Neonatal nurse practitioner

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

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A Neonatal Nurse Practitioner caring for a newborn

A Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) is a highly skilled, professional registered nurse with clinical experience in neonatal nursing who has received formal education in neonatal care with a concentration in neonatal nursing practice.

Role and Responsibilities

The primary role of a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner is to provide specialized care for newborns with a wide range of acuity (including prematurity), conditions, and surgical problems. They are trained to diagnose and manage patients, order and interpret laboratory and radiographic tests, and initiate and manage therapies, including resuscitation and stabilization of newborns at birth.

Education and Training

To become a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, one must first obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a registered nurse (RN). Following this, they must gain experience in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) before applying to a Master's or Doctoral NNP program.

Certification

Upon completion of the NNP program, the nurse is eligible to take the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner certification exam offered by the National Certification Corporation (NCC). Once certified, the NNP must maintain their certification through continuing education.

Work Environment

Neonatal Nurse Practitioners primarily work in hospital settings, particularly in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU). They may also work in outpatient clinics, specialty-based care units, and in some cases, home healthcare.

See Also

• Nursing
• Neonatology
• Pediatric nursing