Job Description

Registered Nurse (RN) – NICU / Pediatric Care

Specialization: Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU) | Premature & High-Risk Infant Care

Department: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking a compassionate, highly skilled Registered Nurse with proven Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) experience to provide specialized clinical care to premature and critically ill newborns and infants. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience managing the complex physiological needs of preterm infants, supporting families through high-stress medical situations, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary neonatology team to deliver evidence-based, family-centered care.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide direct, continuous nursing care to premature and critically ill neonates in the NICU, including infants requiring ventilatory support, incubator/isolette care, and thermoregulation.
• Monitor vital signs, oxygen saturation, weight, and neurological status; recognize and respond promptly to signs of clinical deterioration.
• Administer medications, IV fluids, and parenteral/enteral nutrition per physician orders, with precision dosing appropriate to neonatal weight and gestational age.
• Manage and troubleshoot specialized equipment, including ventilators, CPAP/high-flow devices, incubators, phototherapy units, and cardiorespiratory monitors.
• Assist with and perform procedures such as IV/umbilical line insertion and care, gavage feeding, suctioning, and specimen collection.
• Support kangaroo (skin-to-skin) care and breastfeeding/lactation initiatives to promote infant bonding and development.
• Educate and emotionally support parents and families on infant care, feeding, developmental milestones, and discharge planning.
• Document patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes accurately and in compliance with hospital and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with neonatologists, pediatricians, respiratory therapists, and other specialists as part of a coordinated care team.
• Participate in emergency response and resuscitation (NRP) as needed.
• Adhere to strict infection control protocols to protect immunocompromised and vulnerable infants.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Active, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice.
• Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ADN/BSN); BSN preferred.
• Minimum 2+ years of clinical experience in a NICU or Level II/III neonatal unit, with direct experience caring for premature infants.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Current Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification.
• Strong clinical assessment skills specific to neonatal and pediatric physiology.
• Excellent communication skills for collaborating with care teams and counseling families during emotionally challenging situations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
• Certification in Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing (RNC-NIC).
• Experience with Level III/IV NICU or regional referral center caring for extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants.
• Lactation support training (e.g., CLC) or experience supporting breastfeeding in preterm infants.
• Experience with electronic health record (EHR) systems used in neonatal/pediatric settings.

KEY SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES

• Calm, detail-oriented, and able to perform precisely under high-pressure, fast-changing clinical situations.
• Strong critical thinking and rapid clinical decision-making.
• Compassionate bedside manner with families experiencing high stress or grief.
• Team-oriented with strong interdisciplinary collaboration skills.
• Physical stamina for extended shifts, including standing, lifting, and fine motor tasks with delicate equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Home-based NICU setting requiring rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Exposure to a controlled, low-stimulation clinical environment with strict infection-control requirements (gowning, hand hygiene, etc.).
• On-call availability may be required depending on unit staffing needs.