Newborn nurses take care of newborns. Learn about specializations, including in NICU and surgical settings, along with neonatal nurse salary data.
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Posted on August 12, 2022
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- Neonatal nurses look after newborns immediately after birth.
- Newborn care specialties include NICU Nurse, Operating Room Nurse, and Registered Nurse.
- A college degree increases the salary potential of a neonatal nurse.
Neonatal nurses care for newborns, including premature and high-risk newborns. Thisnursing professionsThey require compassion, strong communication skills, and clinical decision-making skills. Neonatal nurses also benefit from many advancement opportunities, even as RNs.
If you are interested in neonatal or pediatric nursing, consider the different specialties of the neonatal nurse. Some neonatal nurses work in intensive care units, while others provide advanced care. Our guide provides neonatal nurse specializations and salary information for in-demand positions.
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Ready to start your journey?
This is how you become a newborn nurse
The process ofbecome a neonatal nurseit lasts 2 to 4 years depending on the care program.
- Sign up for a BSN program:Neonatal nurses typically have a bachelor's degree in nursing. During a nursing program, students complete clinical rotations to gain experience in labor and delivery, neonatal care, and critical care. A BSN usually lasts four years.
- Pass the NCLEX-RN exam:Registered nurses must pass theExam NCLEX-RNto obtain your state-issued license. The computer-adaptive test consists of 75 to 145 questions.
- Get an RN license:After completing an accredited nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam, registered nurses may apply for an RN license in their state.
- Apply for Neonatal Nurse Jobs:With an RN license and a nursing degree, registered nurses can apply for neonatal nursing jobs. Some specialties of neonatal care, such as B. NICU Nurse, may require additional clinical experience.
After gaining experience in neonatal care, nurses can continue their education. TOMasters in Nursingprepares neonatal nurses for the role of neonatal nurse.
5 types of newborn care specialties
Newborn Nurse
- Average Salary (July 2022):70.690 $
- Career prospects (2020-2030):9%
- Licenses/Certifications:state registered nurse license
Infant nurses care for babies immediately after birth. They can also help patients during labor and after birth. These nurses perform newborn testing during pregnancy and after birth. They also implement care plans for newborns.
Most neonatal nurses work in hospitals, where they typically work nights and weekends. Many neonatal nurses work 12-hour shifts. They bring strong teamwork and communication skills to their role, along with the ability to deal with emergency situations. The position typically requires a bachelor's degree in nursing.
NICU nurse
- Average Salary (July 2022):71.060 $
- Career prospects (2020-2030):9%
- Licenses/Certifications:state registered nurse license
NICU nurses work in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). They care for newborns who need additional medical care, including premature babies and babies with illnesses or medical conditions. In addition to caring for newborns, NICU nurses also communicate with families and provide emotional support.
The position typically requires clinical experience as a neonatal nurse before moving into the NICU environment. NICU nurses work day and night shifts in a hospital. They typically have a bachelor's degree in nursing with specialty training in neonatal and critical care.
Pediatric Surgery Nurse
- Average Salary (May 2022):71.830 $
- Career prospects (2020-2030):9%
- Licenses/Certifications:state registered nurse license
Pediatric surgery nurses look after children undergoing surgery. Neonatal surgery specialists monitor newborns before surgery and assist surgeons in performing medical procedures. After the procedure, these nurses monitor patients to help them recover. You can also communicate with families.
Surgical nurses typically have a bachelor's degree. You may bring training in neonatal nursing or medical-surgical nursing. The position requires strong communication skills as well as the ability to work in OR environments. Pediatric surgical nurses typically work in hospitals or operating rooms.
nurse midwife
- Average Salary (May 2021):112.830 $
- Career prospects (2020-2030):11%
- Licenses/Certifications:Certified Nurse Hebamme Credential und Advanced Practice Registered Nurse License
Certified midwives can support the woman along with the midwife. They can also care for women who are not pregnant and need typical gynecological care. This may include treating medical issues like endometriosis, providing contraceptive information, and conducting annual patient visits.
Nursing midwives advise patients on reproductive health and family planning issues. They also educate patients about prenatal health and wellness. As Advanced Practice Nurses, midwives must have a master's or doctorate degree. They also seek certification and a license to practice.
Newborn Nurse
- Average Salary (May 2021):120.680 $
- Career prospects (2020-2030):52%
- Licenses/Certifications:Board Certification as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner and Advanced Practice Registered Nurse License
Neonatal Nurses provide specialized care for high-risk newborns and infants. His patients include premature babies, babies with medical problems or babies with infections.
Neonatal nurses conduct regular health assessments of patients to determine their needs. They also order diagnostic tests and interpret their results. In addition, these nurses can perform procedures in the NICU.
Like advanced nurses, these nurses can also prescribe medications in many states. Neonatal nurses are required to have a master's degree or higher with clinical training as a registered nurse. You should also aim for board certification and a state-issued license.
Salary as a neonatal nurse
The earning potential of a neonatal nurse ranges from $53,000 for the lowest paid nurses to $107,000 for the highest paid nursesSalary Chart July 2022 dates.
The average salary of a neonatal nurse for entry-level positions is about $34.50 per hour, while more experienced neonatal nurses make about $41.00 per hour. Advanced practice roles such as neonatal nurse or midwife offer greater earning potential.
How to find a job in newborn care
Nurses interested in neonatal nursing jobs can begin their job search while in nursing school. Taking courses in neonatal, midwifery and pediatric nursing prepares prospective neonatal nurses with the skills and knowledge needed for the job market. During clinical rotations, nursing students acquire practical skills and expand their professional network.
Joining professional neonatal care organizations as a student offers several career benefits. In addition to promoting professional development, many of these organizations offer grants and job postings. For example, the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurseswork baglists neonatal nurse jobs.
Finally, neonatal nurses can turn to their nursing schoolsupport career services. Networking events, connections to recruiters andjob fairIt can help nurses identify roles in neonatal care.
Professional associations of neonatal care
Frequently Asked Questions About Newborn Nursing Jobs
What is the highest paying specialty of newborn care?
The highest-paying neonatal nursing specialties include advanced practice roles such as midwife and neonatal nurse. Median salary of $112,830 as of May 2021, according to the Earned MidwifeDepartment of Labor Statistics(BLS). Nurses reported aaverage incomevon 120.680 $.
Among RN jobs for neonatal nurses, nurses can expect to earn around $70,690 per yearSalary Chart July 2022 dates. Salaries vary based on experience and location. The lowest paid neonatal nurses reported salaries of $53,000, while the highest paid made $107,000 per year.
Which specialty of newborn care is the most popular?
Newborn care professionals are benefiting from the increased demand. Nursing jobs could grow by 52% between 2020 and 2030, according to BLS projections. However, hospitals may employ more neonatal, intensive care, and surgical nurses than neonatal nurses. While more than 3 million registered nurses work in the US, there are approximately 235,000 registered nurses.
RN specialties in neonatal nursing also benefit from positive job prospects.BLS projectsapprox. 194,500 job offers for registered nurses annually from 2020-2030. Nurses interested in neonatal jobs can research demand in their field for more specific information.
Can I become a neonatal nurse with an online degree?
Yes, you can become a neonatal nurse with an online degree. Nurses interested in neonatal specialties can pursue a degree from an accredited online nursing school. Online neonatal nursing schools offer specialized training. In these programs, nursing students take online courses and perform virtual simulations. They also meet clinical rotation requirements at local sites.
Nursing trainees have a number of training options. They can enroll in an online BSN program to complete their nursing degree in about four years. Current RNs can also continue their education with an online RN-to-BSN program. These programs last less than a year.
How Much Money Can I Make as a Newborn Nurse?
The earning potential for neonatal nurse jobs varies by attitude, location, and experience. In general, licensed neonatal nurses RNs make an average of about $70,000 per yearSalary Chart July 2022 dates. Salaries vary widely, with the lowest paid neonatal nurses earning around $50,000 and the highest paid nurses earn over $100,000.
In addition to location affecting salary, specialization in neonatal care affects earning potential. For example, neonatal nurses pursuing a master's degree can become neonatal nurses. Nurses reported a median salary of $120,680 as of May 2021, according to BLS data.
What is the fastest way to become a neonatal nurse?
Future neonatal nurses can enter the profession with a two-year nursing license. Nursing schools offer associate or graduate nursing programs that prepare graduates for certification as a registered nurse. After completing a program, nurses apply for their RN license and seek jobs in neonatal care.
However, a four-year BSN program can help NICUs differentiate themselves in the job market. According to a 2020 survey, more than 82% of employers prefer to hire nurses with a BSNAmerican Association of Colleges of Nursing.
FAQs
Neonatal Nurse Jobs: 5 Specialties to Consider | best universities? ›
What Is a Neonatal Nurse? A neonatal nurse is a nurse that works specifically with newborn babies typically in their first month of life. Most often, neonatal nurses work with infants who face specific challenges right after birth including birth defects, heart problems, prematurity, and more.
What are the top three industries that employ neonatal nurses? ›What Is a Neonatal Nurse? A neonatal nurse is a nurse that works specifically with newborn babies typically in their first month of life. Most often, neonatal nurses work with infants who face specific challenges right after birth including birth defects, heart problems, prematurity, and more.
What is the best specialization in nursing? ›- 1 | Nurse Anesthetist. ...
- 2 | Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. ...
- 3 | Nurse Midwife. ...
- 4 | Family Nurse Practitioner. ...
- 5 | Clinical Nurse Specialist. ...
- 6 | Nurse Researcher. ...
- 7 | Travel Nurse. ...
- 8 | Informatics Nurse.
Best States For a Neonatal Nurse
Our research found that Washington is the best state for neonatal nurses, while Washington and California are ranked highest in terms of median salary. Washington has a median salary of $93,014 and Washington has the highest median salary among all 50 states for neonatal nurses.
While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $268,500 and as low as $59,500, the majority of NICU RN salaries currently range between $86,000 (25th percentile) to $185,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $229,000 annually across the United States.
What is the highest paying neonatal nurse? ›Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | |
---|---|---|
Top Earners | $156,500 | $13,041 |
75th Percentile | $135,500 | $11,291 |
Average | $117,091 | $9,757 |
25th Percentile | $88,500 | $7,375 |
Emotionally Stressful
Working in a NICU is an extremely high-pressure job. The NICU nursing staff is responsible for the lives of tiny, unstable babies, and you may be required to leap into crisis mode at any moment.
Neonatal nurses
Within this area of nursing are several subspecialties. They may care for perfectly healthy infants, provide more focused care for premature or ill babies, or work specifically with one seriously ill infant in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
According to them, the highest paying state for neonatal nurses is New York, with an annual salary of $108,499, and the lowest paying state is North Carolina, with a yearly wage of $78,345.
What is the easiest nursing specialty to get into? ›
Occupational Health
One of the easiest nursing jobs to get into is in the field of occupational health. Occupational health nurses work in large industries, HMOs, and factories to treat work-related injuries and onsite illnesses.
- Occupational Health Nurse. About the Job: ...
- Research Nurse. About the Job: ...
- Case Management. About the Job: ...
- School Nurse. About the Job: ...
- College Health Clinic Nurse. About the Job: ...
- Community Health Nurse. About the Job: ...
- Nurse Writer. ...
- Parenteral/Enteral Nurse.
To become a Neonatal Nurse, either an associate's degree in nursing or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is required. It's also required to become licensed. This can be done by passing the Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing exam.
What is the lowest salary for a NICU nurse? ›Given the most recent data, the median annual salary for a NICU Nurse in the US is $71,267.04. In high-earning states, NICU Nurses can make between $80,000 to over $100,000. In the lowest-earning states, NICU Nurses can earn between $55,000 to $69,000.
How much does a top neonatal nurse make an hour? ›Annual Salary | Hourly Wage | |
---|---|---|
Top Earners | $229,000 | $110 |
75th Percentile | $185,000 | $89 |
Average | $136,005 | $65 |
25th Percentile | $86,000 | $41 |
What is the highest-paid nurse? Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists! Earning $195,610 annually, CRNAs earn significantly more than any other type of nurse or nursing specialty.
What is the easiest floor to work on as a nurse? ›Many will argue that med-surg work is the heart of nursing and provides new grads with the foundational skills they will need to move on to other specialties later, if they so choose. And frankly, the easiest and fastest way to get a job as a new grad is to go to a med/surg floor.
How much does a NICU nurse at Yale make? ›The estimated total pay for a Registered Nurse NICU at Yale New Haven Hospital is $109,081 per year.
What is the second highest paid nurse? ›- Research Nurse – $88,000.
- Nurse Educator – $94,000.
- Gerontology Nurse – $96,500.
- Pain Management Nurse – $104,000.
- Women's Health Nurse – $107,000.
- Pediatric Nurse – $109,000.
- Surgical Nurse – $109,000.
- Psychiatric Nurse – $109,000.
In the United States overall, the average registered nurse salary is $82,750 and the median (50th percentile) is $77,600. California, with RN salaries averaging $124,000, is the highest-paying state for nurses as of May 2021 (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What are the disadvantages of NICU nursing? ›
- Long Shifts. Many hospitals work on a 12-hour schedule, which while extremely beneficial for patient care, can be difficult for the staff. This can also be difficult for staff who have families, as they may go days without seeing them.
- Emotional Burnout. Neonatal nurses can deal with a lot of tragedies with babies.
The most stressful nursing jobs include ICU nurse, ER nurse, and NICU nurse. In these roles, nurses work in an intense environment with high stakes. They manage emergency situations and care for critically ill patients. Other stressful nursing jobs include OR nursing, oncology nursing, and psychiatric nursing.
What is the hardest nursing semester? ›Pharmacology. Pharmacology, or the study of medication, can seem scary because of the sheer scope of the course. "It becomes one of the hardest classes for nursing students due to the depth and amount of knowledge needed," says Megan Lynch, RN and instructor at Pima Community College.
What are the 4 levels of neonatal care? ›Level I: Well newborn nursery. Level II: Special care nursery. Level III: Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) Level IV: Regional neonatal intensive-care unit (regional NICU)
Who is a famous neonatal nurse? ›Catherine Cropley, RN, MN is most known for being a founding member of the Neonatal Education Program (NEP), whose modules became the foundation for what we now know as the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP).
What are 3 things that neonatal nurses do? ›...
You'll have a range of tasks that will include:
- preparing and checking medications.
- managing a baby's fluids.
- recording observations and documenting a baby's care.
- initiating appropriate basic resuscitation in an emergency situation.
While registered nurses overall in the United States receive $82,750 per year according to the United States Bureau of Labor and Statistics, NICU nurses are among the highest-paid nurses. This hourly rate puts the average NICU nurse's salary at about 6% higher than the average registered nurse's median wage.
How many years of college do you need to be a neonatal nurse? ›Share this Article. It takes 4-6 years to become a NICU nurse. Neonatal nurses need a college degree and a state-issued license. Certifications can help professionals qualify for more career opportunities.
How in demand are neonatal nurses? ›As such, neonatal and intensive care nurses, known as NICU nurses, are in high demand. These nurses need to have extensive knowledge and expert skills to care for critically ill and premature newborns.
What are the 7 A's nursing? ›This article outlines how using the Seven A's (awareness, accessibility, affordability, appropriateness, adequacy, acceptability, and availability) can help nurses and agencies effectively determine the fit between older adults and community support agencies.
What nursing specialties have the highest burnout? ›
Critical care nurses suffer the highest rates of burnout.
This is mainly due to the nature of the job, as critical care nurses work specialize in the emergency department (ED) and intensive care unit (ICU). As such, their work environment is constantly fast-paced, meticulous, and demanding.
Many different models have been proposed to better understand personality, but the model that is most widely accepted by psychologists today is the Big Five Model. According to this theory, personality can be narrowed down to five main factors: extroversion, agreeableness, openness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism.
What is the least stressful nursing specialty in hospital? ›Institutional Nurses
These nurses administer more basic care and typically don't have to work long hours and overnight shifts, so this field of nursing tends to be low-stress. Even with less excitement, these nurses find fulfillment in providing basic and family care to those in need.
Licensed vocational nurses (LVN) and licensed practical nurses (LPN) are some of the lowest-paid nursing roles, but that is due to the fact that the educational requirements are less than most other types of nurses.
Why new nurses leave the profession? ›Many nurses are leaving the profession due to the recognition of their own mental health. Nursing is a mentally exhausting career to be in. For many nurses, they are put into difficult situations and often have little time to process or cope.
What is the hardest job as a nurse? ›Psychiatric Nursing
According to studies, almost all nurses (88.6%) experienced verbal violence and more than half (56.1%) experienced physical violence. The threat of physical and verbal violence alone makes this particular job stressful.
- School Nurse. If your kids are in school, working as a school nurse will help you stay on the same schedule as them. ...
- Factory Nurse. ...
- Acute Care Nurse. ...
- Home Healthcare Nurse. ...
- Per Diem Nurse. ...
- Travel Nurse. ...
- At-Home Nurse. ...
- Ambulatory Nursing.
The employment of specialist nurses (nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners) is estimated to grow by a staggering 40% from 2021 to 2031. Study.com investigated U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics' data to see how nursing jobs are growing in the U.S.
What is your major if you want to be a NICU nurse? ›Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree
Only experienced, qualified nurses are trusted to care for fragile newborns. To become a neonatal nurse, you'll need to start by earning a CCNE-accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a respected institution such as Herzing University.
Neonatal Nurse Education
Earning an ADN and passing the NCLEX-RN exam provides the quickest path to a neonatal nursing career, requiring two years or less. However, RNs with at least a BSN will find more employment opportunities and higher salaries.
Why choose neonatal nursing? ›
Working as a NICU nurse can be very rewarding career. It gives you the chance to improve and save the lives of infants and newborns and comfort their families. Being able to make a positive difference in the lives of others can be very rewarding and beneficial.
How much does a USA NICU nurse earn? ›The salary range for a Nicu Nurse job is from $66,041 to $106,659 per year in the United States.
How high is the demand for NICU nurses? ›NICU nurses are currently in demand! Analysts predict that the job market for NICU RNs will grow 12% from 2018 to 2028. In general, the employment for RNs is projected to increase 6% from 2021 to 2031. That breaks down to about 203,200 job openings for RNs every year, on average, over the decade.
Is NICU nursing stressful? ›The effects of nurse burnout and stress in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)—high levels of absenteeism, low morale, mental fatigue, and exhaustion—can have detrimental effects on neonatal care.
Do L&D nurses deliver babies? ›Labor and delivery nurses, also known as “L&D nurses,” help deliver healthy babies and get mothers through the process of pregnancy safely.
What is the nurse called that cleans the baby? ›A neonatal nurse cares for newborn babies. They help new parents hold, bathe, and feed their baby, and often act as a bridge between the parent and the specialists working with the infant.
What are the top 3 industries that employ nurse anesthetists? ›Just based on the number of employees within each industry, we were able to determine the most common industries that employ certified registered nurse anesthetists. Those industries include health care, education and professional.
What are the top three industries that employ nurse practitioners? ›Industry | Employment (1) | Percent of industry employment |
---|---|---|
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 58,080 | 1.04 |
Outpatient Care Centers | 23,760 | 2.32 |
Offices of Other Health Practitioners | 10,950 | 1.02 |
Home Health Care Services | 7,460 | 0.49 |
- VHC Health. 3.9. 694 reviews.
- Cleveland Clinic. 3.9. 4,082 reviews.
- Kaiser Permanente. 4.1. 12,768 reviews.
- Banner Health. 3.6. 3,999 reviews.
- Intermountain Health. 3.7. 2,829 reviews.
What is the highest-paid nurse? Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists! Earning $195,610 annually, CRNAs earn significantly more than any other type of nurse or nursing specialty.
What is the average age of a CRNA? ›
The average age of an employed nurse anesthetist is 44 years old. The most common ethnicity of nurse anesthetists is White (81.3%), followed by Asian (7.2%), Hispanic or Latino (4.7%) and Unknown (3.7%). In 2021, women earned 94% of what men earned.
Is it harder to become a nurse anesthetist or anesthesiologist? ›Education time line: CRNAs take between 7- 8.5 years to complete their education, including practicum experiences, but anesthesiologists take at least 12 years to complete their education and residency requirements.
What are 3 specialization areas for nurses? ›- Registered Nurse (RN) Education Requirement: Associates Degree or Bachelor's of Science Degree. ...
- Cardiac Nurse. ...
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) ...
- Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) ...
- Critical Care Nurse. ...
- ER Nurse. ...
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) ...
- Geriatric Nursing.
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) ...
- Neurology Nurse Practitioners. ...
- Oncology Nurse Practitioners. ...
- Orthopedic Nurse Practitioners. ...
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners. ...
- Trauma Nurse Practitioners.
- Nurse Practitioners (NP)
- Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNM)
- Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS)
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA)
Level I: Well newborn nursery. Level II: Special care nursery. Level III: Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
Where do L&D nurses make the most money? ›Labor and Delivery Nurses are paid the most in Alaska, with a median annual salary of $85,600, or $41.15 per year. They also receive high compensation in: California – $85,300 (13% above national average) Connecticut – $82,600 (10% above national average)
What is the lowest paid labor and delivery nurse? ›Hourly Labor & Delivery Nurse Salary | |
---|---|
Level of Experience | Hourly Earnings |
Starting (Entry-Level) | $21.56 |
1-4 Years of Experience | $24.88 |
5-9 Years of Experience | $30.40 |
Industry | Employment (1) | Percent of industry employment |
---|---|---|
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 1,724,510 | 30.85 |
Offices of Physicians | 208,760 | 7.50 |
Home Health Care Services | 173,640 | 11.31 |
Outpatient Care Centers | 152,120 | 14.87 |