Pediatric Critical Care Float RN
Mission Viejo, California
Children's Hospital of Orange County at Mission

Job Opportunity: Pediatric Critical Care Float Registered Nurse

Location: Mission Viejo, California
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Description

• Pediatric Critical Care Float RN working primarily nights (3x12 hour shifts).
• Home unit is Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with consistent floating to Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and Pediatrics.
• Care for patients up to 18 years of age.
• Weekend requirement: 6 weekend shifts per 6-week schedule, including major holiday coverage.

Units Overview:

• NICU: 22-bed Level III unit caring for preterm infants (as early as 22+ weeks), respiratory distress, hyperbilirubinemia, IDM/poor feeders, failure to thrive, hypoglycemia. Emphasis on quiet developmental support.
• PICU: 8-bed Level II trauma unit with respiratory diagnoses, ingestions, and some surgical cases.
• Pediatrics: 24-bed general medical/surgical unit with embedded Eating Disorder Stabilization Program and long-term EEG program.

Required Certifications

• BLS (Basic Life Support)
• NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program)
• PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)

Required Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in ICU nursing.
• Strong NICU experience required.
• Solid ICU skills mandatory.
• No first-time travelers accepted (prior travel experience required).

Required Qualifications

• Valid RN license in California.
• Minimum 5 years of ICU (Intensive Care Unit) experience, including ICU experience within the last year.
• Strong NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) experience.
• Completion of at least one travel nursing assignment.
• Current ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) certification issued by the American Heart Association.
• Current BLS (Basic Life Support) certification issued by the American Heart Association.
• Current NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program) certification.
• Current PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) certification issued by the American Heart Association.
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).

Additional Requirements

• Criminal background check within 60 days of start.
• Drug screening with negative 9-panel test within 60 days of start.
• Immunizations and health screenings including:

  • Tdap vaccine (TD or Dtap not accepted)
  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 60 days of start (or proof of positive with clearance)
  • Flu vaccination or approved medical/religious exemption during flu season
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, Hepatitis B immunity or vaccination documentation
• Mask fit testing prior to start (specific mask types required).
• Completion of pediatric-specific competency exams and medication/pharmacology tests.
• Completion of orientation modules and unit-specific orientation.
• Compliance with fingernail hygiene policy (no artificial nails, nails maintained ≤ ¼ inch).
• References: 2 supervisor references required (charge RN or floor supervisor acceptable).
• Verification of work history for at least 2 previous employers covering 7 years of relevant experience.

Orientation & Onboarding

• Orientation occurs once per month; start date is fixed (no later starts allowed).
• Orientation includes both virtual and in-person components.
• Pre-start modules must be completed prior to orientation.
• Badge pickup and security screening required on first shift.
• Various facility-specific acknowledgments and agreements must be signed prior to start.

Work Schedule

• Night shifts, 12 hours each.
• Floating between NICU, PICU, and Pediatrics.
• Weekend and holiday coverage required.

This position is ideal for experienced pediatric ICU nurses with strong NICU skills who have prior travel nursing experience and are comfortable working in a fast-paced, multi-unit pediatric critical care environment.