In this APRN model of regulation there are four roles: certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), certified nurse-midwife (CNM), clinical nurse specialist (CNS), and certified nurse practitioner (CNP).

Is an advanced practice role for nurses who are skilled in the care of newborns both well and ill?

Neonatal nurse practitioners (NNP) are advanced practice nurses that care for premature and sick newborns in neonatal intensive care units (NICU), emergency rooms, delivery rooms, or specialty clinics.

What are the opportunities for advancement for a neonatal nurse?

Developmental care is a potential area for career advancement. Some neonatal nurses go on to become neonatal nurse practitioners, an advanced practice role. Advanced practice requires at least a master’s degree. Training often takes place at the doctoral level.

What does an advanced neonatal nurse practitioner do?

The ANNP role is to assume total management of the neonate—that is, to make medical diagnoses, to order medication, and to plan management under the supervision of a neonatologist.

What does the National Association of neonatal nurses do?

In recent years, the National Association of Neonatal Nurses and the National Association of Neonatal Nurse Practitioners have been monitoring aspects of neonatal advanced practice nursing and providing leadership and advocacy to address concerns related to workforce, education, competency, fatigue, safety, and scope of practice.

How can we empower neneonatal nurse practitioners?

Neonatal nurse practitioners should be empowered to develop collaborative practice models, with physician colleagues focusing on full partnership, evidence-based practice, and patient outcomes. These practice models must include dedicated time for NNPs to pursue outcomes-based research, education, and quality initiatives.

What skills are needed to be a neonatal APRN?

Advanced health assessment skills, critical decision making, diagnostic reasoning, and advanced clinical competencies are also important aspects of the neonatal APRN role.

What are the recommendations of the 2011 neonatal nurse practitioner workforce survey?

In the Report of the 2011 Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Workforce Survey, the following recommendations were made 8: Full implementation of the APRN Consensus Model in all 50 states and the District of Columbia should be achieved.