Travel Nurse RN - Neonatal Intensive Care Unit - $2,304 to $2,451 per week in Santa Cruz, CA

Registered Nurse (RN) | Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Location: Santa Cruz, CA
Agency: Fusion Medical Staffing
Pay: $2,304 to $2,451 per week
Shift Information: Nights - 3 days x 12 hours
Contract Duration: 13 Weeks
Start Date: 8/17/2026

About the Position

Travel NICU RN

Company: Fusion Medical Staffing

Location: Facility in Santa Cruz, California

Job Details

Fusion Medical Staffing is seeking a NICU RN for a 13-week travel assignment in Santa Cruz, California. As a member of our team, you'll have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of patients while enjoying competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the support of a dedicated clinical team.

Required Qualifications:

• One year of recent experience as a neonatal intensive care RN
• Valid RN license in compliance with state regulations
• Current BLS (AHA/ARC) Certification
• Current NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program) certification

Preferred Qualifications:

• Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing Certification (RNC-NIC)
• PALS (AHA/ARC) or ENPC
• Other certifications and licenses may be required for this position

Summary:

The NICU Registered Nurse provides specialized care to critically ill and premature newborns in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This role includes advanced neonatal assessments, operation of life-support equipment, and family-centered education and support. The RN collaborates with interdisciplinary teams and ensures adherence to hospital and regulatory standards while delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.

Essential Work Functions:

• Assesses and monitors critically ill and premature newborns, identifying changes and documenting conditions and responses
• Administers prescribed medications and treatments in accordance with approved neonatal nursing techniques
• Performs neonatal assessments, including vital signs, weight checks, and specialized neonatal screenings
• Operates and manages advanced NICU equipment, such as ventilators, CPAP machines, and infusion pumps, ensuring proper functionality
• Assists with life-saving and diagnostic neonatal procedures, including umbilical line placement and intubation
• Educates and supports parents on neonatal care, including feeding techniques and developmental care
• Prepares equipment and assists physicians during examinations and procedures
• Develops and implements individualized care plans for neonates in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team
• Adheres to infection control measures, including hand hygiene, PPE use, and sterilization protocols, to protect vulnerable neonates
• Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams, including neonatologists and therapists, to optimize neonatal outcomes
• Performs other duties as assigned within the scope of practice
• Adheres to hospital safety protocols, infection control guidelines, and regulatory standards

Required Essential Skills:

• Critical thinking, service excellence, and good interpersonal communication skills
• The ability to read, write, and communicate in the English language
• Ability to read/comprehend written instructions, follow verbal instructions, and proficiency in PC skills
• Physical Abilities - Must be able to remain in a stationary position, move about, move equipment (50-100lbs), push, pull, and bend
• Interpersonal Skills - Must be able to work effectively with a variety of personnel (professional and ancillary) to present a positive attitude and professionalism
• Technical/Motor Skills - Must have the ability to grasp, perform fine manipulation, push/pull, and move about when assisting with procedures and/or using department equipment
• Mental Requirements - Must be able to cope with frequent contact with the general public and customers while meeting deadlines under pressure. Must be able to work under close supervision occasionally, as well as working without assistance from other personnel. Must be able to contend with irregular activity schedules occasionally and continuous concentration to detail
• Sensory - Must possess visual acuity and ability to effectively communicate

Benefits Include:

• Highly competitive pay for travel professionals
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance with first day coverage
• Paid Time Off (PTO) after 1560 hours
• Life and Short-term disability offered
• 401(k) matching
• Aggressive Refer-a-friend Bonus Program
• 24/7 recruiter support
• Reimbursement for licensure and CEUs

Why Choose Fusion?

At Fusion Medical Staffing, our goal is to improve the lives of everyone we touch, and we're always looking for people like you to join our mission. Your passion for helping others deserves a partner just as committed to supporting you — that’s why we offer day one insurance, $0 copay for mental health services, scholarships and awards, exclusive discounts, and more. From your personal recruiter to our clinical and traveler experience teams, we’re here to guide and celebrate you along your journey. You take care of others; we take care of you.

Other Duties Disclaimer:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned. This job description is not a comprehensive list of all activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job and is subject to change at any time with or without notice.

Start your rewarding career as a Travel NICU RN with Fusion Medical Staffing and join our mission to improve lives. Apply now!

*Fusion is an EOE/E-Verify Employer