(RN) New Grad Registered Nurse-NICU - 137165

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment : Apply by 10 / 24 / 2025 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Special Selection Applicants : Apply by 10 / 30 / 2025. Eligible Special Selection clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

This posting is for our March 2026 Nurse Residency Program Cohort.

Please note, once your application has been submitted, no changes or updates can be made. If you withdraw your application you will be unable to re-apply.

DESCRIPTION

UC San Diego Health is a Magnet designated organization, which is a prestigious recognition that applies to only 10% of all U.S. hospitals. Magnet is the "gold standard" for nursing excellence and is based on strengths in five key areas which include transformational leadership, structural empowerment, exemplary professional practice, new knowledge, innovation and improvements and empirical outcomes. UC San Diego Health has held its Magnet status since 2011.

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.

Learn more about UCSD Nursing!

While not required, a cover letter is highly recommended when applying to this position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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).

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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

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

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range : $130,124 - $130,124 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent : $62.32 - $62.32

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).