The Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, or NNP as they are commonly referred to, is responsible for the direct care of ill or premature newborns and the unique role played by the NNP can offer a very rewarding career choice as well as a nurse practitioner salary that is very competitive in relation to other areas of specialization.
The Role of the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
As mentioned, the NNP is responsible for the treatment of premature or ailing newborn infants. This care is generally offered in a very specialized care setting, which is often in a level II or level III neonatal intensive care unit, commonly recognized as NICUs, and occasionally at specialty pediatric development clinics or practices in which health care providers regularly treat ill newborns.
Common ailments that can call for specialized treatment of newborns and for which treatment can be offered by the NNP are respiratory distresses, congenital heart defects, low birth weights, and a host of other birth defects or disorders. NNPs are generally closely responsible for overseeing the entire treatment of their patients and manage and track progress through the use of many monitoring systems such as ventilators and incubators.
The NNP works closely with medical staff, including neonatologists, and communicate treatment options and progress to immediate family members. Due to the incredibly stressful nature of seeing their newborn undergo intensive medical treatment, parents must receive frequent, timely, and compassionate communication. Because of this, the NNP should be an effective and sensitive communicator.
Training to Become a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
As with other specialization available to the nurse practitioner, the NNP program is a concentration within a nursing master’s degree program. Generally, applicants to an NNP program will hold certification as an RN and have accrued one year of experience in a neonatal care environment, such as a NICU. Alternatively, for individuals who already hold a master’s degree in nursing, the NNP may be offered as a post-master’s certificate. Many employers in this area of specialization require employment candidates to also obtain certification from a neonatal care professional organization.
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Salary and Career Outlook
Due to the increased application of the use of fertility drugs in recent years, more and more labor and delivery floors in hospitals are experiencing incidences of premature births as well as deliveries of multiple newborns, which can very often require special care and treatment in neonatal intensive care units. Because of this, the NNP role is experiencing increased demand. This has had a favorable effect on the nurse practitioner salary associated with this area of speciality, as the median Neonatal Nurse Practitioner salary sits at $83,854.
If you are interested in a challenging profession with unique care requirements and a stable nurse practitioner salary, employment as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner may be a fit for you.