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Entry Level Nicu Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NICU

NICU- Clinical Nurse Specialist

Riverside, CA · On-site

Clinical Nurse Specialist The Clinical Nurse Specialist shall be responsible for directing the clinical nursing practice in the NICU & Pediatric Unit. Coordination and assessment of educational ...

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 ...

ICONMA

RN - Neonatal ICU - NICU

Brighton, MA · On-site

RN - Neonatal ICU - NICU Our Client, a Medical Center company, is looking for a RN - Neonatal ICU - NICU for their Brighton, MA location. Responsibilities: * The Registered Nurse in the NICU provides ...

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Entry Level Nicu information

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$625

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$3.8K

How much do entry level nicu jobs pay per week?

As of Aug 20, 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 are the most commonly searched types of Nicu jobs?

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What states have the most Entry Level Nicu jobs?

States with the most job openings for Entry Level Nicu jobs include:

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.

NICU- Clinical Nurse Specialist

NICU

Riverside, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Clinical Nurse Specialist

The Clinical Nurse Specialist shall be responsible for directing the clinical nursing practice in the NICU & Pediatric Unit. Coordination and assessment of educational development and clinical competency of the nursing staff in the NICU; and for ensuring continued neonatal critical care nursing competency through educational programs for both the newly-hired and experienced nursing staff. Consultation with staff on complex neonatal critical care nursing issues. Oversight of comprehensive parent and or primary caretaker education activities. Ensuring the implementation of a coordinated and effective discharge planning program. Evaluation of NICU based on Accrediting and Regulatory Agencies.

Coordination and assessment of educational development and clinical competency of the nursing staff in the Pediatric Unit; and for ensuring continued Pediatric nursing competency through educational programs for both the newly-hired and experienced nursing staff. Consultation with staff on Pediatric nursing issues. Oversight of comprehensive parent and or primary caretaker education activities. Ensuring the implementation of a coordinated and effective discharge planning program.

Evaluation of Pediatric Unit based on Accrediting and Regulatory Agencies.

RN licensed by the State of California.

Certified by the California State Board of Registered Nursing as a CNS.

Masters of Science Degree in Nursing.

Three years of clinical experience in neonatal nursing care, at least one of which shall have been in a facility with an NICU that is equivalent to a Regional or Community NICU.

Current certification in Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing from a nationally recognized accrediting organization, i.e. the NCC; and

Current successful completion of the Neonatal Resuscitation Program of the AAP and AHA.

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