As part of a study evaluating neonatal nurse practitioner programmes in England, data were collected on the experience of students from four separate English National Board (ENB, A19) programmes. A total of 123 nurses participated. Data were collected from 68 nurses using questionnaires at three points (the start, middle and end of the programme. The data show key concerns relating to the content and organization of course, the need for effective clinical supervision and teaching during the programmes, role transition issues and the value of informal and formal professional support. Senior and experienced nurses may find that their exposure to programmes of this kind is of interest and relevance to nurses facing similar challenges in other fields. It is also of vital importance in planning future skill mix and organizing critical care in specialties such as neonatal care.