Paths to Becoming a Neonatal Nurse

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There are many different pathways a registered nurse can follow. Education requirements are anywhere from a diploma to bachelor’s degree. Diploma programs last three years. Associate’s degree takes two maybe three years depending if one is a full time student. One can obtain an associate’s degree at a community college. Diploma programs and associate degree programs provide graduates with the knowledge for and entry-level nursing position. Nurses that only have a diploma or associates degree will later get their bachelor’s degree. A bachelor’s degree is a four to five year program and is offered at colleges and universities. Nurses with a bachelor’s degree will do broader work. To become a military nurse you must have a bachelor’s degree.

Registered nurses (RN) with a bachelor’s degree are able to work in community health promotion. Some classes that one is going to have to take in order to get a registered nursing degree are anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, and psychology. Registered nurses are also required to do clinical experiences. Nurses work in different departments in the hospitals such as critical care, emergency services, acute care medical and surgical pediatric, NICU, and hematology-oncology and perioperative services. They will spend one week in each department interning with the registered nurses.

Before any registered nurse gets a job at a hospital they have to obtain a nursing license and a background check. The nursing license is called the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). This is a nationally registered nursing test that you have to take in every state. The background is both state and federal.

One is able to earn their license or certification by passing classes, d...

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...tate and federal level. Neonatal nurses also have to go one step further that a registered nurse and have their education verified.

Nurses must have a license in order to be a registered nurse. Neonatal nurses have to pass the NCLEX, pass classes, and do many clinical hours. Neonatal nurses also have to have active experience. Continuing their education is a must because new things are always coming to the surface.

Neonatal nurses have a registered nursing license, which allows them to move to a different state and find work. From the South Dakota Board of Nursing one must have 140 practice hours during any 12 month period within the past six years or 480 total practice hours within the past six years. If one does not have either you must take refresher courses before your licenses will be renewed. Your registered nursing license must be renewed in two years.

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