ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Nicu Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Trinity Health

NICU RN Days

Waterloo, IA · On-site

We are looking to hire a NICU RN! Day shift is 3a-3p The Waterloo Birth Center consists of labor & delivery, postpartum care, and a Level III NICU. We are a 23 bed unit, with 19 of those rooms being ...

New

Trinity Health

NICU RN Days

Waterloo, IA

We are looking to hire a NICU RN! Day shift is 3a-3p The Waterloo Birth Center consists of labor & delivery, postpartum care, and a Level III NICU. We are a 23 bed unit, with 19 of those rooms being ...

New

Trinityhealth

NICU RN Days

Waterloo, IA

We are looking to hire a NICU RN! Day shift is 3a-3p The Waterloo Birth Center consists of labor & delivery, postpartum care, and a Level III NICU. We are a 23 bed unit, with 19 of those rooms being ...

New

Trinity Health

NICU RN Days

Waterloo, IA · On-site

We are looking to hire a NICU RN! Day shift is 3a-3p The Waterloo Birth Center consists of labor & delivery, postpartum care, and a Level III NICU. We are a 23 bed unit, with 19 of those rooms being ...

New

Trinity Health

RN NICU

Mason City, IA

Our Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) has 10 beds and provides advanced, specialized support for newborns who need additional monitoring or intermediatelevel care, allowing families to ...

Trinityhealth

RN NICU

Mason City, IA

Our Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) has 10 beds and provides advanced, specialized support for newborns who need additional monitoring or intermediatelevel care, allowing families to ...

Trinity Health

RN NICU

Mason City, IA · On-site

Our Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) has 10 beds and provides advanced, specialized support for newborns who need additional monitoring or intermediate-level care, allowing families to ...

Trinity Health

RN NICU

Mason City, IA · On-site

Our Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) has 10 beds and provides advanced, specialized support for newborns who need additional monitoring or intermediate-level care, allowing families to ...

UnityPoint Health

RN - NICU

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$7.50/hr

Job ID: 185887 Overview RN, NICU Allen Hospital - Waterloo, IA Part-time, Nights: 7pm-7:30am Shift Differentials: $5.00/hour from 3p-11p, $7.50/hour from 11p-7a, Additonal $7.50/hour weekend ...

New

UnityPoint Health

Nurse Practitioner - NICU

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$117K - $154K/yr

Advanced Practice Nursing and Physician Assistants * Job ID: 179501 Overview UnityPoint Health is ... Coverage at Level II+ Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) - Trinity Bettendorf, IA & Trinity ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsNicu JobsNicu Assistant JobsNicu Assistant Jobs in Iowa

Nicu Assistant information

What is a NICU assistant?

NICU assistants are healthcare support staff who work in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), providing essential non-clinical support to nurses and other medical professionals caring for critically ill or premature newborns. Their responsibilities often include preparing and maintaining equipment, stocking supplies, cleaning and sanitizing patient areas, and sometimes assisting with record-keeping or transporting infants under supervision. While they do not provide direct medical care, their role is vital in ensuring a safe, efficient, and supportive environment for both the medical team and the infants' families.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a NICU assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a NICU Assistant, you typically need a background in healthcare support, basic patient care skills, and relevant certifications such as CPR and, in some cases, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) credentials. Familiarity with neonatal monitoring equipment, electronic health records, and sterile techniques is important for daily tasks. Compassion, attention to detail, and strong teamwork abilities are crucial soft skills for providing sensitive care to vulnerable infants and supporting NICU staff. These skills ensure safe, effective care for premature and critically ill newborns and contribute to a positive, efficient NICU environment.

What are some common challenges faced by NICU assistants, and how can they be managed effectively?

NICU Assistants often encounter emotionally charged situations, as they work closely with critically ill newborns and their families. The fast-paced environment requires excellent multitasking and the ability to respond quickly to changing priorities. To manage these challenges, it's important to develop strong communication skills, maintain emotional resilience, and be proactive in seeking support from colleagues and supervisors. Regular training and teamwork also help NICU Assistants stay prepared and confident in their role.

What is the difference between Nicu Assistant vs Pediatric Nurse?

AspectNicu AssistantPediatric Nurse
CredentialsHigh school diploma, CPR certification, on-the-job trainingRegistered Nurse (RN) license, BSN degree, pediatric specialization
Work EnvironmentNeonatal intensive care units, hospitalsPediatric wards, clinics, hospitals
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist with basic patient care, monitor vital signs, support NICU staffAssess patient condition, administer medications, develop care plans

While Nicu Assistants provide essential support in NICUs with basic care and monitoring, Pediatric Nurses have advanced training to perform comprehensive assessments, administer treatments, and develop care plans for children. Both roles are vital in pediatric healthcare but differ in education, responsibilities, and scope of practice.

How long does it take to become a Nicu Assistant?

Becoming a NICU Assistant typically requires completing a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by on-the-job training or certification in neonatal care or patient support. The training duration can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the program and employer requirements.

How to become a NICU nurse assistant?

To become a NICU nurse assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete a certified nursing assistant (CNA) training program. Certification as a CNA is often required, along with training in neonatal care, and some employers may prefer prior experience or specialized courses in infant care.

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

The most popular types of Nicu jobs in Iowa are:

Nicu Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nicu Assistant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

NICU APP Assistant Manager

University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

University Of Iowa rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

461st of 620 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital is seeking a NICU APP Assistant Manager to help shape the future of neonatal care within one of the country's premier Level 4 NICUs. This unique leadership opportunity combines clinical excellence with operational leadership, allowing you to continue caring for critically ill newborns while mentoring APP colleagues, driving quality initiatives, and influencing the strategic direction of a highly respected neonatal program.
This position offers a balanced 50% clinical / 50% leadership structure, providing the opportunity to remain actively engaged in patient care while expanding your leadership impact.
Why This Role Matters
As Assistant Manager, you'll serve as a key leader within our NICU APP team, partnering with physician leaders, nursing leadership, and fellow APPs to:
  • Mentor and develop the next generation of neonatal APPs
  • Advance quality improvement and patient safety initiatives
  • Support APP onboarding, education, and professional growth
  • Drive operational excellence and team engagement
  • Deliver exceptional care to our most vulnerable patients and their families

Position Responsibilities:
Leadership and Team Support
  • Works collaboratively with the NICU APP Supervisor, NICU Division Director, NICU Medical Director, Pediatrics Administrative Director (or Assistant Director), and UI Health Care Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Director to support implementation and optimization of advanced practice models of care within the NICU.
  • Assists the NICU APP Supervisor in coordinating and facilitating care delivered by the APP team within the NICU.
  • NICU QI and Education management
  • Serves as a clinical and professional resource for NICU APP staff, providing mentorship and guidance to support best practices and professional development.
  • Participates as a member of the NICU leadership team in addressing issues and barriers impacting clinical practice, safety, quality, and professionalism.

Clinical Practice
  • Provides patient care services in the NICU by performing medical assessments, ordering diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and prescribing or delivering medications under a collaborative practice agreement.
  • Collaborates with physicians and interdisciplinary care team members to develop and implement care plans for critically ill infants.
  • Uses clinical judgment to apply and synthesize patient information to address complex neonatal health conditions.
  • Completes accurate and timely documentation of patient care in the electronic medical record and other required systems to ensure compliance, billing accuracy, and regulatory standards.

APP Development and Education
  • Assists with coordination and implementation of orientation, onboarding, competency assessment, and mentoring for new APP staff in partnership with the NICU APP Supervisor and NICU leadership.
  • In collaboration with the NICU Education lead will assist with...." and "In collaboration with the NICU QI lead will encourage APP involvement in unit wide quality improvement efforts
  • Supports ongoing professional development opportunities for APP staff in leadership, clinical excellence, patient-centered care, education, and research.
  • Encourages APP participation in quality improvement initiatives, research, and professional engagement to support the continued advancement of NICU care.

Operational and Administrative Support
  • Assists with facilitation of regular APP staff meetings and promotes effective communication, collaboration, and team engagement.
  • Supports adherence to regulatory and professional standards including credentialing, privileging, clinical protocols, compliance training, and institutional guidelines.
  • Assists the NICU APP Supervisor and leadership team in monitoring performance metrics such as productivity, quality outcomes, patient satisfaction, and APP-specific performance indicators.
  • Participates in initiatives that support retention of Level IV NICU designation, quality improvement, and institutional priorities such as national benchmarking and program development.
  • Would add something about operations here such as maintaining a Teams site, creating and managing a schedule, representing needs of the APP team at the leadership level including meetings, proposals, and presentations.

Human Resources and Recruitment
  • Supports the NICU APP Supervisor with recruitment efforts by assisting with outreach, interviewing, and engagement with academic institutions and professional organizations.
  • Assists in maintaining a collaborative, respectful, and supportive work environment that promotes team effectiveness and staff retention.
  • Supports administrative functions such as scheduling coordination, staff development initiatives, and team communication.

Professional Engagement
  • Collaborates with the UI Health Care APP Director and hospital leadership to promote optimal utilization of APPs within the team-based care model.
  • Participates in APP councils, leadership meetings, and relevant conferences to maintain and advance clinical and professional expertise.
  • Performs additional duties as needed to support NICU operations, APP team development, and patient care excellence.

About the Department of Pediatrics:
The Stead Family Department of Pediatrics is a national leader in pediatric medicine. The Department's mission is to provide outstanding care to the children of Iowa and beyond by being a leader in state-of-the-art clinical care to children, performing cutting-edge research to find new treatments and cures for childhood illnesses and educating the next generation of pediatric health care providers. The Department comprises the medical and research staff of UI Stead Family Children's Hospital. UI Stead Family Children's Hospital is one of the nation's top-ranked pediatric care and research institutions, and Iowa's only comprehensive children's hospital.
Benefits Highlights:
  • Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • For more information about Why Iowa?, click here

Education Requirements:
Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP):
  • A master's degree is required. A master's degree in nursing is preferred. If a master's degree is in a related field, a Baccalaureate degree in Nursing.
  • A Current RN license from the State of Iowa is required.
  • Current certification as a pediatric nurse practitioner (CPNP - AC or CPNP - PC) and licensure as ARNP in state of Iowa is required.
  • Understands the Nurse Practice Act, including ARNP components.
  • Ability to perform technical skill and function as an independent practitioner defined by collaborative practice agreement according to Iowa Board of Nursing, and UI Health Care standards.

Physician Assistant:
  • Must comply with registration and licensure requirements as specified by the Iowa Board of Physician Assistant Examiners which includes graduation from an accredited PA education program and/or certification by the NCCPA.
  • Current certification as Physician Assistant.
  • Current license to practice as a physician assistant in the State of Iowa.

Experience Requirements:
  • Minimum of three years' experience as an Advanced Practice Provider within a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU), Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU).
  • Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to perform technical skills and function as an independent practitioner defined by collaborative practice agreement according to Iowa Board of Nursing, and UI Health Care standards.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently with indirect supervision, critical thinking/problem solving skills and attention to detail.
  • Demonstrated experience working effectively in a welcoming and respectful workplace environment.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated Level III NICU experience.
  • Demonstrated clinical excellence through published articles and/or clinical presentations.
  • Demonstrated experience providing overall medical care and medical management for patients in an inpatient setting.
  • Demonstrated experience exercising autonomy in medical decision-making and services provided.
  • Demonstrated experience managing length of stay, improving resource utilization and decreasing costs to patients and the institution while providing personalized care.
  • Demonstrated experience in clinical care of pediatrics.
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification.
  • NRP Certification.

Position and Application Details:
In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a "Required File" to the submission:
  • CV/Resume
    AND
  • Cover Letter

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.
For additional questions, please contact Children's Human Resources at pedsuichildrenshr@uiowa.edu
This position is not eligible for university sponsorship for employment authorization.

What University Of Iowa employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply