(RN) New Grad Registered Nurse - Neonatal ICU - 141812

UC San Diego Health is proud to be a four-time Magnet-designated organization and has now earned Magnet with Distinction from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Magnet is the gold standard for nursing excellence, achieved by only about 10% of hospitals worldwide. Magnet with Distinction is awarded to the highest-performing Magnet organizations, with only a select few earning this prestigious honor. This recognition reflects our commitment to transformational leadership, professional nursing excellence, innovation, exceptional patient outcomes, and an empowering practice environment where nurses thrive.

The NICU RN provides care to critically ill neonate patients in the Level III Neonatal Intensive Care unit at Jacobs Medical Center as well as the Level II Neonatal Intensive Care unit at Hillcrest Medical Center.

The patient population includes premature, surgical, septic and neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. We offer high frequency ventilation, therapeutic hypothermia, surgical and imaging services, and lactation consultations. The RN directs and acts as resource to other members of the nursing team as assigned, supports student learning, and is willing to precept new employees. NICU RNs will be required to attend high-risk deliveries after a full orientation. Those successful will have excellent critical thinking and time management skills and be self-motivated, patient advocates, and effective communicators.

The NICU Newly Licensed RN will orient and train at both Jacobs Medical Center in La Jolla and Hillcrest. After completing training, NICU Nurses will work at both Locations.

The New Graduate Nurse Transition to Practice Program is accredited with distinction as a Practice Transition Program by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation in Practice Transition Programs. This program is multi-faceted and designed to support our New Grads with a comprehensive transition-to-practice experience through enhanced clinical learning, patient simulation activities, hands-on skill training and so much more!

Under general supervision, the New Grad RN identifies and implements nursing interventions and evaluates results for a wide variety of patient populations. Directs and acts as resource to other members of the nursing team as assigned. Promotes compliance and support of policies. Achieves trust in professional collegial relationships.

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• Must be a graduate from an accredited school of Nursing.

• California RN license by start date. Depending on applicant pool, may consider interim permits.

• BLS/CPR certification at time of hire with commitment to get BART within six (6) months of hire date.

• Current Advanced NRP certification (with AAP/AHA affiliation).

• Licensure and certification are not required at time of application but will be required by the cohort start date of March 5, 2027.

• Must have less than six (6) months of working RN experience.

• Must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Must be able to function in a fast-paced environment, have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and consistently demonstrate empathy and kindness to all staff and patients.

• BSN.
• Prior clinical work experience in specialty area.
• Externship (outside of required clinical hours) on a similar unit.
• Prior UCSD experience.
• Bilingual.

• Must be able to work various hours, days of the week, shifts, and locations based on the 24-hour Medical Center's business needs.
• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.