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 nursing 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 accurately and timely 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 therapy, radiology, social services, and others.

Required Certifications

• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)

Requirements/Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Ohio.
• Minimum of 1 year of recent experience in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association.
• Current Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification.

Required Licensure

• 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 (code 3701.881).
• Monthly EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG monitoring.
• Education accreditation verification from an accredited nursing program (CCNE, ACEN, or NLN CNEA).
• Drug screening: Negative 10-panel drug test within 3 months of start (includes amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cannabinoids, cocaine, methadone, methaqualone, opiates, PCP, propoxyphene).
• Physical exam within 1 year of start 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
  • TB questionnaire
  • 2 MMR vaccines or positive titers for Rubeola, Mumps, and Rubella
  • Hepatitis B titer or 3-vaccine series (declination acceptable)
  • Varicella: 2 vaccines or positive titer (medical exemption requires documentation)
  • Seasonal flu vaccine or declination during flu season (10/1 - 3/31) with mask requirement if declined
• Annual background check required by agency; facility does not require annual update unless break in employment >30 days.
• Fingerprinting must be completed prior to start; new fingerprinting required if break in service >90 days or results older than 1 year.
• Pending background check attestation required if fingerprint results are pending at start.

Competency and Testing Requirements

• Medication/Pharmacology competency exam prior to start.
• Unit-specific competency exam.
• Dysrhythmia/EKG competency exam required within 1 year of start and updated annually (minimum passing score 76%).
• Orientation safety manual acknowledgement annually.

References and Documentation

• Two professional references required; at least one must be from a manager or formal leadership.
• Employment application required, including education verification.
• Skills checklist required.

Additional Notes

• Candidates with prior experience at Nationwide Children's Hospital will receive special consideration.
• Facility supports all necessary equipment, supplies, policies, and procedures for NICU care.
• Parking permits are available for purchase but details are not included here.

This position offers an opportunity to work in a high-acuity neonatal intensive care environment with a multidisciplinary team, requiring specialized neonatal nursing skills and certifications.