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Distinguishing the role of the neonatal nurse practitioner in neonatal care

Journal of Perinatology (2025)Cite this article

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Abstract

This article underscores the pivotal role of Neonatal Nurse Practitioners (NNPs) within healthcare teams, highlighting the critical need for greater recognition and support for their contributions. NNPs are advanced practice nurses who enter the field of neonatology with specialized training and prior experience in bedside neonatal nursing. NNPs are primarily found in acute care centers with varying levels of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) designation, Newborn Nurseries, or Delivery facilities. This article also provides insight into the need for collaboration and policy reform. A case scenario is included that describes how the NNP can be utilized to provide high-quality, evidence-based neonatal care. By fostering increased awareness, advocacy, and role clarity, physician-practitioner team dynamics can flourish and thrive, ultimately improving neonatal care outcomes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Texas at El Paso, College of Nursing, El Paso, Texas, USA

    William L. Hull

  2. Pediatrix Medical Group, Sunrise, FL, USA

    William L. Hull

  3. Baylor University, Louise Herrington School of Nursing, Dallas, TX, USA

    Jessica Jones

  4. University of Pittsburgh, School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Tracey Bell

  5. Emory University, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Atlanta, GA, USA

    Meredith Farmer

  6. Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Nemours Children’s Health Florida, Orlando, FL, USA

    Jenna Staggs

  7. Rush University, College of Nursing, Chicago, IL, USA

    Jacqueline Hoffman

Authors
  1. William L. Hull
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  2. Jessica Jones
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  3. Tracey Bell
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  4. Meredith Farmer
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  5. Jenna Staggs
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  6. Jacqueline Hoffman
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Contributions

WLH, JJ, TB, MF, JS, and JH each were responsible for drafting a distinct section of the manuscript. WLH and JJ reviewed and revised all manuscript sections for consistency, clarity, and cohesion. WLH served as the corresponding author throughout the submission process. All authors read and approved the final version of the manuscript and accept responsibility for its content.

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Correspondence to William L. Hull.

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The authors declare no competing interests.

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Hull, W.L., Jones, J., Bell, T. et al. Distinguishing the role of the neonatal nurse practitioner in neonatal care. J Perinatol (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-025-02489-6

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