Nurse Manager – Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
Location: Houston, TX (On‑site)Employment Type: Full TimeCompensation:$90K – 127K based on experienceSchedule: Full-time leadership role- Days 7a – 7p; Evenings 3p – 11p; Nights 11p – 7a
All shifts include weekends w/ rotation/on-call
About the Role
Step into a top‑tier leadership position overseeing the daily operations of a high‑acuity Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). As the Nurse Manager, you will guide a team of NICU nurses caring for critically ill and premature newborns, ensuring exceptional clinical quality, operational excellence, and compassionate patient‑family support.This role demands an experienced clinical leader with a strong NICU background, advanced critical thinking skills, and the ability to lead in a fast‑paced, emotionally complex environment.
This description aligns closely with recognized NICU nurse manager responsibilities found across industry‑standard job postings.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
- Oversee and manage the daily operations of the NICU, ensuring patient safety, regulatory compliance, and high‑quality outcomes.
- Develop, implement, and evaluate NICU unit policies, procedures, and evidence‑based practices.
- Ensure the unit remains fully equipped and stocked with specialized neonatal supplies and equipment.
Staff Leadership & Development
- Supervise, mentor, recruit, schedule, and evaluate NICU nursing staff; ensure appropriate staffing levels and competencies.
- Provide ongoing staff education, training, and professional development opportunities.
- Promote a collaborative, positive work environment and uphold high clinical standards.
Patient Care Oversight
- Coordinate care planning with neonatologists, respiratory therapists, and multidisciplinary teams.
- Assess patient acuity and staffing needs while maintaining continuity and quality of care.
- Serve as an escalation point for complex patient or family concerns with empathy and professionalism.
Administrative & Quality Leadership
- Manage departmental budgeting, resource allocation, scheduling, and performance metrics.
- Ensure compliance with all state, federal, hospital, and NICU standards, including infection control and safety requirements.
- Lead or participate in quality improvement initiatives and NICU‑related committees.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum 5 years of recent, relevant NICU clinical experience (Required)
- Minimum 2+ years of acute care NICU leadership within the last year (Manager or Charge Nurse) (Required)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required
- Current RN License for the State of Texas or Multistate Compact License
- Compact license holders must obtain a Texas RN license within 60 days of hireRequired)
- Current American Heart Association BLS Certification required (Required)
Preferred Qualifications
- Neonatal specialty certification (e.g., RNC‑NIC)
- Experience in Level III or Level IV NICU settings
- Experience with EHR systems and neonatal monitoring technology
- Strong leadership, conflict resolution, and staff development skills
Skills & Attributes
- Expertise in neonatal critical care and advanced NICU protocols
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills for supporting families in crisis
- High‑level critical thinking and decision‑making
- Ability to lead effectively in fast‑paced, high‑acuity environments
- Strong administrative, organizational, and strategic leadership abilities
Compensation & Benefits
- Pay: $90K – $127K
- Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement plan with employer match
- Tuition reimbursement and continuing education support
- Paid time off, parental leave, wellness resources, and employee assistance programs
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