by futurennp

I am interested in becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner...if i go straight to a university how old will i be if i go straight through school with no summer breaks or anything? also what all does a person who works in the neonatal unit deal with?

Re: Neonatal NP

Hi and welcome. Well, first I would advise you to get into a BSN (RN) program. Then...after you have worked in a NICU for a couple of years, you'll have a better idea of what you want to do.

It does take awhile as a nurse, to decide what direction you want to go in. GOod luck.

Re: Neonatal NP

Hi,

I'm a Neonatal ICU RN with 2 years under my belt, and I'm just getting ready to start my NNP this fall. Like Trauma said, I would also recommend going for the BSN program, and working for a few years after school before starting grad school. Most schools now require at least 2 years of Level III NICU experience to graduate. The experience I've gained has been priceless. So here it is: 4 yrs school for BSN (unless you already have a BS in something else), 2 years Level III experience, 2-3 years MSN/NNP program. I would also recommend hanging out at our NICU forum. You may find a lot of answers to your questions there. The NNP field is a great one that is in great demand these days, due to the highly specialized nature of the job.

Best of Luck!

Stephen

Re: Neonatal NP

Hi Stephen!

I am also interested in becoming a NNP! I was wondering if you knew if most hospitals will hire a new grad RN for the NICU and/or what areas of experience do they look for before considering you?

Thanks for your help!
teenie

Re: Neonatal NP

Originally Posted by teenie0731

Hi Stephen!

I am also interested in becoming a NNP! I was wondering if you knew if most hospitals will hire a new grad RN for the NICU and/or what areas of experience do they look for before considering you?

Thanks for your help!
teenie

Most hospitals will hire new grads into a NICU. Or at least those with some well-baby or OB experience. The learning curve in NICU is so steep, adult experience won't get you very far.

Re: Neonatal NP

Ok, great! Thanks for your help!