Pediatrics / Neonatal Nursing Career Resources

A neonatal staff nurse works in either a Level I, II, or III.

A Level I is usually a healthy newborn nursery—largely nonexistent now because mothers and babies have a very short hospital stay these days and often share the same room.

Level II is an intermediate care or special care nursery where the baby may be born prematurely or may be suffering from an illness; these babies may need supplemental oxygen, intravenous therapy, specialized feedings, or more time to mature before discharge.

The Level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admits all neonates (during the first 28 days of life) who cannot be treated in either of the other two nursery levels. These babies may be small for their age, premature, or sick term infants who require high technology care, such as ventilators, special equipment or incubators, or surgery. The Level III units may be in a large general hospital or part of a children’s hospital. Neonatal nurses provide the direct patient care to these infants.

The field of pediatrics and neonatology is concerned with the growth and development of newborns, infants, children and adolescents. Neonatology is a subspecialty of pediatrics which involves the diagnosis, treatment and intensive care of infants in the first few months of life. Neonates born prematurely and infants who are unwell after delivery will be admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit.

A pediatrics/neonatal nurse assesses infants’ and children’s health problems and concerns, develops and implements nursing care plans, and maintains medical records. A pediatrics/neonatal nurse works closely with a team of healthcare providers to comprehensively care for infants and children as well as involve their parents in the decision making process. Nurses may provide education for parents on health maintenance and disease prevention.

A pediatrics/neonatal nurse typically administers care to patients in an inpatient, emergency or intensive care setting. Pediatrics/Neonatal nursing is practiced by nurses who have formal, post-secondary education and who function in highly autonomous and specialized roles.