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 Summary

Provide comprehensive care to neonates in a Level III NICU, including patients from 22 weeks gestation and above. Manage respiratory distress, glucose control, and care for neonates requiring surgery or cardiac interventions.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver specialized care to neonates, including those under 24-28 weeks gestation, focusing on respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and infectious disease management.
• Administer medications using Pyxis system, including IV vasopressors, surfactants, and steroids.
• Perform arterial line management, central line care, and interventions for neonatal abstinence syndrome.
• Manage ventilator settings and adjustments (AC/PC/SIMV/CPAP/BIPAP/PEEP).
• Document patient care using EPIC system.
• Use SBAR communication method for effective interaction with healthcare providers and families.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members including nurse practitioners, pharmacy, respiratory services, physical therapy, radiology, social services, and unit secretaries.

Required Certifications

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

Required Experience and Skills

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Ohio
• Minimum of 1 year of NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care) experience, including experience within the last year
• Associate of Science in Nursing / Associate Degree in Nursing
• Experience in an Acute Care setting
• Competency in cardiovascular dysrhythmia interpretation and management
• Expertise in IV therapy, including umbilical artery and vein catheter management

Required Licenses

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license for Ohio.

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).
• Negative 10-panel drug screen within 3 months of start.
• Physical exam within 1 year confirming good health and free of contagious disease.
• Immunizations and health documentation:

  • Tdap (adult dose after age 11/12)
  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 1 year
  • Annual TB questionnaire
  • 2 MMR vaccines or positive titers for Rubeola, Mumps, and Rubella
  • Hepatitis B titer or 3-vaccine series (declination acceptable)
  • Varicella vaccination or positive titer (medical exemptions require documentation)
  • Seasonal flu vaccine or declination during flu season (10/1 - 3/31)
• Fit mask test annually for inpatient/patient-facing roles (valid for entire assignment length).
• Fraud, Waste, and Abuse training certificate prior to start and updated annually.
• Background check monitoring monthly through workforce monitoring systems.

Competency Requirements

• Medication/Pharmacology competency exam prior to start.
• Unit-specific competency exam.
• Dysrhythmia/EKG competency exam within 1 year of start (not required for NICU RNs).

Additional Requirements

• Two professional references required; at least one must be from a manager or formal leadership.
• Employment application and skills checklist required.
• Orientation safety manual acknowledgment annually.
• Compliance with dress code and hand hygiene policies.
• Confidential Fraud Waste Abuse and Compliance Reporting acknowledgment.

Notes

• Prior experience at a major children’s hospital NICU will be given special consideration.
• This position supports neonates requiring complex care including surgical and cardiac interventions.
• Parking options are available but details are subject to change and not included here.

This summary includes all relevant information for healthcare recruiters and workers considering this NICU RN travel/contract role in Ohio.