Travel Nurse RN - PICU - Pediatric Intensive Care
Bakersfield, CA
Cross Country Nurses
3x12 hrs, Nights
Referral Bonus
$2,855/weekOverview
- Start Date11/16/2026
- Shift Breakdown3x12 hrs
- ShiftNights
- Duration13 weeks
Pay
Benefits
- 401k retirement plan
- Referral bonus
Description
Job Summary
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) position for a registered nurse providing specialized care to critically ill pediatric patients. The role supports patients with respiratory failure, dehydration, seizures, poisoning, diabetic ketoacidosis, and ventilator needs in an acute care setting. The assignment includes night shifts and pediatric specialty-unit coverage.
Job Details
- Schedule: Night shifts, 12 hours per shift, with a minimum of 36 hours per week; every other weekend and two of three holidays required.
- Required Qualifications: Minimum of 3 years of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit experience; Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification; Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification; active license required for submission; ability to care for critically ill pediatric patients, including those requiring ventilator support and titratable medication infusions.
- Preferred Qualifications: Previous travel nursing experience; experience using Medfusion pumps.
- Float: Float rotation may be required.
- Additional Information: The nurse-to-patient ratio is typically 1:2. Clinical responsibilities include caring for pediatric patients with respiratory failure, dehydration, seizures, suicide attempts, overdoses, poisoning, ventilator dependence, and diabetic ketoacidosis. The role may include managing insulin, sedative, heparin, vasopressin, norepinephrine, and epinephrine infusions, along with electrolyte replacement. Floating may include general pediatric and neonatal intensive care units, with pediatric burn-unit assignments limited to non-burn care. Pediatric respiratory support includes ventilators, continuous positive airway pressure, bilevel positive airway pressure, and high-flow nasal cannula. If census is low, scheduled staff may be placed on standby.
Benefits
- The benefits of taking a travel assignment with Cross Country include:
- Private housing or generous housing allowance
- Comprehensive health insurance with prescription coverage
- Dependent health insurance with prescription coverage
- Competitive salaries
- Referral bonuses
- Travel reimbursement
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Direct deposit/free checking
- Unlimited free CE credits
Employer
Cross Country Nurses
11 nurses recommend working with Cross Country Nurses
You care for others — we’re here to care for you. At Cross Country, we know travel nursing is about more than just the job. It’s about building a career that supports your lifestyle, your values, and your impact. We offer competitive pay, full benefits, and 24/7 support from a team that truly understands what it means to be on the front lines. Wherever your journey takes you, we’re with you every step of the way. Let’s build your best life — one assignment at a time.
About Bakersfield, CA
As a Travel Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse in Bakersfield, CA here's what you should know:- Bakersfield's cost of living is lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to live.
- Wages generally match up with the lower cost of living.
- Summer average highs are around 95°F, and winter average lows are around 39°F.
- Short term rentals are easy to find in Bakersfield, with many options available for furnished housing.
- Bakersfield is car-friendly, with a majority of residents relying on personal vehicles.
- Public transportation options are available but may be limited compared to larger cities.
- Bakersfield has a diverse population with a wide age range.
- Common health issues include respiratory conditions due to air quality concerns.
- There is a growing population of travel nurses in the area.
- Bakersfield offers a variety of restaurants featuring local and international cuisines.
- The city has a vibrant arts and music scene, with opportunities to enjoy live performances.
- Sports enthusiasts can partake in local events and outdoor activities such as hiking and biking.
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