NICU | Registered Nurse

NICU Registered Nurse (RN) – Level III NICU Travel Nursing Contract in Apple Valley, CA

Apply now for a NICU Registered Nurse travel nursing job in Apple Valley, California, caring for critically ill and premature newborns in a Level III NICU. This 13-week travel assignment offers the opportunity to support neonates and infants with complex medical needs, including respiratory distress, prematurity, sepsis, hypoglycemia, jaundice, and neonatal abstinence syndrome. Join a collaborative interdisciplinary healthcare team in a NICU with approximately 14 beds and an average of 190 births per month.

Located in California’s scenic High Desert, Apple Valley offers beautiful mountain views, abundant sunshine, and convenient access to outdoor recreation, regional parks, and the greater Southern California area.

NICU Travel Nurse Job Details

• Assignment Type: 13-week NICU travel nursing contract
• Location: Apple Valley, California
• Start Date: October 20, 2026
• End Date: January 19, 2027
• Weekly Estimated Pay: $2,050–$2,160
• Schedule: 3 shifts per week, 36 hours per week
• Shift: 12-hour nights, approximately 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.
• Weekend Coverage: Approximately every other weekend; frequency may vary according to unit needs
• Unit: Level III NICU with approximately 14 beds
• Patient Population: Neonates and infants, including premature and high-acuity patients
• Charting: Epic
• Orientation: 36 hours
• Float Expectations: May float to Mother-Baby for newborn care; travelers may also be asked to support nearby sister units when needed
• Parking: Free parking available

NICU Registered Nurse Job Requirements

• Active Registered Nurse (RN) license; compact license must be in hand at submission when applicable
• At least 2 years of professional nursing experience, including a minimum of 1 year of NICU experience
• Recent Level III NICU experience is required
• Previous travel nursing experience is required
• Current BLS certification
• NRP certification; advanced NRP must be obtained before the assignment begins if not already held
• Current PALS certification
• Previous Epic charting experience
• Community hospital experience preferred or required for consideration
• Demonstrated competency caring for neonates at 29–34 weeks gestation and neonates at or below 34 weeks
• Ability to provide care based on acuity, with assignments that may reach up to a 1:3 patient ratio
• Ability to work night shifts, weekends, and applicable holidays

NICU Registered Nurse Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive nursing care to premature, critically ill, and medically complex neonates and infants in a Level III NICU
• Monitor and manage patients receiving CPAP, BiPAP, high-flow nasal cannula, ventilator support, high-frequency ventilation, and oscillation therapy
• Care for patients with respiratory distress syndrome, neonatal sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis, meconium aspiration, hypoglycemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and neonatal abstinence syndrome
• Manage UACs, UVCs, PICC lines, midlines, central lines, arterial lines, and invasive hemodynamic monitoring
• Administer and titrate medications, including vasopressors, antibiotics, antivirals, insulin, steroids, fentanyl, and Versed, according to clinical orders and protocols
• Perform neonatal assessments, APGAR scoring, dosage calculations, blood glucose monitoring, thermoregulation, and developmental care
• Support high-risk deliveries, intubations, spinal taps, ROP examinations, chest tube management, and other specialized neonatal procedures
• Administer blood products, surfactants, phototherapy, and nitric oxide therapy as indicated
• Provide bottle, breast, and gavage feedings while supporting breastfeeding and safe handling of breast milk
• Complete sepsis workups, manage isolation precautions, and recognize changes in patient condition promptly
• Educate and support families throughout the neonatal care journey while collaborating with respiratory therapy, pharmacy, radiology, social services, interpretation services, and other care partners
• Accurately document assessments, interventions, and outcomes in Epic

Apply now for this Level III NICU travel nursing opportunity in Apple Valley, California, and join a dedicated neonatal healthcare team.

Benefits

401K with Matching, Healthcare, Dental and Vision

Equal Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity across our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.