How many years does it take to become a nurse in the NICU?

Answer 1

Requirements for Becoming a Neonatal Nurse Requirements for neonatal nurses are dictated by the particular institution(s) at which they practice. Most institutions use a practice skills list to assess the nurse's ability in giving medications, performing math calculations, starting and maintaining intravenous lines, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and any additional skills and knowledge needed for direct infant care. These additional skills could include suctioning, gavage feedings, and ventilator care, among others. Entry-level requirements for neonatal nurses vary from institution to institution. Some hospitals or medical centers may require one year of adult health or medical surgical nursing, while other health care providers hire registered nurses after graduation from an accredited school or college of nursing who have passed state board of nursing (NCLEX) exams for licensure. The type and length of nursing experience also varies from one institution to another, but many require no previous experience. In the midst of the current nursing shortage, experience requirements for neonatal nurses at an institution can depend on the scarcity of qualified nurses in that particular area of the country. Continuing education requirements for neonatal nurses are mandated by the individual states or particular certifying bodies. The state board of nursing sets the number of CE hours, if any, that are required for a nurse to maintain his or her license. A staff or an advanced practice nurse may hold national certification in neonatal nursing, which involves an additional exam that demonstrates specialized knowledge in neonatal nursing. The certifying body dictates the number of hours required to maintain certification without retaking the test. How to Become a Neonatal Nurse At this time, to this writer's knowledge, there are no schools that actually specialize in Neonatal Nursing at a basic RN entry level, and there is no special program for neonatal nursing in basic RN education; although some nursing programs have elective courses in neonatal nursing. To become a neonatal nurse, an individual must first earn a RN degree. From there, one can obtain a Master's Degree in the specialty Neonatal Nursing. But by far, the most common way that nurses become Neonatal Nurses is by working in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Special Care Nursery, or Level I Nursery. Two other nursing options that prepare a nurse to work with babies, especially premature and sick newborns, are the specialties of Neonatal Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Specialist. Once a nursing student graduates and obtains some experience as a RN in a neonatal intensive care unit (NANN recommends two years), some then consider going to graduate school to become a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner or Clinical Nurse Specialist. A nurse can obtain NNP (Neonatal Nurse Practitioner) or CNS (Clinical Nurse Specialist) designation by completing 1 of the 30 programs listed in the NNP Directory, available for sale from the Natiional Association of Neonatal Nurses. What to Expect as a Neonatal Nurse Of course the benefits, job availability, and salary levels for neonatal nurses vary from region to region and city to city. In the Midwest and South, many institutions are currently advertising job openings; while in the West and Northeast, there seem to be fewer job vacancies. However, as with all nursing specialties, the current nursing shortage virtually insures that finding a job in neonatal nursing is not a difficult task. It is predicted that an increasing number of staff nurses and advanced practice (master's degree or higher) positions in neonatal nursing should continue to be available in the near future due to the general downsizing that took place a few years ago, which led to a decrease in the number of nurses choosing advanced practice education. It is also surmised that since the average neonatal nurse is middle-aged, it is likely that many will move into less stressful areas of nursing. The salary of a neonatal nurse is highly dependent on the cost of living and the mean salary in the area in which the nurse is located. As a general rule, in the Midwest, nurses with no experience may start in the upper 30s to mid-40s for an annual salary. On either coast, the salaries are usually higher; while in the South, beginning neonatal nurses start at about $30,000 per year. The upper range for someone with no experience is around $48,000. Salary ranges may be higher for experienced neonatal nurses.

Answer 2

There are three options to become a registered nurse as follows.

• diploma program (typically three years, not recommended for individuals who do not have an already existing degree)
• associate degree (two years as a full-time student once the student starts the professional phase of the program)
• bachelor's degree (BSN) (four years as a full-time student)

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Answer 3

I am EXACTLY in the same boat as you! I read your post and we are so much alike!! I myself am 18 (I graduated when I was 16) and am also in determination to become an RN and work in the NICU!!! I have a baby boy named Ryden, who was born July 6, 2003, and he wasn't supposed to be born until September 26, 2003. Ryden was 12 weeks early and weighed only 2 lbs 9.5 oz, and was 15 inches long. He was in the NICU for 74 long days, and after all that had happend to me, I had found myself wanting and needing to become a nurse in the NICU. I learned all of the terms and even began doing things with Ryden that the nurse would do!

Answer 4

Congrats on getting back to school. The length of time it takes to get a neonatal nursing degree can depend on the specific program. Nurses can choose to specialize in a certain area. Bachelors Degrees usually take four years after the prerequisite courses are completed. For nurses with an RN license they can take courses online and complete them within 2 years.

Answer 5

After high school, four years of medical school are required, followed by four years of pediatric residency and then three years of neonatology subspecialty training.

Answer 6

To become a perinatal nurse, you should expect to be in school for 8 years. This can change a bit depending on what classes you decide to take.

Answer 7

You need to go yo school from preschool all the way to University. Then you can have the job!

Answer 8

8 to 10 years