Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Development in the United States and Japan

Neonatal nursing as a specialty is recognized in many countries, but the role differs considerably. Even in the developed world, the advanced practice role of a neonatal nurse practitioner may not exist in some countries. This article will describe the current state of neonatal nursing in the United States and Japan, outlining the need for neonatal nurse practitioners in Japan and barriers to role implementation.