Question by OhioState: What EXACTLY is needed to be a Neonatal Practitioner?
I am currently in a RN Associates of Science program, and transferring to a University to get my BSN. I also work in the NICU as a techie. I want to be a Neonatal Practitioner, but I cannot find programs ANYWHERE! How is it this hard? Can I be a Neonatal Practitioner with just a Masters of Nursing degree? Or do I have to take a “Neonatal Practitioner Program”.
I need help, please!
Thank-you

Best answer:

Answer by INFOPROF
You may want to check this site for info:

http://education-portal.com/articles/Neonatal_Nurse_Practitioner_Job_Information_and_Requirements_for_Becoming_a_Neonatal_Nurse_Practitioner.html

Required Education for a Career as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

Neonatal Nurse Practitioners first must earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a registered nursing (RN) license from their state board of nursing. Before being admitted to a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program, RNs typically must gain at least one year of experience in an NICU. NNP programs, which include such courses as developmental physiology, clinical perinatology and advanced neonatal assessment, award a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a major in Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) or Advanced Neonatal Nursing. Alternately, nurses who already hold an MSN can earn a post-master’s NNP certificate. In addition to the appropriate education, employers also may require that Neonatal Nurse Practitioners be credentialed by a professional organization and certified in neonatal resuscitation.
Required Skills for a Career as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

Neonatal Nurse Practitioners must be diligent and fast acting since their response can be critical to the life of a newborn. Because they often are the direct link between a family and the hospital, Neonatal Nurse Practitioners must be strong communicators. Communication skills also will be beneficial to NNPs as they educate families about neonatal, intensive and postpartum care.
Career and Economic Outlook for Neonatal Nurse Practitioners

PayScale.com reports that Level II and III Neonatal Nurse Practitioners are in high demand because increased use of fertility drugs has led to the birth of more premature babies and multiples requiring specialized care. PayScale estimates the median salary for a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner as $ 83,854.
Related articles to Neonatal Nurse Practitioner: Job Information and Requirements for Becoming a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

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Online Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Program Information
Improved fertility treatments have resulted in an increased need for neonatal nurses qualified to look after newborn infants in need of special attention. Working registered nurses who have experience caring for newborns or who would like to move into neonatal care are good candidates to earn an online neonatal nurse practitioner master’s degree.
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Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Certification and Program Information
Neonatal nurse practitioners are advanced practice nurses who are trained to provide preventative and restorative healthcare to neonates and infants. Those who are interested in this field of nursing and who hold a bachelor’s degree can enroll in a master’s degree program in nursing with a specialization in neonatal care nursing. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for a national credentialing exam that results in the Certified Neonatal Nurse Practitioner designation.

http://www.metrohealth.org/body.cfm?id=872&oTopID=872&plinkid=108

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