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Ramiyah Mack- Curtis

Professor Lord

English- 1301

27 September 2020

Career Evaluation- Neonatal Nurse

A neonatal nurse is a type of registered nurse that works in the neonatal intensive care

unit of a hospital. NICU nurses specialize in working with newborn babies, but sometimes there

are instances when they have to work with babies up to one years old. The babies they work with

are typically premature, have birth defects, or require any other form of medical attention.

Pursuing a career in the neonatal unit is worthwhile, because you get to help fragile babies

become stronger. Just like other careers in the medical field working as a neonatal nurse can be

fast paced and stressful. Most neonatal nurses obtain a Bachelor of Science in nursing and are a

licensed as a registered nurse. Fulfilling the education requirements of a neonatal nurse is a long

process and there may be strenuous challenges in the work environment, but it is a wholesome

career that comes with a great salary. Being a NICU nurse definitely has its pros and cons, but

ultimately it is a rewarding career.

Most careers in the medical field require a long and intense amount of education and

training. A neonatal nurse is a career that falls into that category. Being a licensed registered

nurse is a requirement for individuals who wish to be a neonatal nurse. In the past students were

able to become a registered nurse with an associate degree. However, as we progress into the

future more hospitals are starting to require that students obtain a BSN. Neonatal nurses also

need a copious amount of experience in order to work with babies. Most people gain here

experience by completing their residency. Residency programs can last about six months to a
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year, or sometimes even longer than that. I believe that residency programs are good for neonatal

nurses, because newborn babies are weak and fragile, so they need to be handled with the best

care possible. Not only do NICU nurses have to complete a minimum of four years of education

and residency, but they also have to acquire certain certifications. Some additional certifications

a neonatal nurse could pursue include the neonatal resuscitation program, basic life support, and

advanced cardiovascular life support. Those three programs are beneficial for further success in

the career. Neonatal nurses have a chance to advance in their career field by going back to school

for a master’s degree. The master’s degree allows regular neonatal nurses to become a neonatal

nurse practitioner. After becoming a neonatal nurse, I would like to go back to school to become

a nurse practitioner. I feel like this career advancement would bring about many new

opportunities for me. The process for becoming a neonatal nurse can be long, but it allows you to

be successful.

Neonatal nurses typically work in the neonatal intensive care unit of a hospital. Though

they are mainly seen in hospitals they can also work in maternity clinics, physician offices,

birthing centers and more. The intensity of their workday may vary depending on their work

environment. Caring for premature newborns in the hospital can be more stressful than any other

work environment; simply because the nurses have more to deal with. This means they have to

think quickly and face high pressure situations. They also cannot allow the pressure to affect

their thinking, because one wrong decision can have many affects. Thinking about the intense

workdays of a neonatal nurse makes me nervous, but I believe that I can be successful. NICU

nurses spend most of their workday caring for the newborns in the nursery. It is their

responsibility to make sure the babies are doing well and update the parents on their condition.

The responsibilities of a neonatal nurse are demanding, and it could affect their physical and
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mental health. NICU nurses can work long hours which can cause physical stress. Being around

the babies for long periods of time also puts neonatal nurses at the risk of becoming emotionally

involved. This could be a bad thing if a nurse loses a patient or a baby is not making progress. “It

can be emotionally draining work, but the counterbalance is that NICU nurses see miracles

nearly every day.” (Terry). My biggest fear would be failing a family, because I am physically

or mentally exhausted. When I become a neonatal nurse, my only hope is that I will be able to

perform my best each and every day that I am at work. In the end, becoming a neonatal nurse can

be rewarding when you positively impact someone’s life, but it also has its flaws.

Being a neonatal nurse may not be easy, but it is unquestionably a rewarding career.

NICU nurses are paid well and becoming a neonatal nurse should not be just about the money,

but it is definitely a perk when pursuing this career. The average annual salary for neonatal

nursing is $64,074. The salary for neonatal nurses may fluctuate depending on what state your in

and your level of experience. For example, nurses that are in their late career can make up to

$30,000 more than entry level nurses. The average median salary for an entry level NICU nurse

is about $52,000. On the other hand, the average annual salary for a neonatal nurse in their late

career is around $82,000. Therefore, being a neonatal nurse is a great occupation for the

individuals who are passionate about it. They are allowed to be happy doing what they love and

have a lucrative career. Becoming a neonatal nurse is the perfect career for me because not only

do I get to fulfill my dream of working with babies, but I would also obtain a salary that lets me

sustain an exceptional lifestyle. In short, neonatal nursing is a rewarding career in many

different aspects.

Finally, it may be concluded that becoming a neonatal nurse is worthwhile if it is

something, you’re passionate about. You are given the chance to help newborn babies become
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stronger. In a way it is like you’re helping them get a fair chance at life. “Being a NICU nurse

means having the smallest, most fragile patient and knowing you are doing everything in your

power to give them a fair chance at life.” (Dewhurst). Throughout the years advances in

technology and medicine have saved many babies lives. Being a NICU nurse may have its pros

and cons, but I believe the pros outweigh the cons. It is possible that the job may negatively

affect your physical and mental health, but the satisfaction of knowing your helping save a life

will overpower that. The education process is long, and the work environment is demanding, but

in the end, it is all worth it. All in all, neonatal nursing is a rewarding career in multiple ways and

that is why it is a growing field.

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Works Cited

“How to Become a NICU Nurse (Neonatal Nurse).” NurseJournal, 2 July 2020,

nursejournal.org/neonatal-nursing/how-to-become-a-nicu-nurse/.  

“The Neonatal Nurse.” Neonatal Nurse | Schooling, Requirements, Duties,

www.nursinglicensure.org/articles/neonatal-nurse.html.

“Neonatal Nurse Careers and Salary Outlook: 2020 NurseJournal.org.” NurseJournal, 10 Sept. 2020,

nursejournal.org/neonatal-nursing/nicu-nursing-careers-salary-outlook/.

Williams, Ellie. “What Is the Work Environment of a Baby Nurse?” Work, 9 Nov. 2016,

work.chron.com/work-environment-baby-nurse-11617.html.

Dewhurst, Evi. “On Being a Neonatal Nurse.” Medela, 16 Dec. 2019,

www.medela.us/breastfeeding-professionals/blog/on-being-a-neonatal-nurse.

Terry, Christa. Noodle,

www.noodle.com/articles/pursuing-a-career-as-a-neonatal-nurse-everything-you-need-to-know.