To become a neonatal intensive care nurse, one must first become a registered nurse (RN) by completing an accredited nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Additional training specific to neonatal care is often required, which may include:
Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification. Specialized courses in neonatal nursing. Clinical experience in a NICU setting.
Many nurses also pursue advanced certifications such as the RNC-NIC (Registered Nurse Certified in Neonatal Intensive Care) to further demonstrate their expertise.
