GUIDE
August 9, 2022
By: Terri Heimann Oppenheimer
Medically reviewed by: Kathleen Gaines News and Education Editor, MSN, RN, BA, CBC
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nursing is a specialty of nursing that deals with the care of sick or premature babies, as well as babies dealing with birth defects. NICU nurses are registered nurses that have gained experience working with neonatal patients and potentially also become certified in an area related to this. You can have either an ADN or a BSN to work as a neonatal nurse.
It takes a special person to become a nurse, but that's even more true for those who go on to become Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurses. These dedicated professionals care for the most fragile patients there are -- sick and premature newborns. In addition, they are on the front lines when it comes to helping scared parents through what is often a traumatic experience.
Find out more about what it takes to become a NICU nurse, and why those who choose this track, are doing society a special service.
There are many types of nursing specialties, some of which deal with a particular type of patient. That is the case for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Nurses. Their primary patients are sick and/or premature babies, or babies dealing with various forms of birth defects. These patients need to be cared for and monitored, sometimes for weeks or months, until they are hopefully healthy and developed enough to go home.
What I Love About Being a NICU Nurse
"As a NICU Nurse, I have always had a deep awareness of how my actions deeply touch the experiences of mothers in a very vulnerable time of their lives. I strive every day to be a light of trust, knowledge, and hope to mothers with babies in intensive care."
According to the National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN), there are approximately 40,000 low-birth-weight infants born each year in the United States. Thanks to advances in medicine, highly skilled NICU nurses, and other healthcare professionals, survival rates are improving. In fact the survival rate is now 10 times better than it was 15 years ago.
Show Me Neonatal Nursing Programs
In addition to hands-on patient care, monitoring, and feeding of the babies, NICU nurses also work intimately with moms and dads, who are going through this emotional experience with their newborn. NICU nurses provide comfort and education to help families get through this trying time.
According to NANN, neonatal nursing generally involves care for newly-born infants in crisis, but may additionally encompass neonates who suffer from long-term problems related to being born early, or from some severe illness encountered soon after birth. Some neonatal nurses may even care for babies up to about 2 years of age. NICU nurses are not only responsible for the care of the babies but also the entire family unit. They often act as a shoulder to cry for distraught parents, assist with breastfeeding to new mothers, and provide lasting memories to new parents.
Day in the Life of a Neonatal NICU Nurse
A day in the life of a NICU nurse is demanding and can range from basic newborn care to monitoring seriously ill patients. NICU units operate 24/7, so most nurses work 12-hour shifts, which include some nights and weekends. Most large private and public hospitals have a NICU, while smaller facilities or medical centers may not have a full department or any at all.
NICU nurses will at times have more “downtime” than a typical bedside nurse. Because sleep and rest are so important to growth in the neonatal population, nurses working in the NICU will generally provide hands-on care to patients every three to four hours and monitor in between.
NICU Levels of Care
- Level I: Basic newborn care
- Level II: More advanced newborn care
- Level III: Neonatal ICU (Where most NICU nurses will work)
- Level IV: This is the most intense level of newborn care for babies born with serious birth defects. Usually found at children's hospitals, university hospitals, or destination centers.
Generally speaking, working in a NICU is considered level three nursing care (level one is care for healthy infants, and level two is for less serious neonatal cases).
NICU nurses monitor the vital signs of the more seriously ill or premature infants day and night to make sure they are breathing and developing properly. They also administer medications, record the newborn’s progress and recovery, change diapers, and calm babies in distress.
How Many Patients Does a Neonatal Nurse Work With?
Depending on the status of the patients and how many babies are born in a given period of time, NICU nurses usually work with just a few infants at a time. Typically nurses can expect to care for one or two patients at a time. If there are serious medical issues, the more experienced NICU nurses in a team might focus on just one or two cases.
Skills Needed to be a Neonatal Nurse
It does take a specialized set of skills–beyond just medical ones–to work in the NICU. It can be fast-paced, stressful, and emotional, especially when working with family members. Strong communication skills and a calm, empathetic demeanor are key. In addition, because the patients are so tiny and even the smallest error can be life-threatening, a precise attention to detail cannot be understated.
Neonatal Nurse Scope of Practice
Like other RNs, NICU nurses work under a Scope of Practice, a set of state laws that define your rights and responsibilities as a nurse, and authorize you on how to function when providing various aspects of medical care.
You can find your state’s Nurse Practice Act via the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
Listen to Nurse Tori on the Ask Nurse Alice Podcast "ALL ABOUT NICU NURSING: why Nurse Tori became a NICU nurse" now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all podcasting platforms.
When it comes to salary ranges for nursing, a good rule of thumb is to understand how much RNs earn, and then estimate that the compensation will be slightly higher for the specialization. However, that is not true for all nursing specialties. Generally speaking, NICU nurses earn more than other nursing specialties because of the complexity and acuity of the patients.
According to ZipRecruiter, as of July 2022, the average neonatal (NICU) nurse salary is $120,317 annually or $57.84 per hour.
In New York City, for example, ZipRecruiter reports an average annual salary of $140,308, which is above the national average.
The highest paying states for NICU nurses according to ZipRecruiter are:
| State | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $140,308 | $67.46 |
| New Hampshire | $132,557 | $63.73 |
| Vermont | $130,712 | $62.84 |
| Arizona | $123,248 | $59.25 |
| Montana | $122,844 | $59.06 |
It’s fair to say that NICU nurses–and in all areas of nursing–salary is commensurate with experience, and large cities and well-known medical institutions will pay higher salaries.
Opportunities for overtime, bonuses, and other financial perks will also vary by employer. However, in most cases, when working for a hospital or medical facility, nurses receive a generous benefits package to go along with salary.
Show Me Neonatal Nursing Programs
The job outlook for nursing professionals of all types is expected to be strong. As reported in The Atlantic, about one million registered nurses (RNs) working today (about a third of the workforce) are over the age of 50. Nearly 700,000 nurses are projected to retire or leave the labor force by 2024. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the healthcare sector has lost nearly half a million workers since February 2020. While the number doesn’t specifically identify the number of nurses that have left - an overwhelming number are bedside nurses.
As they begin retiring over the next decade, new RNs will be in demand to fill those roles; in fact, there is expected to be 1.2 million vacancies between 2014 and 2022. As such, the BLS projects that the employment of registered nurses should grow 9 percent from 2020 to 2030. Making a nursing career an excellent choice.
For NICU nurses specifically, that demand may even be slightly greater. Anytime specialized credentials and skills are involved, it can be more challenging to keep the talent pipeline full. In other words, nurses who go on to careers in the NICU are equipped with a skill set that will be in demand for years to come.
Why I Became a NICU Nurse
"For the longest time, I had a weird interest in the works of the human reproductive system. I wanted to understand it and help myself and other women thrive, specifically during the reproductive period."
Before you become a NICU nurse, you have to become a registered nurse and gain some experience. Here are the steps you need to take:
1. Become an RN
In order to become a registered nurse, you have to graduate from a program of study that is approved by your State Nursing Board, either a bachelor’s degree or associate degree program. Upon completion, you have to pass the NCLEX-RN.
2. Gain Experience
You’ll need to get two or more years of clinical experience working with neonatal patients under your belt before applying to take a certification exam for neonatal nursing. In order to eventually work in a NICU, you should aim for experience in units such as:
- Pediatric Nursing
- Maternal-Child Nursing
- Well Baby Nursing
- Labor and Delivery Nursing
3. Take a Certification Exam
Although certification isn’t necessarily required to work in a NICU, earning one will help with career advancement and qualify you for more prestigious or higher-level positions.
There are several main certifications available to NICU nurses. These include:
- Critical care neonatal nursing certification via the American Association of Critical Care Nursing. CCRN® (Neonatal) is a specialty certification for nurses who provide direct care to acutely/critically ill neonatal patients.
- RNC Certification for Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing (RNC-NIC) via the National Certification Corporation (NCC).
- The National Certification Corporation offers the RNC Certification in Low Risk Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing (RNC-LRN(R)).
- The newest certification offered by the National Certification Corporation is the Neonatal Neuro-Intensive Care (C-NNIC) certification. This certification is different in that it is not only for bedside NICU nurses but also other healthcare workers that spend the majority of their time caring for the neonatal population.
- Lastly, the Care of the Extremely Low Birth Weight Neonate Subspecialty Certification (C-ELBW) is also offered by the National Certification Corporation. Again, not as popular as other NICU certifications, this subspecialty certification is open to all healthcare workers - not just NICU nurses.
Methodology
This list is based on a number of factors including:
- Reputation
- NCLEX pass rate
- Tuition
- Acceptance rate, when available
- Only ACEN or CCNE accredited schools are eligible
Nurse Panel
Our selection panel is made up of 3 Registered Nurses with years of experience and multiple degrees:
- Tracy Everhart, MSN, RN, CNS
- Tyler Faust, MSN, RN
- Kathleen Gaines, MSN, BSN, RN, BA, CBC
There are numerous registered nursing programs and our panel of nurses ranked them based on factors mentioned in the methodology. Because individual nursing pathways and careers take various forms, the top 10 neonatal NICU nurse programs are ranked in no particular order.
1. University of Massachusetts Boston
Annual In-State Tuition: $14,677 Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $35,139
Online: No
Program Length: 4 years
The University of Massachusetts Boston, located on the water right next to the John F. Kennedy Library and Presidential Museum, offers a prime combination of excellent location and low cost for MA residents. The BSN program takes 2.5-4 years to complete (depending on whether students select direct entry or transfer in), and students get to enjoy clinicals at excellent locations across the area, including the renowned Boston Children's Hospital. This could help students gain early NICU exposure, preparing them for their future careers. Also, all NE region residents receive a discounted tuition rate, so students in the area should consider this program.
2. University of Pennsylvania
Annual Tuition: $56,212
Online: No
Program Length: 4 years
A private, Ivy League school located in Philadelphia, the University of Pennsylvania might have the best all-around nursing school in the nation. Students who enroll in the BSN learn important nursing skills with an emphasis placed on cultural awareness and community involvement. Those planning on becoming NICU nurses could benefit from the great clinical locations, including the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, the nation's first-ever hospital devoted entirely to children. The cost of this private school is steep, but BSN students would have a hard time finding a better program.
3. University of Washington
Quarterly In-State Tuition: $4,026 Quarterly Out-of-State Tuition: $13,302
Online: No
Program Length: 4 years
Located in Seattle, the University of Washington is one of the best schools in the state. Perhaps best known for its research degrees, UW still boasts an excellent BSN program that sees students complete over 1,000 clinical hours at sites across the region. Aspiring NICU nurses could get placed at Seattle Children's Hospital, one of the best children's hospitals in the West. Over 98% of nurses in the program graduate and UW boasts an above-average NCEX pass rate for first-time test-takers.
4. University of Colorado Denver
Annual In-State Tuition: $25,110 Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $44,100
Online: No
Program Length: 4 years
With its main campus located in downtown Denver, the University of Colorado Denver is the state's only public, urban research institution. However, students enrolled in the BSN will attend courses at CU Denver's nearby campus in Aurora. Students can choose from various BSN routes, though most students choose the traditional BSN, a two-year program that accepts students who completed two years of prerequisite courses. The program uses a cohort system, so nursing students work closely with one another. Also, the university might place students in clinicals at Children's Hospital Colorado, a top-ranked children's hospital.
5. Georgetown University
Annual Tuition: $61,872
Online: No
Program Length: 4 years
Georgetown University, located in Washington, D.C., is one of the nation's top research universities. The university also happens to be private, meaning students don't get access to discounted tuition rates. While costly, nursing students do get to earn one of the best BSN degrees in the nation. The BSN allows for direct-entry, and students begin clinicals during their first year. By the end of the program, students will have earned over 850 clinical hours at excellent sites in the area, including Children's National Hospital. Graduates of the program end up in a variety of positions, including neonatal nursing.
6. Xavier University
Annual Tuition: $42,230
Online: No
Program Length: 4 years
A Jesuit university located in Cincinnati, Xavier University is a mid-sized school with just 4,500 undergraduate students. The small size might make the nursing school more exclusive, but Xavier's 98% of graduates find a healthcare role within six months of graduating. Many graduates also end up working at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, a great place to earn NICU experience and one of Xavier's top clinical rotation sites. Xavier may have a high private school cost, but many students secure some form of financial aid.
7. University of California Los Angeles
Annual In-State Tuition: $37,129 Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $68,155
Online: No
Program Length: 4 years
Known for its great location and excellent sports, the University of California Los Angeles also has some of the top academic programs in the region, including its BSN. A great choice for anyone who wants to become a nurse in California, UCLA's BSN includes plenty of clinical experience and a clinically-based scholarly project at the end of students' fourth year. Students enjoy clinicals at great sites, including Children's Hospital Los Angeles. The early exposure to working with children and UCLA's location could help graduates secure an NICU position in California.
8. University of Pittsburgh
Annual In-State Tuition: $23,452 Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $41,508
Online: No
Program Length: 4 years
Founded in 1787, the University of Pittsburgh now teaches nearly 23,500 undergraduate students. Pitt strives to give nursing students an all-around education, requiring courses through the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences as students also take nursing courses. Students get clinical exposure during their first year through a skills lab, then get placed in rotations during their second year. Clinical sites include many of the best regional healthcare facilities, including Pitt's own UMPC Children's. Graduates could end up finding a position at UMPC Children's or other great spots in the area.
9. University of Houston
Annual In-State Tuition: $14,544.60 Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $29,784.60
Online: No
Program Length: 4 years
With over 46,000 students, the University of Houston is one of the largest on this list. However, UH's size doesn't detract from the quality of its nursing program. BSN students earn over 900 hours of clinical experience through rotations and labs, and those interested in neonatal nursing could gain experience at Texas Children's Hospital. Nursing students complete the first two years of the BSN in Houston, followed by two years at the Katy instructional site. On top of the low in-state tuition rate, students can also secure financial aid and scholarships.
10. The Ohio State University
Annual In-State Tuition: $9,351 Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $24,237
Online: No
Program Length: 4 years
The Ohio State University, a top public university located in Columbus, enrolls over 68,000 students, making it the largest school on this list. Despite the university's large size, OSU's BSN program is highly competitive, particularly for Ohio residents looking to secure in-state tuition. Graduates end up finding excellent careers, and gaining clinical experience at Columbus' Nationwide Children's Hospital could help prepare students for a career in NICU nursing. Overall, OSU offers relatively low tuition rates for a great education, making this a good pick for anyone looking to become a neonatal nurse.
Show Me Neonatal Nursing Programs
NICU nurses do not necessarily have specific requirements beyond state-mandated continuing education. However, advanced certification such as the CCRN and RNC-NIC do require specific CEUs.
All NICU nurses are required to maintain an RN license regardless of advanced certification.
Continuing education requirements for the license differ for each state. Monetary fees and other state-specific criteria are also associated with all license and certification renewals.
Examples of continuing education requirements for RNs are as follows:
- California - 30 CEUs every two years
- Florida - 24 CEUs every two years
- Hawaii - 30 CEUs every two years
- Oklahoma - 24 CEUs every two years
- Pennsylvania - 30 CEUs every two years
A comprehensive list can be found here.
Certification CEU requirements are specific to the certification. It is important to check the certification body prior to renewal date to ensure all requirements are being met. For example, the CCRN Neonatal requires the following for recertification,
- Completion of 100 CERPs is required, with a minimum of 60 CERPs in Category A and 10 each in Categories B and C, plus 20 in the category of your choice.
- CERPs are a specific type of continuing education
- Clinical practice hours are required. Practice as an RN or APRN for 432 hours in direct care of acutely/critically ill neonatal patients during the three-year certification renewal period, with 144 of those hours accrued in the 12-month period prior to the scheduled renewal date is required.
A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Nurses and Neonatal Nurse Practitioners are similar roles, but the difference is in the education requirements and scope of practice. A Neonatal Nurse is a Registered Nurse that works in the NICU and works under the supervision of physicians and Neonatal Nurse Practitioners. Neonatal Nurse Practitioners have completed either a Master's or Doctorate level of education and become certified. For more on what a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner is and what they do, check out our Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Career Guide.
Show Me Neonatal Nursing Programs
To learn more about Neonatal and NICU nursing, take advantage of the resources provided and consider joining the following professional associations:
- Neonatal (NICU) Nurse Salary Guide
- Academy of Neonatal Nursing
- Association of Women's Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses
- Council of International Neonatal Nurses, Inc.
- National Association of Neonatal Nurses
The more advanced your degrees and/or certifications are, the more likely you are to get the position you want as a Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse.
The best opportunities will be in large hospitals that have a full-fledged NICU department that provides both level II and level III care.
NICU nurses play perhaps one of the most important roles in our health care system in that they are there when life begins, and are often instrumental in helping high-risk newborns survive and thrive. They also act as a great source of comfort and information to the parents who spend those first few days or weeks as parents in the NICU.
For aspiring nurses who love the idea of working with infants to improve their health and get them home, NICU nursing is not only a high-demand specialization, but also a fulfilling career choice. Check out NICU nurse jobs hiring now on our job board.
*Indicates an affiliate link. At no additional cost to you, Nurse.org may earn a commission if you click through and use this service.
RN $70,000 - $90,000 Associate Bachelors Neonatal BedsideFAQs
What is the fastest way to become a neonatal nurse? ›
Neonatal Nurse Education
Earning an ADN and passing the NCLEX-RN exam provides the quickest path to a neonatal nursing career, requiring two years or less. However, RNs with at least a BSN will find more employment opportunities and higher salaries.
If you're considering a career as a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurse, congratulations — NICU nurses have one of the hardest jobs in medicine. A NICU nurse is a nursing specialty who cares for sick or premature babies, including babies with birth defects.
How many years does it take to become a neonatal nurse? ›Share this Article. It takes 4-6 years to become a NICU nurse. Neonatal nurses need a college degree and a state-issued license. Certifications can help professionals qualify for more career opportunities.
What is the hardest part of being a neonatal nurse? ›Emotionally Stressful
Working in a NICU is an extremely high-pressure job. The NICU nursing staff is responsible for the lives of tiny, unstable babies, and you may be required to leap into crisis mode at any moment.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | |
|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $190,000 | $15,833 |
| 75th Percentile | $160,000 | $13,333 |
| Average | $136,592 | $11,382 |
| 25th Percentile | $112,500 | $9,375 |
To become a Neonatal Nurse, either an associate's degree in nursing or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is required. It's also required to become licensed. This can be done by passing the Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing exam.
What are 3 things that neonatal nurses do? ›They perform traditional nursing duties like checking vital signs and monitoring patients, performing tests on newborn babies, performing neonatal tests throughout a woman's pregnancy, and helping patients decide on an effective care plan for patients.
What qualifications do you need for neonatal care? ›You need to be a registered adult nurse, child nurse or midwife to apply for a job as a neonatal nurse. Some employers may ask for experience or knowledge of neonatal nursing issues eg. handling bereavements or related areas, for example breast feeding.
What is the easiest nursing specialty? ›Occupational Health
One of the easiest nursing jobs to get into is in the field of occupational health. Occupational health nurses work in large industries, HMOs, and factories to treat work-related injuries and onsite illnesses. This type of nurse is employed to keep the workers on the job.
Since NICU nurses care for newborns, they often attend deliveries for babies that doctors believe will require a NICU stay. Upon delivery, a NICU nurse can perform some vitals and can need to transport the child to the neonatal ICU after an initial assessment.
Do you have to be good at math to be a neonatal nurse? ›
Some institutions may require neonatal nurses to demonstrate their ability in administering medications, performing necessary math calculations, suctioning, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, ventilator care, and other newborn care skills.
How long is a neonatal nurse shift? ›Shifts are usually 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. or 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. There are some exceptions, but these long shifts provide more consistent care for patients and patients' families. A full time NICU RN may work three, 12-hour shifts in a seven day period. On-call shifts may also be required for NICU RNs.
What type of nurse works with babies? ›Neonatal nurses
They may care for perfectly healthy infants, provide more focused care for premature or ill babies, or work specifically with one seriously ill infant in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Neonatal Nurse Practitioners (NNP) will usually have a 40-hour workweek. This 40-hour workweek may not always be the Monday thru Friday 8-hour day that other professions have. You may have a schedule that is rotating, meaning some days and some nights working 12-hours. Or you may work four 10-hour days.
What is the easiest level of nursing? ›As registered nursing degree programs go, the easiest one out there is the ADN. An associate's degree program can prepare you for a career as a registered nurse, but you should know that this degree meets only the bare minimum requirement for qualification as an RN.
What is the hardest class in nursing school? ›- Pathophysiology. In this course, students learn how different anatomical systems work and how diseases or injuries affect these systems. ...
- Pharmacology. ...
- Medical Surgical 1 (also known as Adult Health 1) ...
- Evidence-Based Practice.
Given the most recent data, the median annual salary for a NICU Nurse in the US is $71,267.04. In high-earning states, NICU Nurses can make between $80,000 to over $100,000. In the lowest-earning states, NICU Nurses can earn between $55,000 to $69,000.
What is the lowest salary for a neonatal nurse? ›While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $207,500 and as low as $25,000, the majority of Neonatal Nurse Entry Level salaries currently range between $112,500 (25th percentile) to $160,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $190,000 annually across the United States.
Who pays nurses the most? ›| Rank | State | Avg RN Salary (COL Adjusted) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $106,529 |
| 2 | Oregon | $96,131 |
| 3 | Alaska | $92,512 |
| 4 | Nevada | $92,416 |
- Duke University. Durham, NC • Private. In-State Tuition. ...
- University of Pennsylvania. Philadelphia, PA • Private. In-State Tuition. ...
- Yale University. New Haven, CT • Private. ...
- University of Michigan - Ann Arbor. Ann Arbor, MI • Private. ...
- Georgetown University. Washington, DC • Private.
Why should I be a neonatal nurse? ›
Working as a NICU nurse can be very rewarding career. It gives you the chance to improve and save the lives of infants and newborns and comfort their families. Being able to make a positive difference in the lives of others can be very rewarding and beneficial.
How high is the demand for neonatal nurses? ›As such, neonatal and intensive care nurses, known as NICU nurses, are in high demand. These nurses need to have extensive knowledge and expert skills to care for critically ill and premature newborns.
What is a child nurse called? ›1. Pediatric Registered Nurse. As a pediatric registered nurse, you will care for newborns to young adults. You will work closely with doctors, pediatricians, and other nurses to provide the best preventative and critical care.
What are the disadvantages of being a neonatal nurse? ›- Long Shifts. Many hospitals work on a 12-hour schedule, which while extremely beneficial for patient care, can be difficult for the staff. This can also be difficult for staff who have families, as they may go days without seeing them.
- Emotional Burnout. Neonatal nurses can deal with a lot of tragedies with babies.
The roles of neonatal nurses and NICU nurses may seem interchangeable, but they are not always the same. The job title “neonatal nurse” describes nurses who work with critically ill infants. NICU nurses work specifically in the neonatal intensive care unit.
What is a NICU RN? ›What Is a NICU Nurse? Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nursing is a field sub-specialty where nurses work with newborn infants who have a variety of medical ailments, such as premature congenital disabilities, cardiac malformations, dangerous infections, and other morphological or functional problems.
Can you be a NICU nurse as a new grad? ›Yes, new grad nurses can get hired in the NICU, but it's hard. With that said, there are various ways you can increase your chances of getting hired. Before all of that, ask yourself whether or not you're ready to take on the role of a NICU nurse and if this new job is the right choice for you.
What is the hardest RN job? ›What nursing jobs are the most stressful? The most stressful nursing jobs include ICU nurse, ER nurse, and NICU nurse. In these roles, nurses work in an intense environment with high stakes. They manage emergency situations and care for critically ill patients.
What nurse makes the least money? ›Licensed vocational nurses (LVN) and licensed practical nurses (LPN) are some of the lowest-paid nursing roles, but that is due to the fact that the educational requirements are less than most other types of nurses.
Can I be a nurse if I'm bad at math? ›No, you do not have to be “good” at math and science to get into nursing school (and finish). You simply have to have a desire to succeed and a strong work ethic. With those two things, you can do anything (including getting into nursing school!)
Can you be a nurse if you're bad at chemistry? ›
Even if you struggled through high school chemistry or biology, don't let this stop you from pursuing your dream of becoming a nurse. Determination and extra study sessions could be just what you need to make the grade!
How much math is in nursing? ›Nursing in the "real world" generally requires very basic math skills, but almost all programs require at least one college-level math class — usually algebra. Some nursing schools may require a basic statistics course as well, so if you know what schools you're applying to, be sure to check for this requirement.
What is the longest shift a nurse can do? ›12 hour shifts are legal. However, the regulations generally require that there should be a break of 11 consecutive hours between each 12 hour shift. We believe that no shift should be longer than 12 hours, and that a 12 hour shift may not be appropriate for all nurses.
Do RNS work 3 days a week? ›Many nurses work just 3 days a week. Although it seems like a pretty relaxed and manageable schedule, they work 12-hour shifts on each of those days. Those long shifts can be draining and taxing on the nurse's mental and physical health—it's far from an easy schedule.
What is the longest shift in nursing? ›The max number of hours a nurse can work in a row is usually 16 hours. Though many facilities will limit nurses to working no more than 12 hours straight.
What type of baby nurse makes the most money? ›Nurse-Midwife salaries are among the highest because, like many other advanced nursing roles, RNs wishing to become a Certified Nurse-Midwife must earn a minimum of a Master's degree in nursing (MSN). They're also required to obtain national certification from the American Midwifery Certification Board.
What does a mother baby RN do? ›Mother-Baby Nurses educate and assist new mothers with physical and emotional needs during the post partum period, while in the hospital setting. They perform the dual role of caring for the infants and educating mothers about care.
Do nurses make good mothers? ›Even if you don't realize it at the time, being a nurse can make a big positive difference in your parenting experience and the lives of your children. Naturally, nurses don't all transfer the same skills and lessons learned in nursing to the parenting arena.
How much does a top neonatal nurse make an hour? ›The average neonatal nurse salary ranges between $41,000 and $122,000 in the US. Hourly rates for neonatal nurses in the US typically range between $19 and $58 an hour.
How many times a year is Nurses Week? ›According to the American Nurses Association, “National Nurses Week begins each year on May 6th and ends on May 12th, Florence Nightingale's birthday. These permanent dates enhance planning and position National Nurses Week as an established recognition event.
What is the fastest and easiest way to become a nurse? ›
The fastest way to become an RN is through an RN diploma program, which can be completed in as little as a year. While completing this program does not lead to a degree, it does make the individual eligible to take the NCLEX and earn their RN license.
Do L&D nurses deliver babies? ›Labor and delivery nurses, also known as “L&D nurses,” help deliver healthy babies and get mothers through the process of pregnancy safely.
What is the shortest nursing program? ›Fastest Route to Registered Nursing: Associates Degree in Nursing. Students wanting to become registered nurses first can do so by obtaining an Associates of Science Degree in Nursing. You can obtain your RN degree in under two years.
What's the easiest type of nursing? ›Institutional Nurses
These nurses administer more basic care and typically don't have to work long hours and overnight shifts, so this field of nursing tends to be low-stress. Even with less excitement, these nurses find fulfillment in providing basic and family care to those in need.
Level I neonatal nurses are skilled in neonatal resuscitation, well-care for newborn babies, care for babies born at 35-37 weeks gestation, and stabilization for newborns who are ill and born at less than 35 weeks gestation until they can be transferred.
Who is lowest paid nurse? ›For starters consider the main types of nursing careers. These include nurse practitioner (NP), registered nurse (RN), licensed practical nurse (LPN), and nursing aides or nursing assistants. Nursing aides make the least amount of money, and these jobs require the least amount of education and training.
What state pays NICU nurses the most? ›- Bronx, NY. $2,970 per week. 1.3k salaries reported.
- Houston, TX. $2,679 per week. 664 salaries reported.
- St. Louis, MO. $2,605 per week. ...
- Orlando, FL. $2,602 per week. 501 salaries reported.
- Atlanta, GA. $2,593 per week. ...
- Show more nearby cities.
Nurse-Midwife salaries are among the highest because, like many other advanced nursing roles, RNs wishing to become a Certified Nurse-Midwife must earn a minimum of a Master's degree in nursing (MSN). They're also required to obtain national certification from the American Midwifery Certification Board.
Where is the highest paid RN? ›Highest-paying states for registered nurses
California tops our list of the highest-paying states, where registered nurses make $124,000 per year on average. Following it is Hawaii, at $106,530, and Oregon at $98,6300.
How Many Patients Does a Neonatal Nurse Work With? Depending on the status of the patients and how many babies are born in a given period of time, NICU nurses usually work with just a few infants at a time. Typically nurses can expect to care for one or two patients at a time.
How many days a week do L&D nurses work? ›
Three 12-hour shifts per week are common, allowing labor and delivery nurses to have sufficient time off during the week or to pick up overtime hours. Labor and delivery nurses are needed at all hours, so some shifts may span overnight and early morning hours while others will be during the day.
What is the difference between OB nurse and L&D nurse? ›What is the difference between a Labor and Delivery Nurse and Obstetrics Nurse (OB)? OB nursing is broader than labor and delivery, caring for mothers throughout pregnancy, through labor, and after delivery (antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum care).
Can a nurse deliver a baby without a doctor? ›Under California state law, nurse midwives may only practice and deliver health care services under the supervision of a licensed physician.