Neonatal nurses are advanced practice nurses who specialize in caring for babies. They primarily work with babies born prematurely, have medical conditions, or are experiencing acute illness. These professionals often combine their knowledge of neonatal medicine and the art of nursing to create an exceptional career that changes the lives of infants and families. Why is there a high demand for neonatal nurses in the U.K.?

 

The high demand for neonatal nurses in the U.K. is growing due to technological advances in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) and the rising preterm birth rates. This article will explore what it means to be a neonatal nurse and outline the steps to embark on this rewarding career path.

 

What is a Neonatal Nurse?

A neonatal nurse is a registered nurse specializing in providing comprehensive care to infants, especially those born prematurely, with health complications, or requiring intensive medical attention. Neonatal nurses work in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs), Special Care Nurseries, delivery rooms, and other healthcare settings, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to ensure the well-being of neonates and their families.

 

Neonatal Nurse vs. NICU Nurse

There’s a difference between a neonatal nurse and a NICU nurse. All NICU nurses are neonatal nurses, but not all neonatal nurses are NICU nurses. Both work with newborns, but NICU nurses specialize in babies needing acute medical attention requiring an intensive care unit.

 

For instance, a neonatal nurse can be found in labor and delivery units attending to healthy babies or babies with complications that are not deemed life-threatening. NICU nurses always work with critically ill and often premature babies who need extra support while they develop enough to survive without medical intervention.

 

What are the Responsibilities of a Neonatal Nurse?

Medical Care

Neonatal nurses monitor vital signs, administer medications, perform procedures such as IV insertions or blood draws, and ensure that newborns receive specialized treatments.

 

Assessment and Observation

They conduct thorough assessments to identify health concerns, assess developmental milestones, and promptly report changes in a baby’s condition to the provider and medical team.

 

Emotional Support

Since the neonatal nurse is at the bedside monitoring the progress of a neonate, they are in an ideal position to provide emotional support and guidance to families during a challenging and often stressful time. Every mother wants to take home her baby right after delivery, but when the newborn is left behind in the hospital, that indeed creates stress and a high need for emotional support.

 

The neonatal nurse can offer education on newborn care, help parents cope with their emotions, and ensure they understand their infant’s condition, progress, and medical care plan.

 

Collaboration

Neonatal nurses work closely with physicians, mid-level providers, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement individualized care plans for newborns. Generally, one strength of nurses is the ability to approach patient care holistically and coordinate communication across the interdisciplinary healthcare team.

Why is There a High Demand for Neonatal Nurses in the U.K.?

1. Increasing Preterm Births

Neonatal nurse practitioners are in high demand in the U.K. because of the rising incidence of premature births. In 2021, the premature birth rate increased to 10.5% from 6.5% in 2020, a four percent increase in just one year. The 2020 rate is also the highest recorded in nearly 15 years.

 

Neonatal nurses are crucial players in supporting preterm infants through their specialized knowledge and skills. As the prematurity rate rises, the demand for neonatal medical services will increase. Luckily, they are skilled healthcare providers who will effectively support this population.

 

2. NICU Technology

The massive leaps and bounds made by technology companies have impacted neonatal healthcare. One of the ways that NICU technology has improved is extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), which pumps blood from the baby through an artificial lung, adding oxygen and removing carbon dioxide.

 

Webcams in NICUs also enable neonatal nurses to interact directly with high-level specialists, interdisciplinary care providers, families, and loved ones. Electronic health records and computerized order entry systems have ensured these professionals can even place orders remotely to support patients more efficiently.

 

3. Larger NICU Capability

Neonatal nurses are in high demand because of the growing capacities of NICUs. More infants require specialized neonatal care due to the increased preterm birth rate. With improved mortality rates, babies at younger gestational ages and with complex health conditions survive and need specialized advanced care. With the increasing number of infants needing care, more neonatal care means health systems need larger NICUs with additional neonatal nurses.

 

4. Nursing shortages

Neonatal nurses are in high demand because of the nationwide nursing shortages of neonatal care professionals. Across the United Kingdom, the healthcare system needs more experienced, quality healthcare professionals. They are also affected by the nursing shortage.

 

For instance, community hospitals suffered a shortage of qualified neonatal nurses, and the gap between available and open positions continues to grow. The optimal staffing ratios for a higher level of care paired with the increased patient population mean that facilities need more neonatal nurses to staff their NICUs. Ensuring optimal NICU staff ratios ensures quality care and patient safety while increasing the demand for neonatal care providers.

 

Education and Training Requirements for Neonatal Nurses

High School

To become a neonatal nurse, you must train to be a registered nurse. To prepare for a career as a registered nurse, you should take high school mathematics and science courses, including biology, chemistry, and physics. Health courses will also be helpful. English and speech courses should be addressed because you must be able to communicate well with patients.

 

Post-secondary Training

There is no particular program for neonatal nursing in primary R.N. education; however, some nursing programs have an elective course in neonatal nursing. Entry-level requirements to become a neonatal nurse depend on the institution, its size, and the availability of nurses in that specialty and geographical region.

 

Some institutions may require neonatal nurses to demonstrate their ability to administer medications, perform necessary math calculations, suction, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, ventilator care, and other newborn care skills. Nurses who wish to focus on caring for premature babies or sick newborns may choose to attend graduate school to become a neonatal nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist.

 

Certification and Licensing Requirements

Applicants must hold an unrestricted registered nurse license, have completed a graduate-level advanced practice program that includes a minimum of 500 supervised clinical hours, pay an application fee, and take and pass a three-and-one-half-hour exam.

 

What is the Career Advancement for Neonatal Nurses?

Neonatal nurses seeking career advancement but who want to continue caring for babies might consider becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist. They can do this by gaining at least two years of experience in a neonatal intensive care unit (recommended by the National Association of Neonatal Nurses) and completing graduate school training in their desired specialty.

 

Becoming a Neonatal Nurse if you are currently a Registered Nurse

1. Gain Experience in Pediatrics: While working as an R.N., seek opportunities to gain experience in pediatrics and child health. Work in pediatric units, clinics, or other settings that allow you to care for children and develop skills relevant to neonatal nursing.
2. Pursue Specialization: To specialize in neonatal nursing, consider obtaining certifications such as the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (N.R.P.) and  Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing (RNC-NIC) certifications. These credentials demonstrate your expertise and dedication to the field.
3. Apply for a Neonatal Nursing Position: Once you have gained relevant experience, explore job opportunities in NICUs or Special Care Nurseries. You can consider pursuing an advanced degree such as a Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.), which can open doors to leadership roles in neonatal nursing.

 

How Much Does a Neonatal Nurse Earn in the U.K.?

Salary is determined by many factors, including nursing specialty, education, place of employment, shift worked, geographic location, and work experience. According to Talent.com, the average salary of a neonatal nurse in the United Kingdom is £39,000 per year or £20 per hour. Entry-level positions start at £31,490 per year, while most experienced workers make up to £61,365 annually.

 

Conclusion

Now that you know why there’s a high demand for neonatal nurses in the U.K., it’s time to apply. It is important to remember that becoming a neonatal nurse requires dedication, compassion, and commitment to providing specialized care to fragile infants and their families. By embarking on this fulfilling career path, you will have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of the tiniest and most vulnerable members of our community.