Travel Nurse RN - Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in Newark, NJ

Key Responsibilities Provide direct critical care nursing to pediatric patients (infants, adolescents, and pediatric populations) in a high-acuity PICU environment with variable acuity and stepdown capability across a 19-bed unit. Manage and maintain acute airways including ventilated patients, BiPAP/CPAP, HFNC, tracheostomy care, ETT/NT suctioning, end-tidal CO2 monitoring, and chest tube management.

Job Title

Registered Nurse – PICU

Location

Newark, NJ | Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)

Schedule / Job Type

Contract | Nights | 3x12-Hour Shifts (7:00 PM – 7:30 AM) | Every Other Weekend Required | Onsite

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct critical care nursing to pediatric patients (infants, adolescents, and pediatric populations) in a high-acuity PICU environment with variable acuity and stepdown capability across a 19-bed unit
• Manage advanced vascular access including IV therapy, central line care, PICC line management, port access, and administration of blood products, TPN, and lipids
• Administer and monitor complex pharmacological therapies including IV vasopressors, antiarrhythmics, continuous sedation, anti-seizure medications, insulin, and pediatric dosage calculations using the Broselow system
• Manage and maintain acute airways including ventilated patients, BiPAP/CPAP, HFNC, tracheostomy care, ETT/NT suctioning, end-tidal CO2 monitoring, and chest tube management
• Monitor telemetry on the unit, assist with lumbar punctures, manage gastric and NG tubes, perform wound assessment and care, and apply isolation precautions and PPE
• Float within skillset to appropriate assignments based on census, patient acuity, and staffing needs; participate in winter holiday coverage as required (must work or provide on-call coverage for 1 of 2 or 2 of 3 winter holidays)

Required Qualifications

• Active NJ or Compact RN license required at time of submission
• Required certifications: BLS and PALS
• Minimum 2 years of PICU critical care experience, documented on a skills checklist
• Proficiency with EPIC electronic health records required
• First-time travelers are not accepted for this position
• Local candidates are welcome and accepted

Preferred Experience / Skills

• At least 1 year of pediatric cardiac experience, documented on skills checklist
• Experience with Medtronic pacemakers and peritoneal/hemodialysis care (pre/post and CAPD)
• Familiarity with hydrocephalus and VP shunt management
• Prior travel nursing experience within a large integrated health system

Why Join Us

• Opportunity to work within one of New Jersey's largest pediatric critical care programs, supporting both cardiac and medical/surgical ICU populations with 24/7 intensivist-led coverage
• Gain experience in a comprehensive pediatric facility recognized for advanced, multidisciplinary care serving patients from infancy through adolescence