NICU Nurse (RN) | Gastonia, North Carolina

An opportunity is available for an experienced Registered Nurse specializing in Neonatal Intensive Care to serve in a fast-paced Pediatric Intensive Care Unit on a contract basis. This position offers the chance to provide critical care in a highly specialized environment with a diverse patient population requiring acute and complex nursing interventions.

Location:Situated in Gastonia, North Carolina, this role is based in a hospital known for high standards in pediatric trauma care, teaching expertise, and comprehensive stroke and chest pain services. The facility boasts 247 licensed beds and is a Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center, providing an enriching setting for clinical growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver high-quality nursing care to pediatric patients with a wide range of critical diagnoses, including respiratory conditions, trauma, diabetic ketoacidosis, seizures, neurosurgical needs, and transplants.
• Manage complex equipment and monitoring devices such as EPIC EMR, Alaris & Medfusion pumps, Belmont Rapid Infuser, Artic Sun, EVDs, and Camino devices.
• Administer and titrate vasoactive drips, support invasive line management, ventilator care, tracheostomy management, and bedside procedures.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including intensivists, resident physicians, advanced practice providers, and respiratory therapists.
• Maintain aseptic techniques, perform discharge planning, and provide support across pediatric CVICU, NICU, and general pediatric units as needed.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Current RN licensure with BLS and PALS certifications.
• Minimum of 2 years experience in high-acuity Pediatric ICU nursing.
• Proficiency with EPIC EMR system and critical care equipment.
• Competency in managing complex pediatric patients and critical care therapies.
• Ability and willingness to float to related pediatric specialty units.

Scheduling:

• Contract length: 26 weeks, with potential for extended hours.
• No on-call requirements for travelers.
• Shift schedules rotate every six weeks with flexibility to float between units.

Work Environment & Support:

• A 24-bed unit with an average census of 21-23 patients.
• Comprehensive support staff including CNA, unit secretary, charge nurse, phlebotomy, IV/VAT teams, and respiratory therapists available around the clock.
• Emphasis on teamwork, trust, accountability, respect, and compassionate patient care.
• Free parking and navy scrub color for the unit.

Gastonia, NC, offers a welcoming community nestled close to major metropolitan areas, combining small-town charm with access to a broad range of cultural and recreational opportunities, making it an appealing location for healthcare professionals seeking work-life balance.

This opportunity is contract-based and ideal for nurses looking to advance their pediatric critical care skills in a supportive, technology-enabled environment. Candidates comfortable with high acuity and complex care are encouraged to apply to make a meaningful impact within this distinguished unit.