Nursing associates vs bachelors degree?
You will want to get your BSN if you want to have a decent shot at working in a hospital and getting into the NICU. Hospitals could never say they will refuse to hire RNs with only an ADN degree, but they most definitely prefer to hire BSN grads. If you only get your ADN degree, and you're out there with all the other new grad RNs, you're competing against those nurses who hold the BSN and unless you've done something really remarkable to make yourself an outstanding applicant, you're going to get passed over for job after job after job. BSNs aren't just for management, in fact, most managers (especially at larger, urban facilities) are required to hold a Masters. There is no way that any state will be able to restrict RN licensure to only BSN grads. There are huge changes coming to health care which will increase the demand for nurses, along with all the previous factors influencing an impending shortage due to the aging Baby Boomer population and all the ramifications of that. Just do it. You won't regret it. It's so much more of a struggle to get decent jobs without bending over backwards when you only hold your ADN. And really, once you factor in prerequisite courses and the time those take to complete, you will only be going to school about 1 year longer to get your BSN, since ADN would take you about 3 years anyway.
Do Neonatal nurses and Labor and Delivery nurses make good money?
It's the same amount of schooling as getting any RN degree. I think you do need special certification, though. Maybe AORN? I cant' remember. I'm in nursing school right now and plan on going into L&D/neonatal nursing. Just trying to get through school right now, though, lol! I'll worry about special certs later. You could always call your hospital, though, or go talk to the nursing division in the school you want to attend. They probably know. If you want to go into post partum or regular newborn nursery, you don't need special certification. The hospital I worked at floated people to these 2 places from other floors all the time. Good luck! Nursing school is a challenge! ETA: As far as pay, it just depends on experience and how long you work at a hospital. They can switch out, I believe. I'm sure it depends on the institution, though. Nurses switch out all the time when they are floated.
I need information on being a Neonatal Nurse.?
Hi. I am a former NICU nurse. I have my BA is nursing and my masters in pediatric invasive care. I also have Core Care certification (how to handle and cuddle premature babies) since I have my masters I worked with critical care micro preemies and super micro preemies 21 week to 25 week gestational age. My job description is a bit different then your regular NICU nurse bc I am able to do invesive procedures like GI tube placments and resusitations. Your job will entail doing IVs(often in the skull), PICC lines, handling respatory equipment, meeting on demand medical needs, promoting parent child bonds. 2) I gave up my profession after 5 years. I emotionally was unable to watch such small babies pass. Their families heart break haunts me and you DO live with a lot of guilt. It is disturbing work at times. If your skin is thick enough you can maintain for years. I worked with a women who worked at the same hospital for 35 years!! 3) I made 82,000 a year, plus hoilday bonus, paid medical/dental, 3 week paid vacation. You do have a lot of out of pocket expenses. You constantly have to take a lot of classes. 4) standing on your feet! Haha! I on a gpd day did 10 hr shifts with an hour break, so 1 hour of sitting. The NICU is crazy. You come in to do your shift and you have lost 3 babies but gained 5 more. It breaks your heart when you spend 6 months attending to a baby and no matter what they arent compatable with life outside the NICU.
Steps to becoming a neonatal nurse?
You need to get your RN Certificate and then get a job in a hospital to gain some nursing experience. You will then need to take some continuing education courses and can choose those involving neonatal care. Once you are prepared you just have to wait for the right opening. You can get your RN certificate in two to three years but it would be better if you completed your bachelor degree in nursing.(4 yrs). The continuing education courses are designed for those working in the career and are part time. Good Luck