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New Grad Rn Nicu Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Travel ICU RN

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

$1.7K - $2.3K/wk

New graduates are welcome to apply (Allied Only) * Unlimited Referral Bonus Program * Personal ... Baby, NICU, Cath Lab, Endoscopy, and more along with a full range of allied and imaging ...

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New Grad Rn Nicu information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$607

$2.4K

$3.7K

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

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average weekly pay for new grad rn nicu in Raleigh, NC is $2,381.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,813.46 and $2,898.08 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.
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Infographic showing various New Grad Rn Nicu job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,834 per year, or $59.5 per hour.
Registered Nurse (December 2026 Grad) - NICU

Registered Nurse (December 2026 Grad) - NICU

Duke Clinical Research Institute

Durham, NC • On-site

Other

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


Job description

What you can expect

Location: 2301 Erwin Rd, Durham, 27710, NC

Duke University Hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a high-acuity, high-volume neonatal program that provides care for more than 1,000 infants each year. The unit includes the Special Care Nursery, Transitional Care Nursery, and Intensive Care Nursery, offering a full spectrum of neonatal care. Patient populations include critically ill and medically complex newborns, including extremely low birth weight infants, infants with congenital and genetic anomalies, and those requiring long-term or palliative support. Nurses work within a multidisciplinary team in a collaborative, family-centered care environment.

Schedule:

  • Full time, three 12-hour shifts per week
  • Rotating day and night shifts: 7 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. - 7:30 a.m.
  • Minimum of 2-4 weekend shifts per four-week scheduling period

Incentives & Total Rewards:

  • Relocation Assistance: $3,000. Relocation is offered to employees relocating from a permanent residence located at least 50 miles from Duke University Hospital. A permanent residence is typically defined as the address listed on a valid government-issued ID (e.g., driver's license). Temporary housing, such as dormitories or student apartments, does not qualify.
  • Total Rewards: A comprehensive set of pay and benefits designed to support your well-being, professional growth, and work-life balance. Learn more here.
How you will make an impact
  • Plan, provide, and document professional nursing care in accordance with provider orders, established policies, and procedures, while ensuring safe and developmentally appropriate care for neonatal patients.
  • Utilize the nursing process to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate individualized care for neonatal patients and their families in a high-acuity environment.
  • Collaborate with neonatologists and the interdisciplinary team to support optimal patient outcomes and continuity of care.
  • Delegate and supervise care activities for licensed and unlicensed personnel and monitor patient status to initiate timely interventions.
  • Participate in orientation, ongoing education, performance improvement, and shared governance activities while supporting families through education and emotional support.
What you will need
  • Graduation from an accredited Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (or higher), Associate's Degree in Nursing, or Nursing Diploma program
  • BSN required within seven years of start date if not already obtained
  • Current or eligible North Carolina RN licensure or compact RN license required
  • BLS certification required prior to start date

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas - an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.