Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Program in California - CA

By K'Lee Banks, allied health world contributing writer
Published: March, 11 2011

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Any individual who is currently a registered nurse (RN) can benefit from enrolling in a neonatal nurse practitioner program in California for a fulfilling new career opportunity. With over 230 accredited nursing schools in California, and numerous online schools, nursing students have an abundance of choices to suit their needs. RNs who want to be neonatal nurses (NN) must have at least a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BDN).

Nursing students aspiring to become neonatal nurse practitioners (NNP) must earn master’s degrees in nursing (MSN). Due to the intensive nature of providing primary care for newborn infants, up to about 28 days old, an NNP needs the additional education and advanced training during clinical hours.

Brief Overview of Nursing Programs

Each school, degree program, and nursing specialization will vary. Most nursing programs, however, will require general studies plus some combination of typical courses like these:

Health assessment.
Health and wellness.
First aid.
Fundamentals of nursing.
Anatomy and physiology.
Maternal and child nursing.
Diagnostics and advanced assessment.
Pharmacology.

All nursing students must also complete a specific number of clinical hours in a hospital, clinic, or other nursing facility. This helps nursing students acquire practical experience beyond mere theory and book knowledge.