Is it possible to become a neonatal nurse as well as a pediatric nurse?

HOW TO BECOME A NEONATAL NURSE? HELP?

• I did research, I still don't have a clear idea of what is required of being a neonatal nurse except being certified as a RN first right? But is that an AA degree or BA? What is more recommended? and then after AA/BA in RN, go in further study in neonatal care itself? Would that be a MA degree then? I'm really confused, I decided after 2 years of going to community college for psychology, that I want to surely pursue being a neonatal nurse now. THANK YOU =]

• Answer:

  A BA is a bachelor of arts, to become a nurse you either need a BN, a bachelor of nursing, or a BScN, a bachelor of science in nursing. You need at least either of these in most states, provinces and territories in order to qualify as a registered nurse, and depending on the regulation in your area, further academic courses designated in the field and ideally some experience working in the field before you can request designation as a neonatal nurse. However, you do not NEED that designation to work in a neonatal ward, but it is a lot easier to find a job and get promotions with that extra credential. You could of course go on to achieve status as a nurse practitioner with a Masters degree, but it is not required.