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Date Published: August 25, 2025
Each September, Neonatal Nurses Week is a chance to recognize the expertise, compassion, and resilience of neonatal nurses. These dedicated professionals care for the tiniest and most vulnerable patients.
As we mark this special week from September 13–19, 2025, it's time to shine a light on the lifesaving work these nurses do every day and the tools that help them continue to grow and lead in their field.
Established by the National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN) in 2000, Neonatal Nurses Day began as a single-day celebration held each year on September 15. Recognizing the critical role these nurses play in healthcare and the need for broader acknowledgment, the observance was expanded to Neonatal Nurses Week in 2019.
Now, Neonatal Nurses Week serves as a national stage for appreciation, advocacy and education, recognizing the extraordinary work these nurses do while highlighting opportunities for ongoing professional growth.
Across the country, hospitals and healthcare organizations honor neonatal nurses with a variety of celebrations and events.
These efforts not only celebrate individual nurses but also foster a culture of respect and support that extends beyond neonatal teams to the broader healthcare system.
With 35% of U.S. counties having low or no access to maternity care, expanding neonatal resuscitation education inside and outside of the hospital is more critical than ever. As neonatal care practices continue to advance, it is essential that nurses receive up-to-date training to maintain clinical readiness. The Neonatal Advanced Life Support (NALS) courses from the American Red Cross and the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) help expand both the reach and access to scientifically validated training across the healthcare continuum. Designed with input from neonatology experts, this evidence-based training for both in-hospital and out-of-hospital clinicians expands training access where it’s needed most.
Whether you’re providing comprehensive end-to-end care or awaiting assistance from an advanced resuscitation team, our goal is to equip all healthcare clinicians involved in neonatal care with the essential knowledge and skills to optimize newborn outcomes.
Improve newborn outcomes with essential NALS resuscitation training, developed by the American Red Cross and AWHONN. Learn more about Neonatal Advanced Life Support (NALS) Resuscitation Training by filling out the form here.
Celebrating Neonatal Nurses Week isn’t just about recognition — it’s also about investment. Reinforce the importance of lifelong learning, clinical excellence and professional empowerment by promoting advanced training like NALS during this week.
Whether you're a nurse looking to grow in your practice, a healthcare leader supporting your team or a clinician in an area where access to neonatal care is low or absent, encouraging NALS training is one way to ensure the highest standards of neonatal care continue.
Newborns — especially those born prematurely or with medical complications — have unique physiological needs. Their organs, immune systems and skin are still developing, which means even small changes in their condition can become critical within minutes.
They often care for infants weighing less than 3 pounds, supported by ventilators or IV nutrition. Providing safe, effective care in this environment requires advanced training and rapid decision-making.
Neonatal nurses need specialized knowledge and skills to manage:
Neonatal nurses are typically registered nurses (RNs) who pursue additional education and clinical training in newborn and neonatal care.
Many neonatal nurses hold certifications such as:
Neonatal nurses are essential members of multidisciplinary care teams. They work closely with neonatologists, respiratory therapists, lactation consultants, social workers and other healthcare professionals to ensure each newborn receives coordinated, individualized care. This collaboration supports not only the medical needs of newborns but also the emotional and logistical needs of families during their NICU stay.
Neonatal nurses are also trained in emotional and psychological support. They often help parents who may be overwhelmed, grieving or unsure how to bond with a baby in the NICU. Neonatal nurses serve as consistent, trusted points of contact — translating medical updates, answering questions and advocating for both the infant and the family.
They also play a key role in:
Neonatal nurses don’t just care for newborns — they stabilize lives, empower families, and support futures.
Every shift, neonatal nurses show unwavering dedication and care in the face of complex challenges. During Neonatal Nurses Week — and every week — let’s honor their contributions, support their growth and celebrate the vital role they play in the future of pediatric care.
Training Services is a division of the American Red Cross. Our mission is to advance lifesaving education so you are better to prepared. Our robust training curriculum includes CPR and AED, First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Babysitting and Child Care, Lifeguarding, Water Safety and more.
