Neonatal Nursing
Neonatal nurses work either within specialist neonatal units (within maternity or children’s hospitals) or in the community.
Neonatal nurses care for new-born babies who are premature or are born sick. There are a vast number of conditions that can affect a new-born baby and require treatment from specialists within the multidisciplinary healthcare team.
Premature babies have particular problems as a result of being born too soon, in particular problems such as respiratory difficulties that can be life threatening if not treated promptly and appropriately by the specialist team. Likewise, the nutritional needs of the sick newborn and premature babies will require specialist care.
The neonatal nurse also has the important role of supporting the parents of the baby at a time when they themselves are very anxious and stressed. As far as possible, the parents and occasionally other family members are encouraged to take an active role in the care of the baby.
