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 and central line management, and interventions for neonatal abstinence syndrome.
• Manage ventilator settings and adjustments (AC/PC/SIMV/CPAP/BIPAP/PEEP).
• Use EPIC for documentation and SBAR for communication with healthcare providers and families.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams 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)
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification

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).
• Drug screening: Negative 10-panel drug test within 3 months of start.
• Physical exam within 1 year of start confirming good health and freedom from contagious disease.
• Immunizations and health documents required:

  • Tdap vaccine (adult dose after age 11/12)
  • Negative TB test or chest x-ray within 1 year
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccination or positive titers
  • Varicella vaccination or positive titer
  • Seasonal flu vaccine or declination during flu season
• Annual fit mask testing required for inpatient/patient-facing roles starting 7/13/2026.
• Fraud, Waste, and Abuse training certificate required prior to start and updated annually.
• Background check and fingerprinting results must be clear before or pending with proper attestation.

Additional Requirements

• Completion of medication/pharmacology competency exam prior to start.
• Unit-specific competency exams required.
• Dysrhythmia/EKG competency exam required within 1 year of start (NICU RNs exempt).
• Two professional references required, including at least one from a manager or formal leader.
• Employment application and skills checklist required.
• Compliance with dress code and hand hygiene policies.
• Acknowledgement of ethics and compliance policies annually.

Notes

• Prior experience at a major children’s hospital NICU will be given special consideration.
• Parking permits are available but at the candidate’s expense.
• Collaboration with a multidisciplinary team is essential for patient care.

This position offers an opportunity to work in a high-acuity neonatal intensive care environment with advanced respiratory and cardiovascular support technologies.