Nicu/pediatric icu?!
Question: I am interested in becoming a neonatal nurse practitoner, however, I was wondering if it was possible to work in both the nicu and the pediatric icu. How much extra schooling would it require?
that is my main question, but any extra info would be greatly appreciated, such as good schools for this, salary ranges, timing..etc.
thanks in advance!
Answers: I am interested in becoming a neonatal nurse practitoner, however, I was wondering if it was possible to work in both the nicu and the pediatric icu. How much extra schooling would it require?
that is my main question, but any extra info would be greatly appreciated, such as good schools for this, salary ranges, timing..etc.
thanks in advance!
You'll need to become an RN first and then go on to get your NP. An NP has a Master's Degree in Nursing. As an RN, you might chose to specialize in either picu or nicu, but as an NP, you can go FNP (Family) or PNP (Pediatric). With the peds specialty, you can focus on either age group. Four-year universities with Nursing programs may also have the Master's option. Good schools to go to kind of depend on where you live. Salary ranges also depend on where you live and if you practice alone (which you can as an NP), work in a hospital, or partner with another NP and/or doctors in an office. Going full time would take about 8-9 years, including the time to get your RN. Some schools (like UCLA) have accelerated programs where you get BSN (Bachelor's) and go straight thru to the MSN/NP and graduate in about 7 years going full time.