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Entry Level Nicu Rn Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel NICU RN

Apple Valley, CA · On-site

TNAA TotalMed RN is seeking a travel nurse RN NICU - Neonatal Intensive Care for a travel nursing job in Apple Valley, California. & Requirements * Specialty: NICU - Neonatal Intensive Care

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TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel NICU RN

San Francisco, CA · On-site

TNAA TotalMed RN is seeking a travel nurse RN NICU - Neonatal Intensive Care for a travel nursing job in San Francisco, California. & Requirements * Specialty: NICU - Neonatal Intensive Care

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TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel NICU RN

Eureka, CA · On-site

TNAA TotalMed RN is seeking a travel nurse RN NICU - Neonatal Intensive Care for a travel nursing job in Eureka, California. & Requirements * Specialty: NICU - Neonatal Intensive Care * Discipline ...

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TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel NICU RN

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

TNAA TotalMed RN is seeking a travel nurse RN NICU - Neonatal Intensive Care for a travel nursing job in Santa Rosa, California. & Requirements * Specialty: NICU - Neonatal Intensive Care

New

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel NICU RN

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

TNAA TotalMed RN is seeking a travel nurse RN NICU - Neonatal Intensive Care for a travel nursing job in Santa Rosa, California. & Requirements * Specialty: NICU - Neonatal Intensive Care

New

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel NICU RN

Apple Valley, CA · On-site

TNAA TotalMed RN is seeking a travel nurse RN NICU - Neonatal Intensive Care for a travel nursing job in Apple Valley, California. & Requirements * Specialty: NICU - Neonatal Intensive Care

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Entry Level Nicu Rn information

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$2.4K

$3.8K

How much do entry level nicu rn jobs pay per week?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average weekly pay for entry level nicu rn in California is $2,433.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,898.08 and $2,865.38 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level NICU RN?

Entry level NICU RNs are registered nurses who are new to working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). They provide specialized care for newborns who are premature, ill, or require close monitoring after birth. These nurses work alongside experienced NICU staff to assess, monitor, and support infants and their families, often participating in ongoing training and mentorship programs. Entry level NICU RNs typically have a nursing degree, a valid RN license, and may receive additional orientation or certifications specific to neonatal care.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level NICU RNs, and how can they successfully adapt to this environment?

Entry-level NICU RNs often encounter challenges such as managing high-stress situations, quickly learning specialized neonatal care procedures, and adapting to the emotional demands of working with critically ill infants and their families. Success in this environment comes from strong mentorship, effective communication with a multidisciplinary team, and continuous learning. New nurses benefit from asking questions, seeking feedback, and utilizing available support resources to build confidence and competence in this rewarding but demanding specialty.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level NICU RN, you need a nursing degree (ADN or BSN), RN licensure, and a foundational understanding of neonatal care and patient assessment. Familiarity with neonatal monitoring equipment, electronic health records (EHRs), and certifications like BLS and NRP are typically required. Compassion, strong communication, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are crucial soft skills for supporting families and collaborating with NICU teams. These skills ensure safe, effective care for vulnerable newborns and foster trust with families during critical moments.

How much does an entry level NICU RN make starting out?

An entry-level NICU RN typically earns between $50,000 and $65,000 annually, depending on location, hospital size, and shift differentials. Starting salaries may also include benefits such as health insurance and paid time off, with additional compensation for night or weekend shifts.

What is the difference between Entry Level Nicu Rn vs Registered Nurse?

AspectEntry Level Nicu RnRegistered Nurse
CertificationsRN license, Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)RN license, may include specialty certifications
Work EnvironmentNeonatal intensive care units, hospitalsVarious settings including hospitals, clinics, community health
Job FocusCare for critically ill newborns in NICUGeneral patient care across different populations

Entry Level Nicu Rns specialize in neonatal intensive care, requiring specific certifications like NRP, and work exclusively in NICUs. Registered Nurses have broader roles across multiple healthcare settings, with a general RN license. While both roles require RN licensure, Entry Level Nicu Rns focus on neonatal care, making their scope more specialized compared to the general responsibilities of Registered Nurses.

How to get started as an entry level NICU RN?

To start as an entry-level NICU RN, obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an associate degree in nursing, pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed, and gain clinical experience in neonatal or pediatric care. Certification in neonatal resuscitation (NRP) is often required or preferred, and strong skills in patient assessment and teamwork are essential for working in the NICU environment.

Is it hard to get hired as an entry level NICU RN?

Securing an entry-level NICU RN position can be competitive due to high demand for neonatal nurses, but candidates with a valid nursing license, neonatal care certification, and clinical experience in pediatrics or intensive care have better chances. Strong skills in patient assessment, teamwork, and familiarity with neonatal equipment are also important for hiring considerations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Nicu Rn jobs in California?

The most popular types of Nicu Rn jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Nicu Rn jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Nicu Rn job openings:

Entry Level Nicu Rn jobs near you

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Registered Nurse RN

Nomad Health

Oakland, CA • On-site

$57/hr

Contractor

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

We are looking for a Travel NICU RN for a great Travel nursing job in Oakland, CA.

This NICU Travel nursing job pays for 36 hours a week for 14 weeks. With Wanderly you can compare Travel nurse salary from leading Travel nurse agencies in the United States.

With Wanderly you can chat and apply to any agency with Wanderly’s Universal Application, below are the details of this Travel Nursing Job including the Travel nurse salary:

  • Specialty: NICU RN
  • Travel Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Registered Nurse : Oakland, CA
  • Travel Nurse Salary: $2052/Week
  • Start Date: August 14, 2026
  • Travel Nursing Job Assignment Length: 14 weeks
  • Travel Nurse Hours: 36 hours per week
  • Shift: 12 hours, Rotating
Nomad Health, the leading travel clinician marketplace, is seeking a Neonatal ICU (NICU) Registered Travel Nurse (RN) in Oakland, CA, $2052/wk.

PK-NEI20149

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About Nomad Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Nomad Health is an innovative company based in New York, NY, the United States that operates in the healthcare and technology industry. It is the first digital marketplace for healthcare jobs, specifically for doctors and nurses. The company was founded in 2015 by a team of medical professionals and technologists with the aim of modernizing healthcare staffing. Their mission is to simplify the previously chaotic process of recruiting to serve medical facilities and healthcare professionals more efficiently. Nomad Health’s key service involves the elimination of recruitment intermediaries, thereby streamlining the hiring process and facilitating a more direct connection between medical professionals and healthcare providers. They have truly revolutionized the healthcare staffing industry, earning them recognition as one of America's most promising startups.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

2015

Social media

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