The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a policy statement reaffirming its support of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in neonatal nursing roles, including the neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP) and the neonatal clinical nurse specialist.

In their policy statement, Advanced Practice in Neonatal Nursing, the AAP endorsed both the role and the current training and credentialing processes developed by NANN.1 Educational standards for the APRN include completion of a graduate-level educational program and 600 hours of supervised practice with critically ill neonates in level II and III NICUs. The AAP statement supports the master's degree for entry into practice as an NNP and does not consider doctoral preparation (including the nursing doctorate) necessary for clinical practice.

Two advanced practice nursing roles are supported. The neonatal clinical nurse specialist (NCNS) is an expert in theory and practice of neonatal nursing and fosters continuous quality improvement in neonatal nursing care and also develops and educates staff nurses. The NCNS models expert nursing care and applies and promotes evidence-based nursing practice.

The NNP manages patients in collaboration with a physician and may exercise independent judgment in the assessment, diagnosis, and management of infants and perform certain procedures. The NNP may also be responsible for education of staff, research, and developing standards of nursing care.

The AAP statement acknowledges that the duties of the APRN may vary among different institutions and different states. A list of recommendations regarding the APRN role in neonatal practice addresses collaboration, national certification, and credentialing.

Reference