Specialty Requirements
- Degree
- Associate's Degree in Nursing
- Some Hospitals may hire you under the condition that you will get your BSN within a designated amount of time.
- Certifications
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
- Can be obtained after start date at the expense of the employer.
Characteristics
- Empathetic
- Compassionate
- Patient
- Calm and Supportive Attitude
- Physical and Mental Endurance
- Quick Learner
- Flexible
A Day in the Life
- Three, 12 hour shifts in an acute care setting.
- Often within a Women's and Infant's or Children's Hospital.
- Patient Population
- Job Responsibilities
- Physical assessment, medication administration, care plans, family education, vital signs, drip titrations, drain maintenance, ventilator support, ECMO (if certified).
- Common Medications
- Anti-epileptics (Gabapentin, Keppra), Anti-hypertensives (Sildenafil), Caffeine, TPN (hyperal and lipids), Antibiotics, etc.
- Common Diagnoses
- NEC, Sepsis, Congenital Heart Defects (ASD, VSD, PFO, etc), Apnea of Prematurity, Aspiration, BPD, Gastrostomy tube, hernias, hydrocephalus, IUGR, IVH, Jaundice, Meconium aspiration, PPHN, Pneumothorax, Reflux, RDS, Epilepsy.
- Clinical Skills
- IV insertion, foley insertion, EKG monitor, feeding pump, glucose monitoring, drains, telemetry, ventilator maintenance