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New Grad Rn Nicu Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Host Healthcare

Travel NICU Registered Nurse

Niles, IL · On-site

Host Healthcare is seeking a travel nurse RN NICU - Neonatal Intensive Care for a travel nursing job in Niles, Illinois. & Requirements * Specialty: NICU - Neonatal Intensive Care * Discipline: RN * ...

Amergis Healthcare Staffing

RN NICU

Evanston, IL

The Registered Nurse - NICU cares for newborn babies who are delivered pre-term or at-term newborns who experience complications at the time of birth. The Registered Nurse - NICU provides intensive ...

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All JobsNew Grad Rn Nicu JobsNew Grad Rn Nicu Jobs in Chicago, IL

New Grad Rn Nicu information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$643

$2.5K

$3.9K

How much do new grad rn nicu jobs pay per week?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average weekly pay for new grad rn nicu in Chicago, IL is $2,523.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,921.15 and $3,071.15 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to make $300,000 as a nurse?

To earn $300,000 as a new graduate RN in the NICU, you typically need to work in high-paying regions, gain specialized certifications, and accumulate significant overtime or shift differentials. Advancing your skills, pursuing additional certifications like Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP), and working in high-demand facilities can also increase earning potential. Achieving this income level usually requires several years of experience and strategic career choices.

What are some common challenges new graduate RNs face when starting in the NICU, and how can they overcome them?

New graduate RNs in the NICU often face challenges such as adapting to the highly specialized care required for critically ill or premature infants, managing the emotional impact of caring for vulnerable patients, and learning to communicate effectively with families during stressful situations. It’s important to seek out mentorship from experienced NICU nurses, actively participate in unit orientation programs, and take advantage of continuing education opportunities. Building strong relationships with your interdisciplinary team and asking questions when needed can also help ease the transition and build confidence.

What is a New Grad RN in the NICU?

A New Grad RN in the NICU is a recently graduated registered nurse who works in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. These nurses provide specialized care to premature and critically ill newborns under the supervision of experienced nurses and medical staff. Their responsibilities include monitoring vital signs, administering medications, assisting with procedures, and supporting families during a challenging time. New grad RNs often participate in orientation or residency programs to build their skills and confidence in this high-acuity environment.

How much do NICU nurses make new grad?

New graduate NICU nurses typically start with a salary ranging from $55,000 to $70,000 annually, depending on location, hospital, and shift differentials. Entry-level NICU nurses often need certification such as Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) and may work rotating shifts, including nights and weekends.

How to make $100,000 as a new grad nurse?

New graduate RNs can reach a $100,000 salary by gaining experience in high-paying specialties such as ICU or NICU, obtaining certifications like CCRN, working in regions with higher pay rates, and taking on overtime or night shifts. Developing strong clinical skills and pursuing advanced certifications can also increase earning potential over time.

What is the difference between New Grad Rn Nicu vs Registered Nurse Pediatric?

AspectNew Grad Rn NicuRegistered Nurse Pediatric
CertificationsRN license, NICU-specific trainingRN license, Pediatric care training
Work EnvironmentNeonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)Pediatric wards, clinics, or hospitals
Employer & IndustryHospitals, NICUs, neonatal care centersPediatric hospitals, clinics, outpatient centers

New Grad Rn Nicu and Registered Nurse Pediatric roles both require an RN license, but they differ mainly in work environment and specialized training. New Grad Rn Nicu focuses on neonatal intensive care, while Registered Nurse Pediatric works with children in broader settings. Both roles serve different patient populations but share core nursing skills.

Can a new grad nurse be a NICU nurse?

A new graduate registered nurse (RN) can become a NICU nurse, but typically they need to gain experience in critical care or neonatal units first. Many NICU positions require certification such as Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) and demonstrate strong clinical skills, so new grads often start in related pediatric or intensive care roles before transitioning to NICU nursing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a New Grad RN in the NICU, and why are they important?

To thrive as a New Grad RN in the NICU, you need a solid foundation in neonatal nursing care, basic life support (BLS), and a registered nursing degree and license. Familiarity with neonatal monitoring equipment, electronic health records (EHRs), and certifications like Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) are typically required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and emotional resilience help you excel when supporting fragile infants and their families. These skills ensure safe, effective care and foster trust with families in a high-stakes environment.
What are popular job titles related to New Grad Rn Nicu jobs in Chicago, IL? For New Grad Rn Nicu jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching New Grad Rn Nicu jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for New Grad Rn Nicu jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for New Grad Rn Nicu jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most New Grad Rn Nicu job openings:
New Grad Rn Nicu jobs near you
Infographic showing various New Grad Rn Nicu job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $131,231 per year, or $63.1 per hour.

Travel Nurse RN - NICU - Neonatal Intensive Care

Favorite Healthcare Staffing

Evanston, IL • On-site

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Favorite Healthcare Staffing is seeking a travel nurse RN NICU - Neonatal Intensive Care for a travel nursing job in Evanston, Illinois.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: NICU - Neonatal Intensive Care
  • Discipline: RN
  • Start Date: 08/10/2026
  • Duration: 5 weeks
  • 35 hours per week
  • Shift: 12 hours, nights
  • Employment Type: Travel

Favorite Healthcare Staffing is looking for an experienced Neonatal ICU Registered Nurse (NICU RN) for a contract in Evanston, IL! This assignment is for 6 weeks and ideal candidates will have at least  3+yrs  of recent experience as a NICU  RN


Neonatal ICU Registered Nurse (NICU RN) Position Details:

• Contract Length: 6 weeks

• Location: Evanston, IL

• Facility Type: Acute Care

• Shift & Schedule: Full-Time, 12 Hour Nights


Neonatal ICU Registered Nurse (NICU RN) Requirements:

• Must have 3yrs of recent Neonatal ICU Registered Nurse (NICU RN)experience in a Acute Care setting

• Active IL Registered Nurse License required

• Current BLS,NRP Certification required


Perks of Working with Favorite:

• Live Recruiters, Customer Service, & Tech Support 24/7/365

• Schedule Shifts & Submit Timecards on Favorite Mobile App

• Referral Bonus Program, First Day Health Insurance, 401(k) Retirement Plans & Match

• License & Continuing Education Reimbursement

About Favorite Healthcare Staffing

Favorite Healthcare Staffing, part of Acacium Group, takes pride in connecting

candidates with jobs that fit their unique needs. We place nursing, advanced

practice, and allied healthcare professionals in top-rated hospitals, clinics, and

physicians’ offices across the country.


With thousands of per diem opportunities, local and travel contracts, or

permanent and temp-to-perm placement jobs to choose from, our recruiters

will help you discover the perfect position for you. Favorite continues to set

the industry standard for quality, service, and integrity in healthcare staffing

and services. Contact us today to find your dream job!

Benefits
  • Weekly pay
  • Dental benefits
  • 401k retirement plan
  • Medical benefits
  • Referral bonus
  • License and certification reimbursement
  • Employee assistance programs
Favorite Healthcare Staffing logo

About Favorite Healthcare Staffing

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Favorite Healthcare Staffing, part of Acacium Group, takes pride in connecting candidates with jobs that fit their unique needs. We place nursing, advanced practice, and allied healthcare professionals in top-rated hospitals, clinics, and physicians' offices across the country. With thousands of per diem opportunities, local and travel contracts, or permanent and temp-to-perm placement jobs to choose from, our recruiters will help you discover the perfect position for you. Favorite continues to set the industry standard for quality, service, and integrity in healthcare staffing and services. Join the Favorite Family today!

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Overland Park, KS, US

Year founded

1981

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