2

Entry Level Icu Nurse Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

Travel RN - Neonatal ICU

Lexington, AL · On-site

$1.8K - $2.5K/wk

American Traveler is hiring a travel RN for a NICU position at a 32-bed private room facility in Lexington, KY, caring for high-risk neonates on night shift. Job Details • 32-bed private room NICU ...

American Traveler is seeking an experienced NICU RN for a critical need position in Oakland, CA, requiring Level III NICU experience and an active CA RN license. Job Details • Night shift position ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Icu Nurse information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$14

$38

$71

How much do entry level icu nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level icu nurse in Decatur, AL is $38.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.41 and $45.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level ICU nurse do?

An entry level ICU nurse provides direct care to critically ill patients in the Intensive Care Unit under the supervision of experienced nurses and physicians. Their duties include monitoring vital signs, administering medications, assisting with procedures, and responding to emergencies. They also communicate with patients’ families and help coordinate care among the healthcare team. Entry level ICU nurses gain valuable experience while learning advanced clinical skills specific to critical care settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level ICU nurse, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level ICU Nurse, you need a solid understanding of critical care principles, patient assessment, and basic life support, typically supported by a nursing degree, RN licensure, and BLS/ACLS certifications. Familiarity with ICU-specific equipment such as ventilators, infusion pumps, and electronic health record (EHR) systems is essential. Strong communication, resilience, and attention to detail are vital soft skills for managing high-stress situations and collaborating within healthcare teams. These skills ensure safe, effective patient care and successful adaptation to the fast-paced, complex ICU environment.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level ICU nurses, and how can they be managed effectively?

Entry level ICU nurses often encounter challenges such as managing high-acuity patients, adapting to rapid changes in patient conditions, and handling the emotional stress of critical care. It's important to develop strong assessment and prioritization skills, seek support from experienced colleagues, and actively participate in ongoing training. Collaborating closely with interdisciplinary teams and utilizing mentorship opportunities can also help new ICU nurses build confidence and competence in this demanding environment.

What is the difference between Entry Level Icu Nurse vs Registered Nurse?

AspectEntry Level Icu NurseRegistered Nurse
CertificationsBasic RN license, ICU-specific trainingRN license, may include specialized certifications
Work EnvironmentIntensive Care Units, critical care settingsHospitals, clinics, various healthcare settings
Job ResponsibilitiesMonitoring ICU patients, administering medications, assisting with proceduresProviding general patient care, coordinating treatments, patient education

Entry Level ICU Nurses focus specifically on critical care in ICU settings, requiring specialized training, while Registered Nurses have a broader scope across various healthcare environments. Both roles require an RN license, but ICU nurses often need additional ICU-specific skills. The main difference lies in the work environment and specialized responsibilities.

How hard is it to get a job as an entry level ICU nurse?

Securing an entry-level ICU nurse position typically requires a valid nursing license, relevant clinical experience, and sometimes certification in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS). Competition can vary based on location and hospital needs, but having strong clinical skills and a good understanding of critical care increases job prospects. Entry-level roles often focus on recent graduates or those with limited ICU experience who demonstrate a willingness to learn and adapt to the fast-paced environment.

What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Entry Level Icu Nurse jobs?

Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Entry Level Icu Nurse job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Icu Nurse job openings in Decatur, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 58% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 22% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,876 per year, or $38.4 per hour.

Travel RN - Neonatal ICU

American Traveler

Lexington, AL • On-site

$1.8K - $2.5K/wk

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

American Traveler is hiring a travel RN for a NICU position at a 32-bed private room facility in Lexington, KY, caring for high-risk neonates on night shift.
Job Details
• 32-bed private room NICU in a hospital setting,
• Patient population includes high-risk neonates from 28 weeks to full term,
• Night shift, 3x12-hour shifts per week,
• 13-week contract,
Job Requirements
• Active, unrestricted RN license in Kentucky or a Compact state currently in hand,
• Current certifications required: BLS and NRP,
• Annual Dysrhythmia Competency Validation required,
• ADN or ASN required; BSN preferred,
• MM/DD of date of birth and last 4 digits of SSN required for consideration,
• Copies of certifications required for consideration,
Additional Information
• Nursing practice is centered on holistic, patient- and family-centered care with an emphasis on healing and wellness,
• Responsibilities include comprehensive patient assessment, care planning, patient and family education, discharge coordination, and quality improvement participation,
• Clinical decision-making incorporates all four phases of the nursing process along with critical thinking,
• Previous NICU nursing experience preferred but not required,
• BSN preferred over ADN/ASN


American Traveler logo

About American Traveler

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

With over 20 years of success in healthcare staffing, American Traveler has established a reputation for outstanding customer service. Our full-service agency has earned top ratings from healthcare professionals in every specialty and setting. We offer travel assignments in the most sought-after locations and facilities in the country. We staff major medical centers, prestigious university teaching facilities, Magnet facilities, regional community hospitals, outpatient centers, rehab centers, skilled nursing facilities and more. With our expert team behind you every step of the way, you can enjoy a rewarding travel career that exceeds your expectations. With over 20 years of experience, American Traveler has established a reputation for outstanding customer service. With our team behind you, you can relax and enjoy a rewarding travel career.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Boca Raton, FL, US

Year founded

1999