Questions! Help!

**NICU Guy, BSN, RN** · May 26, 2015

1 There is no requirement to have your BSN to work in the NICU. Like every other specialty, there is a push to hire BSN nurses. There is no such thing as a "neonatal degree". A BSN is a generalized Bachelors of Nursing. It is not specific to any specialty.

2. The pay for NICU is the same as any other nurse with the same experience at the hospital.

Luckyyou, BSN, RN · May 26, 2015

I think it's important to point out to people who think they want to work with babies that a NICU environment can be just as stressful, depressing and high-acuity as any adult ICU and that NICU isn't the only baby-focused specialty. It's also worth looking into the differences of levels of NICUs if you think this type of nursing is for you. A level 4 and a special care-type environment are two very different animals. Just my $0.02 from someone who has seen people walk into my unit and go "holy moly, this is NOT what I thought I was signing up for!"

-You are not required to have a BSN, but it certainly doesn't hurt. There's no specific neonatal nursing degree besides the advanced practice role of a neonatal nurse practitioner (MSN or DNP)

-I make around $24/hr base, but a LOT more with bonuses and overtime.

-No kids, no spouse... my work-life balance leans at least 3/4 to work.

-I'll let you know when I know.

Ehiner02 · May 26, 2015

I was looking into level 1 or 2. So I can just get my BSN and be considered a neonatal nurse just by asking to work in labor and delivery? Because everything I reads says to get my BSN then go back for two years and specialize in neonatal. I don't mean to sound stupid I'm just confused like I said I don't have anyone to talk about this with.

**NICU Guy, BSN, RN** · May 26, 2015

Like the PP said, there is a world of difference between a Special Care Nursery and a Level IV NICU. If you want to bottle feed fairly healthy babies then a Special Care Nursery is the place for you. If you want a true ICU job, then a Level III or IV NICU is for you. The higher the level of NICU the potential for sicker babies. I work in a Level IV NICU and I have taken care of "feeders and growers" that are close to going home and babies with serious heart defects that require a ventilator, numerous IV lines, and 6 IV drips to keep them stable. While 95% of them are cute babies, they are all sick babies and only a percentage of them are appropriate to be picked up and bottle fed. It can also be an emotional taxing job also. Can you see yourself doing chest compressions on a 700 g baby (1.56 pounds) or perform postmortem care on a newborn? It is rare, but part of the job.

Ehiner02 · May 26, 2015

So what is a special care nursery? What do you have to go to school for and everything

musingmom · May 26, 2015

It sounds like you want to take care of healthy babies. Perhaps you should look into early childhood education instead of nursing.

NicuRN628 · May 27, 2015

I work in a level III NICU and have my BSN. A lot of hospitals are only hiring BSN prepared nurses, although you may find a hospital that will hire you if you have an associates degree. I am a registered nurse, and can technically be called a neonatal nurse because I work in the neonatal ICU. I care for babies 22 weeks gestation and up, some of my babies weight less than a pound, some are full term chubby babies. If you are intersted in caring for normal babies I would suggest looking into a job at a normal newborn nursery, post partum, or a level 1 or 2 NICU. I work night shift full time (3 12's). This includes a lot of weekends and holidays. Yes, it is possible to have a family and have this job (I am married, no children yet), but I imagine it is challenging. My job can be mentally taxing, having a good support system is important. If you look up the average RN salary you will be able to see what you would expect to make in your area. It truly depends on your area.

I have always known I wanted to work in the NICU. I love the high acuity, the relationships I form with parents, and taking care of the infants. I know this is the right fit for me because I never dread going into work, I truly enjoy what I do and feel I am making a positive difference in the lives of my patients and their families.

Nursing school is challenging and time consuming. It requires dedication and hard work. Good luck with everything!

**NICU Guy, BSN, RN** · May 27, 2015

So what is a special care nursery?

Special Care Nursery (Level II NICU) deals with healthy babies that may need short term nasogastric (NG) feeding (tube that is passed through the nose, down through the throat and into the stomach). They may need oxygen or an IV for a short time.

Luckyyou, BSN, RN · May 27, 2015

I was looking into level 1 or 2. So I can just get my BSN and be considered a neonatal nurse just by asking to work in labor and delivery? Because everything I reads says to get my BSN then go back for two years and specialize in neonatal. I don't mean to sound stupid I'm just confused like I said I don't have anyone to talk about this with.

L&D is not neonatal nursing. Newborn nursery is (level 1), but a lot of hospitals are going to couplet care where you care for mom and baby at the same time (or LDRP even...) so those positions are scarce in many areas. The only neonatal-specific degree in the US that I can think of is the NNP degree, and you need NICU experience to be considered. It's an advanced practice degree. Also note that there is zero nursing shortage in the vast majority of the country, and you may have to pay your dues in the adult world, or even a non-hospital setting, for years (note the multiple) before landing a coveted NICU/peds position.