NICU | Registered Nurse

Travel NICU Registered Nurse (RN) – Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Contract in Apple Valley, CA

Apply for a travel NICU Registered Nurse job in Apple Valley, California, and make a meaningful impact caring for neonates and infants with complex medical needs. This 13-week travel nursing assignment offers a consistent night schedule in a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) within an acute care hospital. Apple Valley is a scenic High Desert community known for its open landscapes, mountain views, outdoor recreation, and convenient access to the broader Southern California region.

Travel Nursing Job Details

• Weekly Estimated Pay: $2,050–$2,160
• Location: Apple Valley, California
• Specialty: NICU Registered Nurse (RN)
• Healthcare Setting: Level III NICU within an acute care hospital
• Start Date: October 20, 2026
• Contract Duration: 13 weeks, ending January 19, 2027
• Schedule: Three 12-hour night shifts per week
• Shift Hours: 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 a.m.
• Hours per Week: 36
• Weekend Requirement: Approximately every other weekend; additional weekend coverage may be needed based on unit needs
• Call: Not required
• Unit Profile: 14-bed Level III NICU with approximately 190 births per month
• Patient Population: Neonates and infants, including premature infants, feeders and growers, respiratory distress syndrome, neonatal abstinence syndrome, sepsis, hypoglycemia, and jaundice
• Patient Ratios: May be up to 1:3 and are assigned according to acuity
• Charting: Epic experience required
• Scrub Color: Navy blue for RNs
• Parking: Free parking available
• Orientation: 36 hours

NICU Registered Nurse Job Requirements

• Current Registered Nurse license eligible to practice in California; compact license must be in hand at submission when applicable
• At least 2 years of professional nursing experience, including at least 1 year of NICU nursing experience
• Recent Level III NICU experience required
• Previous travel nursing experience required
• Community hospital experience required
• Current BLS certification
• NRP certification; candidates willing to obtain the advanced credential before the start date may be considered
• Current PALS certification
• Demonstrated proficiency with Epic electronic health records (EHR)
• Strong neonatal assessment, medication administration, critical thinking, and family education skills
• Ability to float to Mother-Baby for neonatal care, including full couplet care when qualified
• Ability to work scheduled weekends and at least 3 of the 5 designated holidays when they fall within the assignment
• All requested time off and scheduling needs must be disclosed before submission; block scheduling is not available

Travel NICU Registered Nurse Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive nursing care for neonates and infants in a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
• Monitor and manage premature infants and patients with respiratory distress, sepsis, hypoglycemia, jaundice, and neonatal abstinence syndrome
• Manage respiratory support including CPAP, BiPAP, high-flow nasal cannula, Vapotherm, conventional ventilation, and high-frequency ventilation or oscillators
• Administer and titrate medications, including vasopressors such as dopamine and dobutamine, antibiotics, antivirals, steroids, surfactants, fentanyl, and Versed
• Manage PICC lines, midlines, UACs, UVCs, arterial lines, central lines, and invasive hemodynamic monitoring
• Perform neonatal dosage calculations, blood glucose monitoring, phototherapy, thermoregulation, and developmental care
• Support feedings by bottle, breast, and gavage while providing breastfeeding and breast milk education
• Assist with or perform neonatal procedures such as intubations, spinal taps, ROP examinations, chest tube management, and lumbar puncture assistance as permitted by policy and competency
• Attend high-risk deliveries and complete APGAR scoring and newborn stabilization
• Recognize and respond to changes in patient condition, seizures, dysrhythmias, respiratory compromise, and other neonatal emergencies
• Collaborate with respiratory services, pharmacy, radiology, social services, interpretation services, and other members of the interdisciplinary care team
• Educate and support patients’ families while delivering compassionate, evidence-based neonatal care

Apply now for this California travel nursing opportunity and join a dedicated neonatal care team in Apple Valley.

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.