Baby Nurse?

I was introduced to the world of nursery nurses a few years after I began working as a nanny. I met some Manhattan nannies and many of the households they worked in had a nursery nurse as part of the staff. I was intrigued by these women, dressed in full uniform, overseeing the nursery. Guarding the babies like a mother cub. Unlike my nanny friends whose job it was to accommodate their at-home employer, these nurses accommodated no one. They did what was best for the baby and didn’t budge if others, including the parents, balked. Ah, the confidence that comes from not needing your next paycheck.

All of the women I met were pediatric nurses who had retired from their jobs early and worked 3 or 4 months in a row so they could afford to relax for next 8 or 9 months. They were paid extremely well, often received substantial bonuses or gifts at the end of their term and had a waiting list of potential clients. Of course their formal training and years of nursing experience played a big part in that equation. Training and experience matter. I still see these types of jobs today in fully staffed households and the women that fill them are still retired nurses.

I know several nannies that have entered the nursery nurse market. While many call themselves infant specialists (the term our industry is turning towards) some fight to use the term Nursery Nurse. I believe the title should be reserved for those that have invested the time, money and effort into obtaining a nursing degree and gaining the requisite experience. Because titles do matter. That’s why nannies go crazy when an 18 year old babysitter declares herself to be a nanny. There’s a difference between nannies and babysitters and we want that difference to be recognized and acknowledged.

I’m not saying that nannies shouldn’t work as newborn caregivers. Night Nannies and Infant Specialists provide a great service to families and are a hot commodity in today’s market. I’m just saying they should take on the title that accurately represents their level of education and experience.

Lora Brawley
nanny of 18 years