Advanced Practice in Neonatal Nursing

The Committee on Fetus and Newborn (COFN) recognizes the expanding role of the advanced practice neonatal nurse (APNN). The APNN is prepared, according to nationally recognized standards, to assume this role after completion of an educational program of study and supervised practice beyond the level of basic nursing. Included in the category of APNN are:

Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist (NCNS): A registered nurse with a master's degree who, through study and supervised practice at the graduate level, has become expert in the theory and practice of neonatal nursing.