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Neonatal Practice Specialist - Job Descriptions - Human Resources :: The University of New Mexico

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Provides a searchable list view and a detail of UNMJobs data.

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What Is A Neonatologist? What To Expect & When To See One

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A neonatologist specializes in caring for and treating premature babies or infants born with congenital disorders. They mainly work in NICUs.

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Although your pediatrician can solve most health problems of newborns, a Neonatologist is trained specifically to handle the most complex and high-risk situations.

If your newborn is premature, or has a serious illness, injury, or birth defect, a neonatologist may assist at the time of delivery and in the subsequent care of your newborn. If a problem is identified before your baby is born, a neonatologist may become involved to consult with your obstetrician in your baby's care during your pregnancy.

What Kind of Training Do Neonatologists Have?

Neonatologists are medical doctors who have had

At least 4 years of medical school

Three years of residency training in general pediatrics

Three years of additional training in newborn intensive care

Certification from the American Board of Pediatrics and by the Sub-board of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine

What Types of Treatments Do Neonatologists Provide?

Neonatologists generally provide the following care:

Diagnose and treat newborns with conditions such as breathing disorders, infections, and birth defects.

Coordinate care and medically manage newborns born premature, critically ill, or in need of surgery.

Ensure that critically ill newborns receive the proper nutrition for healing and growth.

Provide care to the newborn at a cesarean or other delivery that involves medical problems in the mother or baby that may compromise the infant's health and require medical intervention in the delivery room.

Stabilize and treat newborns with any life-threatening medical problems.

Consult with obstetricians, pediatricians, and family physicians about conditions affecting newborn infants.

Neonatologists work mainly in the special care nurseries or newborn intensive care units of hospitals. In some cases, after a newborn has been discharged from the unit, a neonatologist may provide short-term follow-up care on an outpatient basis. Your neonatologist will coordinate care with your baby's pediatrician.

Where Can I Find a Neonatologist?

Neonatologists practice in children's hospitals, university medical centers, and large community hospitals. Your pediatrician or obstetrician will be able to refer you to a neonatologist if your newborn baby needs this special care.

Neonatologists - The Best Care For Newborns

Newborn babies are not just small adults. A medical problem can mean a special challenge. Sometimes babies are born before their bodies are ready to leave the womb. Important organs such as the heart, lungs, stomach, and skin may not be mature enough to function without special help.

Neonatologists have the special training required to evaluate and treat newborns' medical problems. In addition, neonatologists use equipment that is designed specifically for the tiniest patients.

If your pediatrician suggests that your baby needs to be evaluated by a neonatologist, you can be assured that your child will receive the best possible medical care.

To find a pediatrician or pediatric specialist in your area, click here.

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Neonatologists work mainly in the special care nurseries or newborn intensive care units of hospitals. In some cases, after a newborn has been discharged from the unit, a neonatologist may provide short-term follow-up care on an outpatient basis.

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An overview of the practice types trainees and early career neonatologists can explore.

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Essentials of Neonatal–Perinatal Medicine Fellowship: careers in Neonatal–Perinatal Medicine

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The clinical and academic landscape of Neonatal–Perinatal Medicine (NPM) is evolving. Career opportunities for neonatologists have been impacted by shifts in compensation and staffing needs in both academic and private settings. The workforce in NPM…

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How to become a Neonatologist? Find out all you need to know about Neonatology including how long is residency, and fellowship after medical school plus answers to other FAQ’s

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Delivering a baby is an intense process that requires a full team of medical professionals working together to ensure the safety of the baby and the mother and a successful delivery. Among these professionals, neonatal nurse practitioners and neonatologists often stand out as key individuals. While their roles are often similar, there are many important distinctions to be made between the two.

Overview of Neonatal Nurse Practitioners vs Neonatologists

Roles and Responsibilities

The most immediate difference between neonatal nurse practitioners and neonatologists is the fact that one is a nurse and the other is a medical doctor. Neonatal nurse practitioners ( NNPs) are advanced-practice nurses who specialize in the care of newborns at all levels of acuity. While they are much more specialized than a typical nurse and have undergone a high level of training, they don't always have the same authority as a doctor. Here are a few key differences between neonatal nurse practitioners and neonatologists.

Neonatal Nurse Practitioners (NNPs)

NNPs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who specialize in caring for newborns, particularly those who are premature, critically ill, or have complex medical conditions. Their roles encompass a wide range of responsibilities, including:

Assessment and Diagnosis: NNPs conduct comprehensive health assessments of newborns, including physical examinations, medical histories, and diagnostic tests.

Treatment Planning: They formulate and implement individualized care plans, which may include administering medications, performing procedures, and coordinating with other healthcare professionals.

Monitoring and Intervention: NNPs closely monitor the progress of newborns in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), adjusting treatment plans as needed and providing immediate interventions in emergencies.

Family Support and Education: They offer emotional support to families, educate them about their baby's condition and care needs, and involve them in decision-making processes.

Neonatologists

Neonatologists are medical doctors who specialize in the care of newborns, particularly those who are premature, have low birth weights, or have medical complications. Their roles and responsibilities typically include:

Medical Management: Neonatologists diagnose and treat newborns with a variety of medical conditions, ranging from respiratory distress syndrome to congenital anomalies.

Consultation and Collaboration: They consult with other specialists, such as pediatric surgeons, cardiologists, and neurologists, to develop comprehensive treatment plans for newborns with complex medical needs.

Procedures and Surgeries: Neonatologists perform specialized procedures, such as intubation, chest tube placement, and umbilical catheterization, to stabilize and treat newborns.

Research and Education: Many neonatologists are involved in clinical research to advance the field of neonatology, and they also educate medical students, residents, and fellows.

Neonatal nurse practitioners and neonatologists have very different educational paths. As nurse practitioners, NPPs are required to acquire:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): Aspiring NNPs first complete a BSN program, which typically takes four years to complete. During this program, students gain foundational knowledge in nursing practice, physiology, pharmacology, and other relevant subjects.

Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure: Upon completing their BSN program, graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain licensure as registered nurses.

Nurse Practitioner Program: NNPs then enroll in a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with a specialization in neonatal nursing. These programs focus on advanced nursing practice, including coursework in neonatal health assessment, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and advanced practice nursing principles.

Certification: After completing their nurse practitioner program, aspiring NNPs must obtain certification as Neonatal Nurse Practitioners through organizations such as the National Certification Corporation (NCC) or the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB). Certification typically involves passing a comprehensive exam.

Neonatologists on the other hand are medical doctors. They complete medical school (about four years of school), residency (about three years), and a neonatology fellowship (about three years). Here is the full educational trajectory of a neonatologist:

Bachelor's Degree: Like NNPs, aspiring Neonatologists begin by completing a bachelor's degree, typically in a science-related field. This undergraduate education provides the foundation for medical school.

Medical School: Neonatologists must attend medical school to earn either a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. Medical school typically takes four years to complete and includes both classroom instruction and clinical rotations in various medical specialties.

Residency in Pediatrics: After graduating from medical school, aspiring Neonatologists must complete a residency program in pediatrics, which typically lasts three years. During this residency, physicians receive specialized training in the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents.

Fellowship in Neonatology: Following residency, physicians who wish to specialize in neonatal medicine must complete a fellowship in neonatology, which typically lasts three years. During this fellowship, physicians gain advanced training in the care of newborns, including premature infants and those with complex medical conditions.

Board Certification: Upon completing their fellowship, Neonatologists are eligible to obtain board certification in neonatal-perinatal medicine through the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) or the American Osteopathic Board of Pediatrics (AOBP). Board certification demonstrates a physician's expertise and competency in neonatal medicine.

Scope of Practice

It goes without saying that, as physicians, neonatologists have a full scope of practice. The neonatal NP's scope of practice is a bit more complicated.

Each state governs the scope of practice for an NP. Some states allow for a full scope of practice, other states have a limited scope of practice, and some have a restricted scope of practice. The specifics on which tasks are limited or restricted are delineated in each state's board of registered nursing. It usually involves prescribing, and whether the NP needs to establish a collaborative agreement with a physician who will provide oversight to the NP's practice.

To further complicate things, different facilities and organizations may further limit the scope of practice for NPs.
RELATED:
An MD has extensive training in medicine. This means that they tend to focus on disease processes and how to treat them. NPs begin their careers as nurses and use the nursing model of care to treat patients. They view patients holistically, providing comprehensive care to not only the patient but to families as well. Education is also a crucial part of an NP's practice.

Salaries for Neonatal Nurse Practitioners and Neonatologists vary based on factors such as experience, geographic location, and employer type.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for nurse practitioners, including NNPs, was $128,490 as of May 2023. However, it's essential to note that NNPs specializing in neonatal care may earn higher salaries due to the specialized nature of their work and the demand for skilled neonatal nurses.

Neonatologists, as specialized physicians, typically earn higher salaries compared to NNPs. While the BLS doesn't have specific info for neonatologists, physicians specializing in pediatrics made an average of $205,860 in 2023. However, salaries can vary widely based on factors such as years of experience, practice setting (academic medical center vs. private practice), and geographic location.

Read more about nurse practitioner salaries and all forms of RN salaries.

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Neonatal Nurse Practitioner vs Neonatologist

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Get the scope on the difference between an NNP and a neonatologist; salary, employment, education.

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MidCaN aims to create, inspire, and empower a community of mid-career leaders by supporting career and leadership development.

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The Path to Becoming a Neonatologist – The Education, Career, and Job Duties - Windsor

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Neonatology involves caring for and treating newborn babies, sick babies or premature babies, from the time that they are born to when they are stable and ready to transition home. Neonatologists leverage their extensive medical knowledge and years of experience to improve quality of life and achieve optimal outcomes for babies born premature, or with […]

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How to Become a Neonatologist - An In-Depth Guide

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Learn how to become a neonatologist. Discover the educational and training requirements, including medical school, residency, and fellowship.

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Neonatology Programs | School of Medicine

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The Division of Neonatology serves as a model for its leadership in newborn medicine, offering state-of-the-art therapies aimed at securing exceptional…

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Training Future Leaders in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine

The Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship program at Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin offers a multidisciplinary training framework for delivering compassionate, evidence-based and inquisitive health care. The fellowship offers opportunities to develop skills in clinical research, point-of-care ultrasound, global health, education, palliative care, administration/management, biomedical engineering/technology development and quality improvement.

Training is provided by a team of 23 neonatology faculty members. The neonatology attending team is supported by an exceptionally talented team of neonatal nurse practitioners, highly skilled neonatal nurses and specialists from obstetrics, maternal-fetal medicine, pediatric surgery, pediatric cardiovascular surgery, palliative care and all major pediatric subspecialties.

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Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship | Dell Medical School

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The Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship is a comprehensive program designed to train future leaders in clinical neonatology and perinatology.

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Top 10 Nursing Jobs Caring for Babies - Nightingale College

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Do you love taking care of babies & want a career that involves working with newborns? Here are the best nursing jobs for nurses that want to work with babies.

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Careers in Neonatology – Neonatology on the Web