NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation) for PACU- necessary, helpful, waste of time?

[SunshineRN32]

I am thinking about applying for PACU positions. I already have ACLS and PALS. Is there any point or advantage to me taking NRP? Or is that solely for NICU and L&D nurses? Also, are there any other certifications for PACU that would make me a more desirable candidate? Thanks!!

Sent from mobile device via allnurses.com

[sbfairy]

I work PACU and all you need is ACLS and PALS. I don't think having NRP will make you any more desirable. The only other certification that I can think of that may make you desirable is a CPAN and you're not eligible for that yet. Mostly they want (in my experience) someone with critical care experience or skills. Some places are willing to train the right person. I was a med-surg nurse who was invited to apply after I met the department director in a PALS class!

[SunshineRN32]

I work PACU and all you need is ACLS and PALS. I don't think having NRP will make you any more desirable. The only other certification that I can think of that may make you desirable is a CPAN and you're not eligible for that yet. Mostly they want (in my experience) someone with critical care experience or skills. Some places are willing to train the right person. I was a med-surg nurse who was invited to apply after I met the department director in a PALS class!

Thanks so much for clarifying that!

Sent from mobile device via allnurses.com

[laurec]

Hi everyone,

I'm doing some research on neonatal resuscitation and I was wondering if you could share with me your experience on NRP, the challenges and feelings that you could face through the process.

Thanks!

[Jory, MSN, APRN, CNM]

As long as you don't do surgeries on newborns, you won't need it.

[aerorunner80, ADN, BSN, MSN, APRN]

I'm a NICU nurse that's been lurking on here for a bit. If newborns are having surgery, they are typically already NICU patients or if they have gone home, they are PICU pts. I don't know how it works in your hospital but where I work, if a pt is already in ICU, they are recovered in the ICU and not PACU. Even our ICN babies (stepdown or Level II pts) are recovered by us in NICU and not PACU because working with newborns is extremely specialized. I wouldn't worry about an NRP certification unless your place of work requires it.

[GHGoonette, BSN, RN]

I've recovered babies, but not newborns. They are usually taken straight to NICU from theater. Might be useful if you want to lend a hand after an emergency c-section.