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Entry Level Nicu Jobs (NOW HIRING)

St. David's HealthCare

Neonatal ICU (NICU)

Austin, TX · On-site

Neonatal Icu (nicu) Rn Travel Job Genie Healthcare is looking for a RN to work in Neonatal ICU (NICU) for a 13 weeks travel assignment located in Austin, TX for the Shift (3x12 nights, 19:00:00-07:00 ...

Tap Healthcare Solutions

RN - NICU (Level IV)

Seattle, WA · On-site

$80K - $156K/yr

This is an experienced NICU RN position, not an entry-level opportunity or pathway into neonatal intensive care. Candidates must already possess substantial hands-on NICU nursing experience and be ...

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA MEDICAL CENTER

NICU

NICU RN Opportunity in Charlottesville, Virginia Zack Group is currently seeking NICU RNs for positions in Charlottesville, Virginia. The ideal candidate will possess a current state or equivalent ...

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Entry Level Nicu information

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How much do entry level nicu jobs pay per week?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average weekly pay for entry level nicu in the United States is $2,449.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,865.38 and $2,980.77 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level NICU job?

Entry level NICU jobs are positions in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for individuals who are early in their careers, often recent nursing graduates or nurses transitioning into neonatal care. These roles typically involve providing specialized care to premature or critically ill newborns under the supervision of experienced NICU staff. Responsibilities may include monitoring vital signs, administering medications, assisting with feeding, and supporting families. Entry level NICU positions often require a valid nursing license (RN) and may provide on-the-job training specific to neonatal care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level NICU nurse?

To thrive as an Entry Level NICU Nurse, you need a current RN license, foundational knowledge of neonatal care, and a basic understanding of infant assessment and intervention. Familiarity with neonatal monitoring equipment, electronic health records, and completion of certifications like Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) are typically required. Compassion, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help you support families and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure the safe, effective care of vulnerable newborns and foster a supportive environment for both patients and their families.

What are some typical challenges an entry level NICU nurse may face during their first year on the job?

As an entry-level NICU nurse, you may encounter challenges such as adjusting to the emotional intensity of caring for critically ill newborns and learning to communicate effectively with both families and multidisciplinary teams. Adapting to the fast-paced, technology-driven environment and mastering specialized equipment can also be demanding. Ongoing training, mentorship, and support from experienced colleagues are common ways hospitals help new NICU nurses build confidence and develop essential skills.

What is the difference between Entry Level Nicu vs Pediatric Nurse?

AspectEntry Level NicuPediatric Nurse
Required CertificationsCPR, Basic Life Support (BLS), Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)CPR, BLS, Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
Work EnvironmentNeonatal intensive care units, hospitalsPediatric wards, clinics, hospitals
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, neonatal care centersHospitals, pediatric clinics, community health centers

Entry Level Nicu nurses primarily focus on caring for critically ill newborns in neonatal intensive care units, requiring certifications like NRP. Pediatric nurses work with children of all ages in various settings, often needing PALS certification. While both roles involve working with young patients in hospital environments, Entry Level Nicu nurses specialize in neonatal care, whereas pediatric nurses have a broader scope across different pediatric age groups.

Is it hard to get hired as a entry level NICU nurse?

Securing an entry-level NICU nurse position can be competitive due to high demand for neonatal care, but candidates with a nursing license, relevant clinical experience, and certifications such as Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) often have good prospects. Strong communication skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment also improve hiring chances.

What do I need to do to work in the entry level NICU?

To work as an entry-level NICU nurse or technician, you typically need a relevant healthcare certification such as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or a nursing license if required, along with basic life support (BLS) certification. Prior experience in neonatal care or pediatrics is beneficial, and strong communication and teamwork skills are essential in the NICU environment.

Where do I start to become an entry level NICU nurse?

To become an entry-level NICU nurse, you need to earn a nursing degree such as an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), pass the NCLEX-RN licensing exam, and obtain state licensure. Gaining experience through clinical rotations in neonatal or pediatric units and obtaining certifications like Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) can improve job prospects.
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What states have the most Entry Level Nicu jobs?

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Entry Level Nicu jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Nicu job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 5% As Needed, 55% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 28% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,391 per year, or $61.2 per hour.

RN, Doernbecher Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Portland, OR • On-site

Doernbecher Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
See more jobs at Doernbecher Neonatal Intensive Care Unitexternal

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Position

Doernbecher Children's Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a 46-bed level IV, regional referral center, providing care for a patient population of critically ill, convalescing and growing premature and term newborns. Admissions come from our own high-risk perinatal department, as well as transports from other hospitals in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Hawaii.

Provide continuing care and monitoring of NICU patients in locations outside of the NICU including MRI, CT, Nuclear Medicine, Upper GI, Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, etc.

This position also comes with great benefits! Some highlights include:

  • Comprehensive health care plans. Covered at 100% of the cost for full-time employees and 88% for dependents.
  • $50K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee
  • Two separate above market pension plans to choose from
  • Vacation - 192 to 288 hours per year depending on length of service, prorated for part-time
  • Holidays - up to 64 holiday hours per calendar year (employees accrue.0308 holiday hours for each hour paid – included in vacation accruals)
  • Sick Leave - 96 hours per year, prorated for part-time
  • Substantial public transportation discounts (Tri-met and C-Tran)
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Innovative Employee Assistance Program (EAP) including extensive wellness resources
Function/Duties of Position

The NICU at Doernbecher Children's Hospital at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, OR is a regional referral center for all critically ill neonates, offering access to pediatric surgeons and subspecialists. Here are some things that set us apart from other hospitals in the area that make this an exciting place to work:

  • 46 bed, Level IV NICU, within a Level I, Academic Medical Trauma Center
  • Magnet designated hospital
  • Most comprehensive Fetal Care Program in Oregon and Southwest Washington, offering maternal and fetal care at one center, including intrauterine fetal surgery
  • Specialized neonatal resuscitation program for high risk delivery attendance
  • Pediatric and Neonatal Transport team
  • NICU specific PICC and Lactation teams
  • Pioneering research in areas including nutrition, patient safety, and ventilation strategies
  • This is a night shift only position - no rotations between night and day shift
Required Qualifications
  • 2 years Level II, III, and/or IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit experience.
  • Annual/Biennial Department specific education requirements include:
    • Annual pediatric/neonatal competencies
    • Biennial competency for newborn resuscitation at high risk deliveries
  • BSN Graduates: Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing from a program accredited by Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA) 30 days before start date.
  • ADN Graduates: Associate Degree in Nursing from an accredited program 30 days before the start date.
  • Associate degree Nurses required to enroll in BSN program within 3 years of hire and complete within 5 years of hire
  • Current, unencumbered Oregon State Registered Nurse License
  • BLS and NRP from AHA required. New hires will be enrolled and required to complete during orientation
  • Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation
Preferred Qualifications
  • Internal Applicants: Bachelor's Degree in Nursing
  • Stable Certification for those with NICU experience
  • Bilingual: Spanish/English
  • Specialty certification specific to Neonatal Nursing
Additional Details

Length of Orientation – Experienced Nurse

  • External candidates: OHSU & Nursing New Employee Orientation (NEO) for about a week.
  • Either Transition to Practice (TTP) Program Specialty Fellowship/Fellowship Learning Pathway or Orientation experience from 3 days-26 weeks depending on the care area. An employment service agreement may apply

6 positions available

Why Apply To OHSU?

We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington.

All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.edu

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