Travel Nurse RN - Pediatrics
Elmira, NY
First Connect Health
3x12 hrs, Nights, Rotating
Referral Bonus

RN - Pediatrics - Elmira, NY

Contract Duration: 13 Weeks (07/05/2026 – 10/03/2026)

Shift: Nights | 19:00 – 07:30 (3x12-Hour Shifts)

Guaranteed Hours: 36 Hours Per Week

Submission Guardrails & Requisition Matrix

• Schedule Requirements: Standard 3x12 night shifts. Anticipate every other weekend and rotating holiday coverage native to an inpatient unit.
• On-Call: No on-call commitments are required for this slot.
• Reason for Requisition: Backfilling an open vacancy due to an employee resignation/termination.
• Urgency: Critical Order (Level 2) | Distributed on June 11, 2026.

Job Summary

An acute care medical center in the Southern Tier of New York is seeking a highly nurturing, clinically independent Pediatric RN to support a small, family-centered inpatient pediatric unit (4C Pediatrics - 6170). This role involves caring for a diverse general pediatric population ranging from neonates up to adolescents aged 17. The incoming clinician must excel at managing acute childhood illnesses, executing precise weight-based medical calculations, and delivering reassuring, family-integrated care.

Key Responsibilities

• Multi-Age Clinical Assessment: Perform comprehensive, age-appropriate physical and developmental assessments on patients spanning from neonates to young adults (0–17 years).
• Pediatric Pharmacology: Accurately calculate, verify, and administer weight-based pediatric medications ($mg/kg$), fluid boluses, and continuous intravenous infusions to prevent fluid volume overload.
• Acute Illness Case Management: Manage common and complex general pediatric admissions, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), acute asthma exacerbations, dehydration/gastroenteritis, appendicitis, and severe infections.
• Pediatric Line & Tube Maintenance: Maintain and troubleshoot peripheral IV lines, central lines, nasogastric ($NG$) tubes, and urinary catheters adjusted for pediatric sizing.
• Family-Centered Education: Partner with parents and caregivers to provide extensive bedside education on disease processes, medication schedules, home safety, and pediatric warning signs prior to discharge.
• De-escalation & Comfort: Utilize therapeutic play and age-appropriate distraction techniques to reduce anxiety and stress during painful or frightening clinical procedures.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum 1–2 years of recent, continuous hospital-based inpatient Pediatric experience.
• Licensure: Active New York (NY) State RN License must be held at the time of profile submission.
• Certifications (Must be active):
  • AHA PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) is highly preferred or mandatory prior to start.
  • AHA BLS (Required).
• Skills Profile: High proficiency with pediatric vital sign parameters, early recognition of pediatric respiratory distress, and family crisis mitigation.

Clinical Spotlight: Early Signs of Pediatric Respiratory Distress

In general pediatric units, patients can decompensate rapidly due to smaller airway diameters and higher metabolic demands. The overnight nurse must maintain exceptional vigilance in detecting the progressive physical signs of pediatric respiratory distress:

• Mild Distress: Increased respiratory rate (tachypnea for age bracket) and mild intercostal retractions.
• Moderate Distress: Visible nasal flaring, accessory muscle use (subcostal and suprasternal retractions), and intermittent expiratory grunting to maintain alveolar volume.
• Severe Distress (Impending Respiratory Failure): Paradoxical "seesaw" breathing, head bobbing with each breath, audible stridor or profound wheezing, prolonged expiratory phases, and central cyanosis or lethargy. Immediate escalation and rapid response activation are required.