Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist

The Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist concentration prepares nurses for an advanced practice nursing role from wellness to acute care. Nationally approved clinical nurse specialist competencies are the basis of the curriculum.

Emphasis is placed on providing students with advanced theoretical knowledge and practice skills needed to improve patient care, nursing and the organizational systems in the neonatal population.

This concentration provides preparation for roles such as:

  • clinician
  • educator
  • clinical consultant
  • researcher
  • program planner
  • leader

The Clinical Nurse Specialist concentration prepares nursing professionals to be expert clinicians who provide direct patient care as well as population level care, helping to implement changes that improve outcomes for entire categories of patients.

Graduates are eligible to sit for national certification examinations as a Clinical Nurse Specialist.

This concentration is reviewed by the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists and meets the criteria for consistency with the standards set by that national organization.

Faculty

The following faculty members will be your instructors as you move through the Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist concentration:

Concentration Admission Requirements

  • Masters admission requirements
  • Two years clinical experience in a neonatal unit prior to admission
  • Three professional references, including one from a neonatal clinician
Note: If you reside outside North Carolina, please contact the Concentration Director (passwaterc@ecu.edu) for guidance prior to starting an application.

Curriculum

The curriculum includes core courses, clinical core courses and concentration courses.

The curriculum plans referenced below are only a suggested course sequence. The documents outline typical full-time and part-time courses of study.

Once admitted to the program, students will develop a plan of study with their advisor.

For more information, contact Dr. Chelsea Passwater, Concentration Director, or please visit the ECU Graduate Catalog.