Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) (RN) - Neonatal ICU (NICU)

Are you ready to elevate neonatal care and shape the future of nursing? Join Rady Children’s Hospital as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) in our nationally recognized Level IV NICU. Whether you're an experienced clinician or just beginning your journey as a CNS, this is your opportunity to lead, inspire, and innovate in one of the most advanced pediatric care environments in the country.

Why Rady Children’s?

Cutting-Edge Care : Support both our main campus Level IV NICU and our Level II / III satellite units.

Collaborative Culture : Work alongside a passionate team of nurses, physicians, and specialists committed to excellence in patient care.

Professional Growth : Be part of a hospital that invests in your development through mentorship, research, and leadership opportunities.

What You’ll Do

As a CNS in our NICU, you’ll serve as a clinical leader, educator, and change agent across three key domains :

Expert Clinical Practice

Serve as a resource for complex neonatal cases, guiding care plans and interventions.

Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure optimal outcomes for our tiniest patients.

Evidence-Based Innovation

Lead initiatives to integrate the latest research and clinical guidelines into bedside care.

Drive quality improvement projects and contribute to protocol development.

Mentorship & Education

Facilitate ongoing education and training to elevate team performance and confidence.

Support and mentor new nurses, including recent graduates and those new to pediatrics.

Make an Impact

Be a catalyst for compassionate, high-quality care that transforms lives—starting with our most vulnerable newborns. Watch what makes our NICU team extraordinary : Meet the Team

Ready to lead with heart and expertise? Apply today and become a cornerstone of neonatal excellence at Rady Children’s Hospital!

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s Degree in Nursing

2+ years of RN experience (New grad CNSs encouraged to apply)

Current California RN License

Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification

BLS (AHA)

NICU-specific National Certification (RNC-NIC)

Preferred Qualifications

Doctorate Degree (DNP or PhD)

5+ years of NICU experience

NRP Certification (AAP)

The expected hiring range for this position is $64.37 to $96.55.

Rady Children’s Hospital is committed to compensation that is externally competitive and internally equitable. We demonstrate this commitment by conducting regular market reviews to remain competitive with organizations of similar size in the nonprofit, healthcare sector. The range listed above does not represent the full salary range for the position but is the expected hiring range for qualified candidates. Compensation decisions consider a variety of factors including experience, education, licensure, unique skillsets, organizational need, and internal equity. This posting will remain open from the “date posted” until the hiring manager has determined there is a sufficient applicant pool or until the position is filled.