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.

Graduates of the Neonatal CNS concentration are prepared to:

Improve patient outcomes through expert clinical practice
Lead change using evidence and data
Strengthen nursing practice through education and mentorship
Solve complex clinical problems across systems
Design and evaluate innovative care models

Clinical Nurse Specialist Spheres of Impact – Patient, Nursing and System

Graduates are eligible to sit for national certification examinations as a Neonatal 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:

Chelsea Passwater, Concentration Director
Cindy Klaess

Concentration Admission Requirements

Masters admission requirements
Two years clinical experience in a neonatal ICU 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 those interested in a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, we offer flexible options. Please discuss this with your graduate advisor or Concentration Director.

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

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