NICU Registered Nurse
New Haven, Connecticut
Yale-New Haven Hospital

Registered Nurse - NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)

Location: New Haven, Connecticut
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Description

• Work schedule is organized in 6-week blocks, generally consistent shifts without switching between day and night within the same week (except during orientation).
• Shift options: Day (7:00 AM - 7:00 PM) or Night (7:00 PM - 7:00 AM), typically 3 shifts per week, 12 hours each (36 hours/week).
• Average nurse-to-patient ratio: 1:2-4.
• Weekend work required every other weekend.
• Floating within scope of practice may be required to meet facility needs.
• Guaranteed hours provided.

Required Qualifications

• Valid RN license in Connecticut.
• Minimum 2 years of NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care) nursing experience, with NICU experience within the last year.
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
• Certifications required:

  • Basic Life Support (BLS) issued by American Heart Association or American Red Cross
  • Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
• Experience with central lines and phlebotomy skills.

Facility & Work Environment

• Short Term Acute Care facility with Level I Trauma Center designation.
• Total staffed beds: 1,567.
• Electronic health record system: Epic.
• Parking cost: $125/month.

Compliance & Documentation Requirements

• Background checks including 7-year criminal history, EPLS/GSA/SAM, HHS/OIG, sex offender search, and education verification required.
• Foreign-educated candidates must provide foreign equivalency education evaluation and diploma.
• Physical exam within 12 months of start required.
• Drug screening: 10-panel drug test within 12 months of start.
• Immunizations and health screenings:

  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray documentation.
  • Tdap vaccination preferred for pediatric specialties but not mandatory.
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) immunity via positive titer or vaccination.
  • Hepatitis B immunity or declination accepted.
  • Varicella immunity or vaccination with booster requirements if low titer.
  • Seasonal flu vaccination or approved medical/religious exemption required during flu season.
  • COVID vaccination series preferred but not mandatory.
• Fit mask test (N95) within 12 months, updated annually; clean-shaven required for fit testing.

Competency & Training Requirements

• Medication/Pharmacology competency exam with minimum 85% score, including NICU-specific pharmacology.
• Color blindness test required (minimum 80% score).
• Language Services Training mandatory.
• CAUTI Education Training (except NICU, PICU, Psychiatry).
• Suicide Risk and Environmental Assessment Training.
• Mobile Heartbeat Alarm training (except ER/ED, Pediatrics, ICU, NICU).
• Stroke Education (except pediatric specialties and NICU).
• CLABSI Prevention Training.
• Preventing Pressure Injury Training.
• Patient Transportation with Oxygen Education.
• Pyxis ES MedStation training.
• Baxter Pump Interoperability training.
• Patient Bedside Rounding training (except OR, Behavioral Health, Ambulatory, ER/ED).
• Ventricular Assist Device Awareness (except certain hospitals).
• Blood Administration Module (except Case Managers, Behavioral Health, Home Health).
• New Employee Orientation module.
• 21st Century Cures Act Module (required for RNs except Home Health).
• Fire Safety Module (effective 5/4/2026).
• Chaperone Policy Training (effective 5/31/2024).
• EPIC testing or training for those with Epic experience or as required by unit.

Work History & References

• Must provide a 7-year work history with no gaps greater than 90 days.
• Verification of employment for the last 7 years required.
• One supervisor reference within the past year required for ICU assignments; charge nurse references not accepted.
• Skills checklist required within 12 months of start.

Special Notes

• Orientation may include a day shift followed by a night shift to complete required hours.
• Pending licenses must be active before start date.
• No prior travel experience required.

This summary includes all relevant details for healthcare recruiters and workers considering this NICU travel nurse position.