Neonatal nursing is a subspecialty of nursing that serves newborns born with a variety of conditions. A large part of the reason I want to become a neonatal nurse comes from when, in 2010, my little cousins, Brayden and Bryce, were born prematurely. My parents and I went to visit them and it made me realize how fragile life is. I spoke with some nurses and that's when I became interested. Since then, I have had the desire to become a neonatal nurse. A neonatal nurse works with a neonatologist. These pediatricians specialize in caring for premature babies (born before 37 weeks of gestation), as well as babies with low birth weight or other problems. The neonatal period is described as the first month of life, but for these newborns, they are usually sick for months. Most neonatologists work in large urban centers. If you want to work in the neonatal field, you will likely live in a city with a large hospital. Neonatal nurses work in what is called a NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) (“Bridges”). Before becoming a neonatal nurse, you must first become a registered nurse, which is an average of 4 years in college, then 2 additional years for specialized study. neonatal programs. Another option would be to become a nurse practitioner, which requires 6 years of college and 2 additional years of specialized neonatal nursing. Both are good programs, but one may have more benefits than the other. (“Professional Outlook Handbook”). Being a neonatal nurse is not an easy job. There are many skills needed to run a well-organized and efficient workplace. You must be an active listener and clearly understand what others are saying. Speaking is also important because you need to convey information...... middle of paper ...... ely grateful to have it.Works Cited "Neonatologist." Bridges. XAP Company, 2011. Web. April 4, 2012. .Doctor." Bureau of Labor Statistics. July 11, 2011, 2011. Web. April 10, 2012.." Physicians and Surgeons. " College Grad. CollegeGrad.com., 2012. Web. April 5, 2012. . "Occupation profile". Career one stop. United States Department of Labor, 2012. Web, April 5, 2012. "Registered Nurses" ( U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, March 29, 2012. Web. 2012. .