Im trying to decide my career and I have some questions

perfectbluebuildings, BSN, RN · Jul 16, 2005

I don't know the answers to all your questions, but I'll give responses to a few that I do know, and I know for sure someone with more knowledge will come along and give you more thorough information than myself. :)

With that disclaimer said:

-A neonatologist is a doctor specializing in neonatology, while a neonatal nurse is a nurse working in neonatology. There are also neonatal nurse practitioners, advanced practice nurses with master's degrees in caring for neonates that (I think; someone smart please correct me) can have similar roles as a neonatologist.

-It takes 4 years after high school to get a B.S.N. and I think it may take 4 years to get an A.D.N. as well including the prerequisites, and you need one of those degrees to qualify to take the NCLEX, the qualifying exam for registered nurses. Some hospitals will hire newly graduated nurses right into the NICU and others will not.

The more specific questions I will leave for the more experienced. Good Luck and if you have the chance, volunteer or work in a hospital setting to see if it is really whatyou want to do!! Take care,

Rachel

Kourtney16115 · Jul 17, 2005

Ill take any information that will help me with my decision. You help is greatly appreciated.

RN4NICU, LPN, LVN · Jul 17, 2005

Hello everyone,
I am a high school Student. I am currently trying to decide what my career will be. I know I want to do something in Health care.
~How many years does it take to reach the position of a Neonatal Nurse?

I agree with the previous poster - 4 years after high school is a safe estimate for an ASN or BSN program once pre-requisites have been considered (3 years for a diploma program, if you can find one - they have been completely phased out where I am) . Also agree with the previous poster that some units hire new graduates into the NICU and others do not. It depends largely upon the job market of the area. Areas with a surplus of nurses (usually those with several nursing schools in close proximity to one another) sometimes offer fewer choices to the new grad than areas with a shortage of nurses.

~What are some good schools to attend?

Schools that are accredited by either the NLNAC or the CCNE. Accreditation information can be found by looking through the literature on the school (brochures, etc) or by asking someone in the school's college of nursing. Other than that, one school is about as good as another. Potential employers could really care less about where you went to school. They care about what license you have. If you are interested in the NICU, you need to be an RN. Most NICUs do not hire LPNs.

~On average how much money do you make in a year?

Same as any other RN. Some places offer a critical-care differential, but most probably do not. Salary also depends upon night and weekend differentials and more than anything else - LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION.

Try www.salary.com for salary information for RNs in your area.

~What does a typical day consist of?

Depends on what kind of unit you are working in (Level II, Level III?), what your assignment is (feeder-growers, stable vents, a very unstable baby, transport, first admit?), and how your shift goes (a feeder-grower can turn into a very unstable baby very quickly and with very little warning). Considering the variability of all of the above - there really is no such thing as a "typical day" in the NICU - that's one of it's finest qualities, IMO.

~What is the differences between a neonatologist and a neonatal nurse?

A neonatologist is an MD, who has completed a pediatric residency and then a neonatal fellowship after finishing medical school.

A neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP) functions very similarly to (and usually alongside) a neonatologist. The NNP is an RN who has earned a Master's degree in nursing and has passed the certification exam to become an NNP. One must have 2 years of NICU experience as an RN prior to beginning the NNP program.

A neonatal nurse is a nurse who has completed a nursing education program (associate's or bachelor's degree) and has passed the national licensure exam for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN). Training specific to neonatal nursing is provided by the NICU that the nurse is hired to work in.

~Do I have to take any exams to get into Nursing school or can I just get into it after high school?

Varies by school. You will have to inquire about this at the school you plan to attend. My school did not have an entrance exam. The way it typically goes at the schools I am familiar with is that the semester before pre-requisite courses are completed (anatomy/physiology, microbiology, english composition, etc.), students apply for progression into the nursing curriculum (yes, even if they declared a nursing major upon entering the school) and the school applies its selection criteria (which is different for each school) to determine which students will be selected for progression to the nursing courses. Some schools have waiting lists for nursing programs, others do not. Again, this is information best gathered from the actual nursing department of the school(s) of your choice, since things vary so much from school to school.

~What are good Classes in High School to take to prepare me?

Get a good grip on your math and science courses - algebra, chemistry, biology.

Hope this helps you. :)

sparkyRN · Jul 18, 2005

RN4NICU gave you some excellent information and advice. I'd like to add something.

In reference to your question about courses to take: I would recommend any class that will help you with written and verbal communication. The ability to communicate effectively is a necessary part of being a nurse. So many errors happen in hospitals because of miscommunication.

Even in this high tech age, nurses do a ton of charting. Now we type instead of write. But the liability remains the same. Your ability to present information clearly, chronologically and concisely will be your salvation if a lawsuit is ever brought up for one of your patients.

We also do a lot of teaching with families. Being able to "know your audience" will help you in providing the best, most easily understood information to them.

If you can start now by taking writing, typing, speech &/or intro to psych classes, you'll be one step ahead of the game.

Good luck!