Neonatal NP

Specialties NP

Published

HI-

Anyone with their NNP and advice for someone who has their Adult NP (and yes I know I need tons of NICU hours and then school-again) on how to bust into the field with this not being my background.

I did Neuro/ICU nursing since 1995, then got my Adult NP in 2001 and have hospitalist, long term care and primary care.

Now I want to do a 180, work with the little ones......

I need some advice, please help if you have some, if you think I am nuts let me know, etc. :bowingpur

Thanks.

Melanie

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

I don't have my NNP yet.... but I will soon, since I graduate next year....

IMHO, you need to go back to school for your NNP Post-Masters Certificate. Should only take you a year or so. In fact, you HAVE to get it since you are an ANP. Technically FNPs and PNPs "can" work in NICU, but it's rare, since it is such a steep learning curve for our specialty. The vast majority of NICUs only hire NNPs, and for good reason. I can't imagine being able to function in the NICU advanced practice role without having had neonatal experience and neonate-specific didactic/clinical. I mean, how many intubations and umbilical line insertions do you see every day in adults?

Best of luck..... again, only a SNNP here, but just wanted to offer my $0.02

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Thanks,

I know I need to get my NNP....I was just looking for advice and support. I have great foundation but yes, I have never done and umbilical line etc.

I am excited about this career change.

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