Nursing Careers Dealing with Babies

Some neonatal nurses work in intensive care units for premature and ill babies.

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Nurses who work with babies have many career choices for work in different environments with infants of varying ages, beginning at birth. Individuals who are planning nursing careers complete the education, training and licensing required to work as nursing assistants, licensed practical nurses or registered nurses. After completion of the education programs, which include two- and four-year programs and master’s programs, nurses often receive additional training and certification to work with specific populations. Nurses who choose careers working with babies can also choose to focus on specific health care needs, child development or family-centered services.

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

The neonatal nurse and the neonatal nurse practitioner are registered nurses who specialize in the care of newborn babies. Neonatal nurses are certified in neonatal intensive care nursing or neonatal resuscitation. They may be required to have clinical experience in a hospital. Some neonatal nurses care for healthy infants, while others work in the neonatal intensive care unit, called the NICU, where they focus on premature and ill babies. Neonatal nurses work in hospitals and clinics, but also work as researchers, educators and consultants. The neonatal nurse can choose to work in Level 1 for healthy infants, Level II for premature or sick infants and Level III for NICU care.

Pediatric Nurse

Pediatric nurses are registered nurses who work with children of all ages, including infants. The pediatric nurse may work in a hospital unit or emergency room, clinic, physician’s office or a school. Pediatric nurses use their extensive knowledge about childhood growth and development to work as part of a health care team that cares for children. Nurses who work in pediatrics need good communication skills to work with families and provide education and instructions. The pediatric nurse practitioner, PNP, completes additional training and certification requirements. The PNP, who may see regular patients, prescribes medication, conduct routine exams and makes diagnoses.

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Lactation Consultant

The lactation consultant has an Associate of Science in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Lactation consultants pass a national exam and receive certification from a professional organization, such as the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners. Lactation consultants provide education and assistance to new breastfeeding mothers, help mothers resolve breastfeeding difficulties and locate breastfeeding resources or products. They may teach mothers how to position infants for breastfeeding and how to use a breast pump. Lactation consultants may be self-employed or they may work for hospitals and clinics, often visiting new breastfeeding mothers soon after childbirth. The lactation consultant works in neonatal units and public health settings.

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