| Aspect | Neonatal Nurse | Pediatric Nurse |
|---|
| Work Environment | Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), hospitals | General pediatric wards, clinics, hospitals |
| Patient Age | Newborns, infants up to 28 days old | Children from infancy to adolescence |
| Required Certifications | RN license, Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) | RN license, Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) |
| Job Focus | Care for critically ill or premature newborns | General health, illness, and developmental needs of children |
Neonatal nurses specialize in caring for newborns, especially those in NICUs, requiring specific certifications like NRP. Pediatric nurses work with children of all ages, focusing on broader health needs and requiring PALS certification. Both roles demand RN licensure but differ mainly in patient age and care environment.