NICU Registered Nurse
Columbus, Ohio
Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

NICU Registered Nurse Travel/Contract Position

Location: Columbus, Ohio
Contract Length: 13 weeks
Shift: Night (3 shifts per week, 12 hours each; 7:00 PM – 7:30 AM)
Hours per Week: 36

Job Description

Provide comprehensive care to neonates in a Level III NICU, including patients from 22 weeks gestation and above. Responsibilities include:

• Managing respiratory distress, glucose control, and care for neonates requiring surgery or cardiac interventions
• Specialized care for neonates < 24-28 weeks gestation focusing on respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and infectious disease management
• Administering medications via Pyxis system, including IV vasopressors, surfactants, and steroids
• Performing arterial line management, central line care, and interventions for neonatal abstinence syndrome
• Overseeing ventilator settings and adjustments (AC/PC/SIMV/CPAP/BIPAP/PEEP)
• Using EPIC for documentation and SBAR for communication with healthcare providers and families
• Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team including nurse practitioners, pharmacy, respiratory services, radiology, social services, and others

Required Qualifications

• Valid RN license in Ohio
• Minimum 1 year of NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care) experience, with recent experience within the last year
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification issued by the American Heart Association
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Competency in cardiovascular dysrhythmia interpretation and management
• Proficiency in gastrointestinal feeding methods and management of oral, nasogastric, and nasojejunal tubes
• Expertise in IV therapy, including umbilical artery and vein catheter management

Experience Requirements

• Minimum years of NICU experience: Not explicitly stated, but must have demonstrated competency in Level III/IV NICU care and specialized neonatal procedures
• Prior travel experience: Not required

Background and Compliance Requirements

• 7-year criminal background check within 90 days of start, including FBI and BCI fingerprinting (Ohio-specific code 3701.881)
• Education verification from an accredited nursing program (CCNE, ACEN, or NLN CNEA)
• Drug screening: Negative 10-panel drug test within 3 months of start
• Physical exam within 1 year of start confirming good health and free of contagious disease
• Immunizations and health documentation required:

  • Tdap (adult dose after age 11/12)
  • Negative TB test or chest x-ray within 1 year
  • MMR (2 vaccines or positive titers for measles, mumps, rubella)
  • Varicella (2 vaccines or positive titer)
  • Hepatitis B titer or 3-vaccine series (declination acceptable)
  • Seasonal flu vaccine or declination during flu season (10/1 - 3/31)
• Annual fit mask testing required for inpatient/patient-facing roles starting 7/13/2026 and beyond
• Background checks monitored monthly for compliance with federal exclusions (OIG/SAM)

Competency and Certification Exams

• Medication Test/Pharmacology Competency Exam required prior to start
• Unit-specific competency exams required
• Dysrhythmia/EKG competency exam required within 1 year of start (NICU RNs exempt)

Additional Requirements

• Two professional references required; at least one must be from a manager or formal leadership
• Employment application and skills checklist required
• Annual review and acknowledgment of dress code and hand hygiene policies
• Completion of fraud, waste, and abuse training certificate prior to start and annually thereafter
• Ethics and compliance policies must be reviewed and signed annually

Notes

• Candidates with prior experience at a major pediatric hospital in Columbus will receive special consideration
• Parking permits are available for purchase but details are subject to change and not included here

This position offers the opportunity to work in a high-acuity neonatal intensive care environment with a multidisciplinary team, providing specialized care to critically ill neonates.