NICU nurses care for the tiniest of patients, providing treatment and watching over newborns who have come into the world with medical issues or other needs. Often, RNs in the NICU help ensure premature babies or those born with birth defects, illnesses or other struggles have the best possible chance at life outside of the unit. NICU nurses do many of the things RNs do for older patients, including administering medications, managing IVs and taking vital signs, but they must be experienced and able to do so on bodies that are much smaller and potentially more fragile. They also offer support and compassion for parents of babies in the unit.
Assignments for short-term contract NICU nurses range between 3 and 13 weeks on average. These are highly sought-after positions, as many RNs find the work rewarding, and contract NICU positions let you build your resume while you seek adventure. NurseChoice has assignments available across the country.
Rapid Response NICU Nursing Jobs
Rapid response NICU positions are contracts at hospitals or healthcare facilities that have an immediate non-crisis need for qualified RNs. For example, if a hospital opens a new NICU, they may need to staff it quickly with nurses who have the right experience and skills. Other reasons for rapid response NICU contracts include completely new hospitals opening or special projects.
NICU Crisis Nursing Jobs
In contrast, crisis nursing jobs relate to positions that need filling due to a crisis. A hurricane devastating the Gulf Coast region might lead to urgent nursing needs, for example. And while crises such as COVID-19 or an earthquake may not make you think of NICU needs, they can reduce the ability of NICU nurses in the area to respond to needs, which can lead to facilities reaching out to short-term contractors to help stand in the gap. A crisis can also push some mothers into early labor, increasing NICU demands.
NICU Crisis Response Nurse Compensation and Benefits
Nurses with special experience or credentials tend to make even more competitive salaries than other RNs. But when you work as a crisis response NICU nurse or fill other high-demand short-term positions, you can increase your earnings potential. NICU nurses with NurseChoice can earn up to $3,017 per week on assignments.
On top of great pay and the opportunity for travel and adventure, NurseChoice travel RNs also score great benefits. Some options include:
- A guaranteed pay program that boosts your salary when you work short-term assignments with 48-60 hours a week.
- Traditional-style benefits such as health coverage and 401(k) with match
- The ability to earn up to $2,000 per qualified nurse you refer who takes on contracts with NurseChoice
- Free house or housing stipends and other assistance to make travel nursing easier
Design Your Ideal Nursing Contract with NurseChoice
When you work with NurseChoice, you're in charge of the direction your career takes. Apply today or reach out to talk to one of our experienced recruiters. They're ready to help you get started as a travel NICU nurse.
*Disclaimer: Wages for NICU nursing jobs are based on average rates and may be impacted by facility budgets and seasonality and may include a combination of taxable and non-taxable earnings and reimbursements.
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