NICU Registered Nurse
Escondido, California
Rady Children's at Palomar Medical Center

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse (Travel/Contract)

Location: Escondido, California
Unit: Palomar NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) - Level 3 NICU

Job Details

• Start Date: January 19 (fixed)
• Shift: 3x12 hour night shifts
• Contract Length: 13 weeks
• Employment Type: Travel/Contract
• Specialty: Registered Nurse - NICU Level 3 or higher
• Required Years of Experience: 3 years in NICU Level 3 or higher
• First-time Travelers: Accepted
• Weekend Requirement: Must be available to work weekends with full flexibility (no specific weekend schedule)
• Floating:

  • Required to float to sister facilities (Rady Main Campus, Scripps Encinitas, Rancho Springs, Scripps La Jolla, Scripps Mercy) with mileage reimbursement
  • Floating mid-shift may be required occasionally (not regular)
  • Nurse will remain within NICU scope of practice
• Locals: Not accepted
• On-call: Not required
• Block Schedule: Not accommodated
• Return to Office (RTO) Restrictions: Maximum 6 days RTO
• Guaranteed Hours: Hours guaranteed after call-off policy is met

Required Certifications and Licenses

• California RN License (must be active)
• BLS (Basic Life Support) - AHA or HeartCode Complete Provider accepted
• NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program) - AAP/AHA Advanced Provider only
• Cerner Experience (electronic medical record system)
• National Certifications: BLS, NRP required
• Preferred but Not Required: ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)

Patient Population and Unit Highlights

• Level 3 NICU with 12 beds and average daily census of 8
• Pediatric teaching hospital with Magnet designation and Level I Pediatric Trauma Center
• Patient diagnoses include respiratory distress, hypoglycemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and care for neonates 28 weeks and up

Compliance and Documentation Requirements

• Background Checks: Must be completed within 30 days of start, including criminal background checks for all counties lived/worked in last 7 years, sex offender search, national criminal database, education verification, and international background if applicable
• Education Verification: 3rd party verification required; transcripts/diploma accepted as placeholder if pending
• Photo for Badge: Recent photo (JPEG, neck up, plain background) required by Wednesday prior to start
• Physical Exam: Within 1 year of start, signed by MD, DO, NP, PA, or APRN, confirming good health without restrictions
• Fit Mask Test: N95 fit test within 1 year of start (specific mask models required)
• Immunizations and Titers:

  • Tdap vaccine within 10 years (no declinations accepted)
  • Negative TB test (Qgold/Tspot within 6 months or two negative PPDs)
  • Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella: Positive titer or 2 vaccines required
  • Hepatitis B: Series or titer required; can start series pending if 3rd dose within 30 days after start
  • Varicella: Positive titer or 2 vaccines required
  • Seasonal Flu Vaccine: Required starting October 31 through flu season; no declinations accepted
• Drug Testing: Negative 9-panel non-THC drug test within 30 days of start
• Medication Calculation Exam: Pass/fail test required with 100% score prior to start; two attempts allowed
• Competency Exams: Pediatric-specific competency exams required with minimum 80% score, updated annually
• References: Two supervisory references from clinical leadership (director, supervisor, or manager) verified within 1 year of start (charge nurses not acceptable)

Additional Notes

• Must agree to floating to sister facilities and occasional mid-shift floating before submitting application
• Mileage reimbursement provided for floating travel
• Scrub color: Any color allowed
• Free parking for travelers
• Modules are not billable
• Candidates must complete various facility-specific documents and acknowledgments prior to start (e.g., HIPAA, confidentiality, code of conduct, meal waiver, professional accountability)

Summary

This is a 13-week travel contract for an experienced NICU Registered Nurse with at least 3 years of Level 3 NICU experience. The position requires night shifts with weekend flexibility and floating to sister facilities. First-time travelers are accepted. Candidates must hold a valid California RN license, BLS, and NRP certifications, and pass all required health screenings, background checks, and competency exams.