What all does it take to become a neonatal nurse?

Specialties NICU

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I'm planning to go to school to be a nurse because I want to get into neonatal nursing.

What does it all take school wise? Does a regular nursing program work?

I know my question probably sounds confusing but any help would be appreciated.

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Specializes in Level III NICU.

Pretty much go to nursing school, pass your classes, get decent grades, graduate, pass the boards and apply for jobs in the NICU. There are no special classes to take while in nursing school. Good luck!

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Pretty much go to nursing school, pass your classes, get decent grades, graduate, pass the boards and apply for jobs in the NICU. There are no special classes to take while in nursing school. Good luck!

Thanks!!!!! I can't wait to start to school. I've seen that some nursing programs have electives. where you could choose neonatal, but I don't know much about that so I'll have to look in to it.

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Specializes in Level III NICU.
Thanks!!!!! I can't wait to start to school. I've seen that some nursing programs have electives. where you could choose neonatal, but I don't know much about that so I'll have to look in to it.

My school didn't have that. I pretty much had to beg to go to the NICU for one day while doing my mother/baby clinical. I was pretty much hooked from then on. Definitely look into your options when you are in school, including summer internships and working as an aide or unit clerk in NICU if possible. It helps to get your foot in the door.

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This may sound like a dumb question, but do you have to go to regular college(or something along those lines.) and then attend nursing school? Or can you jump right in to nursing school?

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Specializes in NICU Level III.
This may sound like a dumb question, but do you have to go to regular college(or something along those lines.) and then attend nursing school? Or can you jump right in to nursing school?

I've always seen it where you have to. Either a community college and do prereqs then apply for their nursing program or do 2 years undergrad then do 2 years just nursing courses for your 3000 and 4000 level classes.

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I think some universities do offer a B.Sc.Nur. as a four year program (one enters during first year with only the high school prequisite courses).

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What if a community college has program for nursing. Can I sign up for that? http://catalog.actx.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=5&poid=814&bc=1

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Specializes in NICU.

Any accredited program for registered nursing will work. A 4-year program graduate has the same license as a 2-year or accelerated program grad. We all graduate from school and take the same licensing exam. I can't really think of anyone I personally know who selected their nursing school based on an RN job they wanted. Many people make their choice of educational facilities/programs based on personal reasons such as overall cost, familial obligations, future educational plans, local trends, etc.

Some schools might offer a specific class just for neo care/assessment, but if a school doesn't, that's okay too. Mine didn't, and I was hired to the NICU as a new grad. Also, a common complaint is that some "2-year" programs become more like 4-year programs in the end...due to prerequisites or personal schedules or class availability (or any number of other reasons)....so you might as well just go the BSN route if you can swing it financially. Do your research.

I'd recommend contacting your local medical centers that have neo units, and asking their HR department what they prefer to see in an applicant. It will vary greatly from one hospital to another. Also, it's a good idea to meet with your local educational facilities' academic advisors for their nursing programs and get the scoop in person, or to attend whatever information sessions they might hold.

Best of luck.

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