Neonatal Nurse Jobs: 5 Specialties to Consider
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- Neonatal nurses care for newborns immediately after birth.
- Neonatal nurse specialties include NICU nurse, surgical nurse, and nurse practitioner.
- A graduate degree increases the neonatal nurse salary potential.
Neonatal nurses care for newborns, including premature babies and high-risk newborns. These nursing careers require compassion, strong communication skills, and clinical decision-making abilities. Neonatal nurses also benefit from many career advancement opportunities, including as nurse practitioners.
If you're interested in neonatal or pediatric nursing, consider the many neonatal nurse specialties. Some neonatal nurses work in intensive care settings, while others provide advanced care. Our guide introduces specializations and neonatal nurse salary information for in-demand roles.
How to Become a Neonatal Nurse
The process of becoming a neonatal nurse takes 2-4 years, depending on the nursing program.
- Enroll in a BSN Program: Neonatal nurses typically hold 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 generally takes four years.
- Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam: Registered nurses must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to receive their state-issued license. The computer adaptive test includes 75-145 questions.
- Earn an RN License: After completing an approved nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam, nurses can apply for an RN license in their state.
- Apply for Neonatal Nurse Jobs: With an RN license and a nursing degree, nurses can apply for neonatal nurse jobs. Some neonatal nurse specialties, like NICU nurse, may require additional clinical experience.
After gaining experience in neonatal nursing specialties, nurses can continue their education. A master's in nursing prepares neonatal nurses for roles like neonatal nurse practitioner.
5 Types of Neonatal Nursing Specialities
Neonatal Nurse
- Average Salary (July 2022): $70,690
- Job Outlook (2020-2030): 9%
- Licenses/Certifications: Registered nurse license
Neonatal nurses care for infants immediately after birth. They may also assist laboring and postpartum patients. These nurses conduct neonatal tests 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 address emergency situations. The role typically requires a bachelor's degree in nursing.
NICU Nurse
- Average Salary (July 2022): $71,060
- Job Outlook (2020-2030): 9%
- Licenses/Certifications: Registered nurse license
NICU nurses work in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). They care for newborn babies that require additional medical care, including premature newborns and infants with illnesses or medical conditions. In addition to caring for newborns, NICU nurses also communicate with families and provide emotional support.
The role typically requires clinical experience as a neonatal nurse before moving into the NICU setting. NICU nurses work day and night shifts in a hospital setting. They typically hold a bachelor's degree in nursing with specialized training in neonatal and critical care.
Pediatric Surgical Nurse
- Average Salary (May 2022): $71,830
- Job Outlook (2020-2030): 9%
- Licenses/Certifications: Registered nurse license
Pediatric surgical nurses care for children undergoing surgery. Those who specialize in neonatal surgical care monitor newborns before a surgical procedure and assist surgeons performing medical procedures. After the procedure, these nurses check on patients to aid in their recovery. They may also communicate with families.
Surgical nurses typically hold a bachelor's degree. They may bring a background in neonatal nursing or medical-surgical nursing. The role requires strong communication skills along with the ability to work in operating room environments. Pediatric surgical nurses commonly work in hospitals or surgical centers.
Nurse Midwife
- Median Salary (May 2021): $112,830
- Job Outlook (2020-2030): 11%
- Licenses/Certifications: Certified nurse midwife credential and advanced practice registered nurse license
Certified nurse midwives can provide well-woman's care along with midwifery care. They can also offer care to women who are not pregnant and in need of typical gynecological care. This can include addressing medical issues such as endometriosis, providing birth control information, and conducting yearly visits for patients.
Nurse midwives counsel patients on reproductive health and family planning. They also educate patients on prenatal health and wellness. As advanced practice nurses, nurse midwives must hold a master's degree or doctorate. They also pursue certification and licensure to practice.
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Median Salary (May 2021): $120,680
- Job Outlook (2020-2030): 52%
- Licenses/Certifications: Board certification as a neonatal nurse practitioner and an advanced practice registered nurse license
Neonatal nurse practitioners provide specialty care to high-risk newborns and infants. Their patients include premature newborns, infants with medical conditions, or infants with infections.
Neonatal nurse practitioners conduct regular health assessments on patients to determine their needs. They also order diagnostic tests and interpret their results. In addition, these nurses can perform procedures in the NICU.
As advanced practice nurses, these nurse practitioners can also prescribe medications in many states. Neonatal nurse practitioners must hold a master's degree or higher with clinical training as a nurse practitioner. They must also pursue board certification and a state-issued license.
Neonatal Nurse Salary
The earning potential for a neonatal nurse varies from $53,000 for the lowest-paid nurses to $107,000 for the highest-paid nurses, according to July 2022 data from Payscale.
The average neonatal nurse salary for entry-level roles is around $34.50 per hour, while more experienced neonatal nurses earn around $41.00 per hour. Advanced practice roles like neonatal nurse practitioner or nurse midwife offer a higher earning potential.
How to Find a Neonatal Nursing Job
Nurses interested in neonatal nurse jobs can begin their job search during nursing school. Taking neonatal, obstetrics, and pediatric nursing courses prepares future neonatal nurses with the skills and knowledge necessary for the job market. During clinical rotations, nursing students gain hands-on skills and expand their professional network.
Joining neonatal nurse professional organizations as a student offers several career benefits. In addition to professional development support, many of these organizations offer scholarships and job boards. For example, the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses job board lists neonatal nurse jobs.
Finally, neonatal nurses can reach out to their nursing school for career services support. Networking events, recruiter connections, and job fairs can help nurses identify roles in neonatal care.
Neonatal Nurse Professional Organizations
Frequently Asked Questions About Neonatal Nursing Jobs
What is the highest-paid neonatal nurse speciality?
The highest-paid neonatal nurse specialties include advanced practice roles like nurse midwife and neonatal nurse practitioner. In May 2021, nurse midwives earned a median pay of $112,830, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Nurse practitioners reported a median salary of $120,680.
Among RN neonatal nurse jobs, nurses can expect to earn around $70,690 per year, according to July 2022 data from Payscale. Salaries vary based on experience and location. The lowest-paid neonatal nurses reported salaries of $53,000, while the highest-paid earned $107,000 per year.
What neonatal nursing speciality is the most popular?
Neonatal nurse practitioners benefit from the highest demand. According to BLS projections, nurse practitioners may see 52% job growth from 2020-2030. However, hospitals may employ more neonatal nurses, NICU nurses, and surgical nurses than neonatal nurse practitioners. While over 3 million registered nurses work in the U.S., there are around 235,000 nurse practitioners.
RN neonatal nursing specialties also benefit from a positive job outlook. The BLS projects around 194,500 job openings for registered nurses annually from 2020-2030. Nurses interested in neonatal jobs can research demand in their area 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 earn their degree from an accredited online nursing school. Online neonatal nursing schools provide specialized training. In these programs, nursing students take classes online and complete virtual simulations. They also meet clinical rotation requirements at local sites.
Nursing students have several education options. They can enroll in an online BSN program to complete their nursing degree in around four years. Current RNs can also advance their education with an online RN-to-BSN program. These programs take as little as one year.
How much money can I make as a neonatal nurse?
The earning potential for neonatal nurse jobs depends on the setting, location, and experience. In general, neonatal nurses with an RN license make an average of about $70,000 per year, according to July 2022 data from Payscale. Salaries vary widely, with lower-paid neonatal nurses making around $50,000 and higher-paid nurses earning over $100,000.
In addition to location influencing salary, the neonatal nursing specialization affects earning potential. For example, neonatal nurses who pursue a master's degree can become neonatal nurse practitioners. Nurse practitioners reported a median pay of $120,680 in May 2021, according to BLS data.
What is the fastest way to become a neonatal nurse?
Prospective neonatal nurses can join the profession with a two-year nursing credential. Nursing schools offer associate programs or nursing diplomas that prepare graduates for licensure as a registered nurse. After completing a program, nurses apply for their RN license and pursue neonatal nursing jobs.
However, a four-year BSN program can help neonatal nurses stand out in the job market. Over 82% of employers strongly prefer to hire nurses with a BSN, according to a 2020 survey by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
