Communicating and cooperating with other healthcare professionals as a part of a larger NICU team. What Does an Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner Do? Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Education Requirements and Career Info. degree options and guide you through every step of the college selection and enrollment process. Neonatal nurse practitioners work closely with physicians to assist in diagnosing, assessing and treating high-risk newborns. Graduate-level university programs are designed and formulated to meet all requirements for national certification. Neonatal nurse practitioners can often be found working in intensive care units, delivery rooms, emergency rooms, and specialty clinics. NNPs care for neonates who require constant attention and frequently act as primary caregivers to premature or ill newborn infants. Neonatal nurse practitioners should already have a registered nursing license, but they are additionally required to obtain an advanced nurse practitioner license. Neonatal nurse practitioners are skilled in preventing infection risk and supplying proper nutrition for healthy infant development. Prospective students should hold a registered nursing degree and have a minimum number of years of nursery care experience. Additionally, individuals seeking to become an NNP should exhibit a kind of empathetic understanding for not only their patients but their parents and family members as well. After an individual completes their graduate or post-graduate education, they are then eligible for national certification through the National Certification Corporation, which recognizes NNPs. What's the Difference Between a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner and a Neonatologist? You do not have to break the bank to get a degree. © copyright 2003-2020 Study.com. The National Association of Neonatal Nurse Practitioners (NANNP), Association of Women's Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses, Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Obstetric Nursing, Have a current RN license in the U.S. or Canada, Have at least two years of experience in specialty experience, Have been employed in the specialty area within the last two years, Have completed a formal nurse practitioner program which resulted in a master's, post-master's or doctorate in the specialty area, Individuals need to have graduated from 2005 or later to be eligible for certification, Hold a current license as a Nurse Practitioner, Be a licensed P.A.