Nurses' concerns about the increase in prematurityand high-risk pregnancy rates have increased the need for registered nurses (RNs) with perinatal training. Obstetricians play an important role in the care of pregnant patients and their babies, from the early stages of pregnancy until immediately after birth.
If you want to use your nursing education to provide essential care before, during, and after childbirth, read this guide to becoming a perinatal nurse for information on education, salary, and working conditions.
What is a perinatal nurse?
Perinatal nurses care for patients and newborns during pregnancy and immediately after birth. They monitor patients for possible complications and educate patients and their families about prenatal care and what to expect after delivery.
A... becomeperinatal nurserequires a valid RN license and an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). They typically find employment in hospital maternity wards, OB/GYN offices, or home health care facilities, where they work alongside physicians, board-certified midwives, and registered nurses.
Steps to Become a Perinatal Nurse
Becoming a perinatal nurse requires a two- or four-year nursing degree and a passing score on the National Council Licensing Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN) for state licensure. EachProvincial Council of Nursingsets its own licensing and certification policies.
A DNA degree serves as the minimum requirement for admission to NCLEX. Many employers prefer to hire RNs with BSN degrees, which take 2-4 years to complete based on college credit.
RNs with DNA titles may choose to enrollRN to BSN ProgramsIncrease your earning potential. ThisBridging care programs, often available online, lasts between 9 and 24 months. Some schools offeraccelerated BSNPrograms for individuals with a bachelor's degree in a field unrelated to nursing.
Graduates must complete this shortly after completing their nursing degree.Examen NCLEX RN, which is required for state approval. Administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, this computer-adapted exam assesses a nurse's level of competence to practice in clinical settings.
RNs seek certifications to validate their knowledge and advance their careers by demonstrating a higher level of competence. perinatal nursescan getvoluntary certifications administered by theNational Certification Society(NCC), in hospital obstetrics and neonatal maternal care. Some employers may require registered nurses or clinical nurses to have these credentials.
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Training as a perinatal nurse
Students interested in becoming a midwife must have completed onerecognized nursing programYpass the NCLEX-RN examto qualify for admission. A two-year DNA degree offers the fastest path to this career.
DNA grade
Future perinatal nurses who want to start working life as soon as possible can complete aDNA gradein two years or less. RNs who have earned DNA degrees may apply their credits toward BSN degrees. Although DNA serves as the minimum requirement for the NCLEX RN exam and state licensure, some employers prefer to hire RNs with a bachelor's degree.
High school diploma or its equivalent; at least 2.5 GPA; Placement tests in math and writing; prerequisite courses
At least 60 credits including courses in psychology, human anatomy and physiology, chemistry and microbiology; clinical internships
1-2 years
basic principles of patient care and assessment; emergency and critical care, maternity care, and neonatal care; treatment plans; medicine
BSN degree
While nurses can enter the field with an associate's degree, many employers and professional nursing associations recommend that registered nurses earn theirs.BSN degree. Most students complete their BSN in four years. RNs who already have DNA degrees can enroll in RN to BSN programs and complete their education in two years or less.
A BSN is required for admission to the course.Master of Science in Pflege(MSN) programs leading to certification asAdvanced Registered Nurses(APRN). Perinatal nurses with BSNs or college degrees have better job and salary prospects than nurses with DNA degrees.
High school diploma or equivalent or DNA degree; at least 2.5 GPA; reference letter
evidence-based nursing practice; medical-surgical nursing; Assessment; Pharmacology; medical technology; leadership and management; clinical internships
2-4 years
critical thinking and communication; care plan management; patient/family education; Drug; population health skills; information management
License and Certification as a Perinatal Nurse
All RNs, including perinatal nurses, must be licensed by the board of nursing in the state in which they wish to practice. WhileEach state sets its own RN licenseRenewal requirements generally require nurses to complete at least 25 hours of board-approved continuing education to renew their license.
Perinatal nurses who earn voluntary certifications can improve their employment prospects and salary potential. Inpatient midwifery and maternal neonatal nursing certifications available from the NCC require a current RN license, passing an exam, and a minimum of 2,000 clinical hours in the specialty. Certification must be renewed every three years.
Perinatal nurses who choose to earn an MSN orPhD in NursingTo become certified as an APRN, you can earn much higher salaries than RNs without a college degree.
working as a midwife
Students and recent graduates interested in perinatal nursing careers should seek to gain experience through clinical internships or internships in hospital maternity wards, OB/GYN offices, or home health care settings.
The duties of the perinatal nurse vary depending on the employment situation. Nurses in maternity wards often help with delivery and newborn care, and train new parents or guardians in child care. Perinatal nurses who work in OB/GYN practices develop birth plans and help pregnant women understand what to expect during pregnancy and labor.
A growing number of hospitals are offering home visits for postpartum patients and recently discharged newborns. Nurses may also find employment in independent home nursing facilities that specialize in the care of pregnant, postpartum, newborn, and premature babies. During home visits, perinatal nurses check on patients' health, answer questions, and instruct family members on newborn care.
Regardless of the work environment,Perinatal Nurses Can Expect Competitive Salariesand broaden employment prospects.maritime tariffAs of July 2022, RNs in this nursing role earn a median base salary of $68,710 per year, which is higher than the national average for all occupations. high school graduatenurse practitioner, including those with perinatal specialties, earn between $83,000 and $128,000 per year.
Frequently Asked Questions on Becoming a Perinatal Nurse
You can become a perinatal nurse after 2-4 years of nursing school. It takes two years to complete an ADN or four years for a BSN. Some perinatal positions may require certification, which typically requires an additional two years of clinical experience.
HeUS Bureau of Labor Statisticspredicts that the employment of nurses, including perinatal care jobs, will increase by 9% between 2020 and 2030. The demand for perinatal nurses will continue to grow as the general public and the healthcare industry recognize the critical role they play in reducing preterm and high-risk preterm pregnancies.
Nursing programs require high GPAs, challenging math and science courses, and challenging clinical rotations. Students in accelerated RN to BSN programs face even more stress, especially if they work full time while enrolled in the classroom. The most successful students develop good time management skills, efficient study habits, and positive attitudes toward the opportunities ahead.
According to Payscale, as of July 2022, perinatal nurses can earn between $48,000 and $96,000 per year, depending on the type of employer and experience. Perinatal nurses can increase their salary by earning advanced degrees, certifications, and moving into management and leadership roles.
Page last revised on July 18, 2022