Neonatal Nursing Needs Specialized Courses

The National Neonatal Nursing Union of Southern Africa is supported by the Council of International Neonatal Nurses in earnest request for an independent, structured neonatal course. There was little educational progress about neonatal nursing as the combined advanced midwifery and neonatal training in the only midwifery courses was ideal for nurses who chose to work in labour wards, and not ideal for neonatal nurses, who gave care for preterm and sick babies.

There must be more obtainable, standardized and recognized courses concentrating on specialized neonatal care in order that nurses are attracted into neonatal nursing. In addition to what have been mentioned, after the four-year course required to become a professional nurse, nursing students must fully accomplish a year long practical training at one of the academic hospitals of the country.

Accredited, specialized courses as well as a year long practical training are needed to have progress in neonatal nursing.