How to Become a Neonatal Nurse: A Comprehensive Guide

Supporting infants and families during early-life challenges and giving babies a chance at survival requires the utmost care and compassion. Here are some of the skills and qualities needed to be a successful neonatal nurse: 

• Attention to detail
   

• Critical thinking
   

• Empathy
   

• Communication skills
   

• Patience
   

• Ability to work under pressure
   

• Adaptability

Working to build these soft skills can help ensure you provide the best care possible for your patients while approaching sensitive situations with tact and empathy.

The degree you need depends on where you are in your nursing career — whether you’re just beginning your journey or looking to advance into higher roles — as well as your level of education. 
 

For example, if you are at the very start of your career or you want to pivot from your current career into nursing, you should pursue an associate-level nursing degree or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). These degrees are designed to prepare you to become a registered nurse (RN). Once you obtain your degree, then you can focus on gaining clinical experience in pediatric and neonatal settings. 
 

It’s important to note employers’ preference for a BSN over an associate-level degree. A 2020 AACN survey found that that 82.4% of employers strongly prefer nurses with a BSN, and 41% of hospitals and healthcare facilities now require a BSN from job candidates.¹ 
 

A BSN program takes approximately five years to complete and requires around 129 credit hours to graduate. 
 

In a typical undergraduate nursing program, students can expect to take courses in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and patient care. They will also likely gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations in various healthcare settings.
 

If you are already an RN and are looking to pursue leadership positions or expand your practice, you may consider pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN-DNP). These degrees often give you a chance to specialize in one or more areas, including pediatrics or psychiatric mental health. 
 

If you already hold an MSN or DNP but want to build on your skill set, continue learning, or add a new specialization, you can pursue a Post-Master’s Nurse Practitioner Certificate. 
 

These certificates comprise graduate-level education like an MSN or DNP, but they offer a quicker and more streamlined experience, since you can skip the core nursing coursework and only focus on the specialization.  

After completing your nursing degree, you must obtain licensure by passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). This standardized exam tests your knowledge and skills in nursing practice and is required to obtain a nursing license in the United States. 
 

Once you have your nursing license, you can start gaining experience in neonatal nursing and obtaining additional certifications. Popular certifications include:
 

• Neonatal Resuscitation Program Certification
   

• Certification for Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing
   

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification 
   

Additionally, many hospitals offer training programs for new nurses, which can help them gain the skills and knowledge needed to work in neonatal nursing. 

A large part of becoming a neonatal nurse involves gaining relevant experience in the field. 
 

Neonatal nurses can get experience through simulation training and supervised patient care while earning their degree – however, the balance between classroom learning and practical experience in nursing education varies between programs. 
 

Typically, nursing students undergo a mix of classroom instruction, laboratory simulations and clinical rotations to gain a comprehensive understanding of nursing principles. 
 

These different settings enable students to learn foundational knowledge, theory, and essential nursing skills in areas such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and patient care. 
 

In simulation labs, students have the opportunity to practice and develop their clinical skills and confidence before they engage with actual patients.
 

Through residencies and internships, they can then gain invaluable hands-on experience in clinical settings. 
 

Under the guidance of experienced nurses and healthcare professionals, students apply theoretical knowledge to real-world patient care scenarios. Students refine their clinical judgment and nursing skills through rotations in various healthcare settings like hospitals, clinics and community health centers. 
 

Following graduation and licensure, nurses pursuing neonatal nursing specialization, particularly in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), typically undergo additional training and orientation. This process familiarizes them with NICU protocols, equipment and procedures, ensuring they attain clinical competency to provide safe and effective care to neonatal patients. 
 

Mentorship and preceptorship programs further support newly hired NICU nurses in honing their skills and expertise under the guidance of experienced practitioners.

Typically, career progression involves furthering your formal nursing education through degrees like a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). 
 

You may also pursue specialization either as part of your graduate degree program or in addition to it. 
 

Common specializations include areas like Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), but some degree programs may offer more specific specialization or post-master's credentials like Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP). 
 

Here's the typical path to becoming an NNP:
 

• Gain relevant clinical experience in a neonatal setting
   

• Earn an MSN or DNP
   

• Obtain NNP Certification
   

• Pursue state-specific licensing
   

• Maintain certifications and licensure

Neonatal nurses are in high demand, as analysts predict the job market for NICU RNs will grow 6% between now and 2028, which is double the national average of 3% for all career sectors.²
 

A career as a neonatal nurse also offers a competitive salary and benefits package. 
 

The median salary for neonatal nurses was $127,391 as of January 2024.3 However, salaries can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and education level.  
 

H2: Start your journey to becoming a neonatal nurse
 

Becoming a neonatal nurse requires dedication, hard work, and a passion for caring for newborns and infants. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can start your journey toward this fulfilling career. 
 

If you are interested in pursuing a degree to become a neonatal nurse, you can learn more about the educational and admission requirements by speaking with an admissions advisor.