Neonatal Job Description

Neonatal nurses, like all nurses, are in high demand. Neonatal nurses work specifically with newborns. They are like other nurses in that they care for patients and educate their patients' families on current medical conditions as well as potential medical conditions, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Defining Neonatal

• Neonatal refers to the first 28 days of life, therefore newborn care. Neonatal care is new compared to other nursing specialties such as adult health. The field began in the 1960s. Neonatal nurses devote time and attention to ensuring healthy and successful outcomes for babies.

Job Description

• Neonatal nurses work in one of three levels.

  Level I neonatal nurses work with the healthy babies in the newborn nursery.

  Level II refers to intermediate care, also known as a special care nursery. Neonatal nurses may supplement babies with oxygen, IVs, specialized feedings or extended hospital stays to ensure a baby is mature enough to survive.

  Level III neonatal nurses work in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where vulnerable babies are kept for monitoring. The NICU nurses must closely monitor each baby for any sign of complication.

  In addition to caring for babies, a neonatal nurse is responsible for reporting any changes or developments to the parents and answering question that arise.

Becoming a Neonatal Nurse

• According to Education-Portal, the occupation of neonatal nurse is a specialization of the occupation of registered nurse, also known as RN. Registered nurses must first complete a Bachelor's of Science degree in Nursing. After a nurse graduates from a college or university with an approved curriculum, she must pass a national licensing examination called the NCLEX-RN. NCLEX-RN allows a nurse to become licensed to practice nursing in the state in which she takes the test.

Other Certifications

• A neonatal nurses must be certified as a neonatal resuscitation provider (CPR for a newborn).

  According to College and Career Planning, other certifications may apply if a nurse wishes to work in the intensive care unit.

Salary and Benefits

• Many factors play into the salary of a neonatal nurse, including location, education, experience and additional certifications.

  College and Career Planning stated, "In 2007, the starting salary for a neonatal nurse was between $30,000 and $45,000." Pay increases with experience and bonuses are also paid out each year. The average registered nurse made $52,330 per year in 2004, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Overtime is available for overnight shirts as well as weekend shifts.

  Nurses also have high-level benefits including health care, retirement plans and a flexible schedule.