Neonatal nurses care for newborn babies who have been born prematurely or with health conditions, complications or illnesses. Neonatal nurses usually work in specialist neonatal units but some may also work in the community.
Neonatal nurses have a range of roles and responsibilities, which include monitoring the condition of newborn babies, carrying out tests, using specialist technology and equipment, liaising with other healthcare professionals and administering treatment. Neonatal nurses also play an important role in supporting the parents and relatives of newborn babies.
What are the entry requirements for neonatal nursing jobs?
To work as a neonatal nurse, nurses must first have completed a diploma or degree in nursing and registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Adult and child nurses and registered midwives may choose to pursue a career in neonatal nursing. It is essential for nurses to undertake additional training to work as a neonatal nurse. This is called continuing professional development (CPD). Neonatal nurses must learn specific skills and complete a variety of modules as part of CPD.
What does a career in midwifery involve?
Midwives have a very important job – they care for expectant parents and the baby before and during the birth and after the baby has been born. Pregnant women will see their midwife on a regular basis during their pregnancy; the midwife will check the mother’s health and the health of the unborn baby, as well as acting as a source of information, advice and support for the expectant parents. Often, parents are anxious and nervous about the impending birth of their newborn baby and they may have lots of questions. The midwife can help to ease worries, answer questions and offer tips.
During the birth, the midwife will talk the mother through the stages of labour, encourage her with her breathing and give her advice and support. Eventually, the midwife will deliver the baby, clean and weigh the baby and hand them over for the first cuddle with their mum and dad.
After the baby has been born, the midwives will continue to care for both the mother and the baby; while they are still in hospital, the midwives will monitor their health and help with issues such as feeding. Once the mother and baby have gone home, the midwife will visit them to check that everything is ok. They will continue to visit until they are happy that both the mother and baby are progressing well and care will then be passed over to the health visitor.
How do you become a midwife?
To become a midwife, you have to complete a midwifery course. There are many different higher education institutions that offer midwifery courses. All courses combine theoretical, academic study with practical training and placements in clinical settings.
How do I find a nursing job?
There is a variety of ways you can look for nursing jobs; jobs may be advertised in nursing magazines and websites, via the NHS website, in newspapers (especially those that are tailored to health professionals, such as the Nursing Times). Trusts, hospitals, clinics and health centres may also advertise jobs in the local press.
How should I prepare a CV for a job in neonatal nursing?
Often your CV is the only means of selling yourself to an employer, as most employers tend to look at CVs before they select candidates for interviews. If you are applying for neonatal nursing jobs, you need to include the relevant information about your skills, qualifications and training, as well as showing that you have a passion for working with people and caring for newborn babies. You will need to show that you have the right character attributes and it will be helpful if you can back this information up by providing practical examples.
