What is a Neonatal Nurse?
A registered nurse (RN) who specialises in providing supportive nursing care to newborns up to four weeks of age is known as a neonatal nurse. Children born with a range of medical conditions, inclusive of prematurity, infection, birth deformities, heart anomalies, and surgical issues, are cared for by neonatal nurses. The first month of a baby’s life is considered the neonatal period, but certain babies could need continued care.
The responsibilities of a neonatal nurse may include clinical, educational, managerial, and research elements. A neonatal nurse can be found in a neonatal intensive care unit, nursery, baby care unit, postnatal ward, emergency room, or even in the community.
Caring for newborn infants can be one of the most rewarding experiences in the nursing profession but can sometimes be emotionally devastating.
What are the duties and responsibilities of a Neonatal Nurse?
Neonatal nurses handle a variety of responsibilities with newborn babies, including general care, treatment administration, performing tests patient history documentation, and operating specialised equipment. They might also be responsible for:
- Preparing and monitoring prescriptions
- Regulating a baby’s hydration intake
- Making notes and keeping records of a baby’s care
- Starting the proper basic resuscitation in an emergency
- Parental education and support
What are the skills and capabilities of a neonatal nurse?
The field of neonatal nursing is quite demanding. Neonatal nurse jobs are technical in nature, and it involves careful monitoring, complex treatment administration, and specialised care for newborns with serious and intricate medical conditions. Dedication and strong resilience are essential traits of a neonatal nurse to overcome these obstacles and sustain a lengthy career.
Moreover, delivering end-of-life care to a sick neonate and offering support to the grieving family is one of a neonatal nurse’s most difficult tasks. Emotional resilience is required when dealing with this part of the job.
On the other hand, the neonatal nurse career is equally rewarding, especially when you see positive changes in a neonate’s health.
What are the qualifications required for a neonatal nurse?
A Bachelor of Nursing & Midwifery degree is required for both becoming a registered nurse (RN) and/or becoming a midwife, both of which are prerequisites for becoming a neonatal nurse. After graduating, you can get the chance to work in a specialised nursery unit or neonatal intensive care unit (NISU).
While having a postgraduate degree in the neonatal field is not required for a neonatal nurse, many employers frequently prefer it. This may consist of a Graduate Certificate or Master’s level qualification in the specialised field, which will require some compulsory placement. Many educational institutions will require of you to have some neonatal experience before being enrolled to the programme in order to enrol in one of these courses. You can also take up other certifications and short courses to develop your career in neonatal nursing.
What are is the average salary of a neonatal nurse in Australia?
In Australia, the typical neonatal nurse earns $89,798 year or $46.05 per hour. Most experienced workers can earn up to $121,246 per year, while entry-level positions start at $78,964 annually. Depending on the state or territory you work in, your salary may vary.
Who is this role for?
Every day, being a nurse exposes you to a wide range of emotions, especially if you work in an intensive care unit. Extreme highs and lows in emotions are common, as are sudden changes or health problems. Along with these emotional difficulties, you also have to help the family while giving a sick baby specific and frequently difficult nursing care.
A profession as a neonatal nurse can be a good fit for you if you’re willing to embark on one that is both mentally and physically taxing and gratifying.
What are the career pathways of a neonatal nurse?
In Australia, both Nurses and midwives, in common, are highly in demand in Australia. There are plenty of opportunities for Neonatal nurses to work in various settings, in a private or public institution. Based upon your qualifications, both academic and practical, you can decide to take up your role as a practitioner in a hospital, be an educator, take part in research or ultimately take up a managerial role.
Are you interested in becoming a neonatal nurse and do not know where to go or whom to approach? Our student counsellors at MWT Global Academy will help you regarding all the information that you need.