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Neonatal Nurse Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

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A 861774689registered nurse13.29rn10.25lpn7.76nurse5.88school nurse2.4362573263518710.2036.3078.25HOURLY3450857152025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Neonatal Nurse, or Neonatal Care Nurse, is responsible for caring for premature, injured or ill newborns to promote their health and livelihood. Their duties include monitoring a newborn’s vitals, administering IVs and performing tasks like changing diapers.

Neonatal Nurse duties and responsibilities

A Neonatal Nurse works in a fast-paced and high-stress environment. Some of the main duties and responsibilities of this position include: 

  • Provide care for infants immediately after birth
  • Oversee the care of infant patients in the NICU
  • Troubleshoot and maintain NICU equipment
  • Consult with parents/guardians on aftercare and long-term health management for infants
  • Educate new parents on basic infant care including breastfeeding, hygiene and safety
  • Perform tests ordered by the obstetrician or nurse practitioner and evaluate the results

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Neonatal Nurse Job Description Examples

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What does a Neonatal Nurse do?

Neonatal Nurses typically work for hospitals in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to provide advanced medical care to premature or fragile infants. They work closely with other Neonatal Nurses and Physicians to ensure that infants receive the care they need to improve in health and go home to their families. Their job is to assess newborns right after their birth, participate in potentially life-saving procedures and operate medical equipment like a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) to help newborns breathe.

They may also interact directly with parents and other loved ones to discuss their newborn’s progress and care methods.

Neonatal Nurse skills and qualifications

A strong candidate for the Neonatal Nurse position with our company should possess the following skills and qualifications:

  • Current RN license
  • Excellent attention to detail
  • Critical-thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification
  • Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRR) certification
  • Familiarity with NICU equipment
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to lift and carry 50+ lbs

Neonatal Nurse salary expectations

A Neonatal Nurse makes an average of $1,833 per week and $13,000 per year in overtime pay. Pay rate may depend on level of experience, education and the geographical location.

Neonatal Nurse salary expectations

2025-10-0110.2036.3078.25HOURLY
  • Common salary: 36.30 HOURLY
  • Typical salaries range from 10.20 - 78.25 HOURLY
  • Find more information on Indeed Salaries

*Indeed data – 2025-10-01

Neonatal Nurse education and training requirements

Since Neonatal Nurses are Registered Nurses, they need at least an associate degree. However, most hospitals and clinics now require all nurses to have at least a bachelor’s degree in order to be considered for Neonatal Nurse positions.

In addition to the degree, Neonatal Nurses need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) in order to become licensed to work as a nurse. They should have a current nursing license in your state. There are a few neonatal nursing certifications available including the CCRN, ACCNS-N, and the NCC. While none are required beyond a state nursing license, any of these additional certifications would be a strong asset in a candidate for a Neonatal Nurse position.

Neonatal Nurse experience requirements

For entry-level Neonatal Nurses, no prior experience is really necessary since they get clinical training in nursing programs. Senior Neonatal Nurses need at least five years of previous experience. Related experience as a Nurse Assistant or a military background as a Medic would also be valuable.

Job description samples for similar positions

If you’re writing a job description for a related position to the Neonatal Nurse, see our job descriptions for similar roles:

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Frequently asked questions about Neonatal Nurses

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