Pediatric Critical Care Float RN (NICU/PICU)
Orange, 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 Summary

• Position involves working primarily in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with consistent floating to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and general Pediatrics.
• Patient age range: newborns up to 18 years old.
• Schedule: 3 shifts per week, 12-hour night shifts.
• Weekend requirement: 6 weekend shifts per 6-week schedule, including major holiday coverage.
• Orientation: Only one orientation per month; start date is fixed.

Unit Details

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

Required Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in California
• Minimum 5 years of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) experience, including experience within the last year
• Experience working with neonate patients
• Completion of at least one travel nursing assignment
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Certifications:

  • Basic Life Support (BLS) issued by the American Heart Association
  • Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) issued by the American Heart Association

Compliance & Documentation Requirements

• Criminal background check within 60 days of start.
• Verification of highest applicable degree.
• Drug screening (9-panel) 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 (IGRA or 2-step PPD)
  • Annual TB questionnaire
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella immunity or vaccination
  • Hepatitis B immunity or declination
  • Seasonal flu vaccination or approved exemption (required during flu season)
• Mask fit testing prior to start (specific mask types required).
• Physical exam within 1 year.
• Visual acuity exam prior to start.
• Color blindness exam (Ishihara test) if applicable.
• References: 2 supervisor references required (may be pending at start).
• Work history verification for at least 2 previous employers covering up to 7 years of relevant experience.

Orientation & Onboarding

• Orientation includes both virtual and in-person components.
• Pre-start modules must be completed prior to floor access.
• Badges and access provided on first shift.
• Temperature checks and prescreening may be required before building access.
• Orientation schedule and onboarding details provided prior to start.

Additional Notes

• Must comply with fingernail hygiene policy: no artificial nails; natural nails must be maintained at a short length.
• Must complete various facility-specific acknowledgments and agreements prior to start.
• Safety and conduct standards must be reviewed and signed.
• Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) or Management of Assaultive Behavior (MAB) certification may be required depending on unit assignment.

This position is ideal for experienced pediatric critical care nurses with strong NICU backgrounds who have prior travel nursing experience and are comfortable working night shifts with a floating assignment across multiple pediatric critical care units.