Risevoic
NICU RN
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Lakewood, WA, 98259
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 23 December 2025
Job Summary and Responsibilities
Sign-On Bonus Available!
At St. Joseph Medical Center, Neonatologists are available at a moment’s notice. Our special care nursery provides around-the-clock care to newborns with moderate concerns, like infections. We also offer a Level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for babies with more serious issues, and our collaboration with Seattle Children’s gives babies access to nationally recognized pediatric specialists. We often identify concerns before birth, giving our team and families time to prepare. Obstetricians specializing in high-risk pregnancy perform advanced testing to assess potential issues. They coordinate additional services that enable us to start caring for babies immediately after birth if necessary. Neonatologists from Seattle Children’s are on-site in select Virginia Mason Franciscan Health NICUs and available by phone 24 hours a day. This arrangement gives babies with more serious concerns access to additional expertise without leaving our facilities.
Our offerings include large, suite-like private rooms that enable parents to be near their newborns. Watch a virtual tour! https://bit.ly/4dpERtt
Job Summary:
This position is responsible for serving as the primary Registered Nurse delivering care to the normal term newborn and/or critically ill neonate. This patient population may include low and high risk deliveries of the newborn.
Essential Job Functions:
- Performs a systematic and thorough physical assessment based upon knowledge of the normal and abnormal physiology and pathophysiology of the neonate.
- Performs a systematic and thorough assessment based upon knowledge of adaptation to extrauterine life.
- Identifies the neonate at risk for complications and provides appropriate care.
- Plans and cares for the normal term newborn and critically ill neonate.
Job Requirements:
Education/Work Experience:
- Graduation from an accredited school of nursing.
- Possession of a BSN degree is preferred.
- Previous Level II or Level III experience preferred.
Licensure/Certification:
- Current licensure as a Registered Nurse issued by the Washington State Board of Nursing.
- Current Healthcare BLS Certification.
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) completion within 6 months of date of hire.
- National Certification Corporation (NCC) certification Mother/Baby Unit (MBU) preferred.
- National Certification Corporation (NCC) certification high or low risk NICU preferred.
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has a rich history of providing exceptional healthcare, dating back to 1891. Building upon a legacy of compassionate care and innovation, our organization has evolved over the years through strategic partnerships and integrations to expand our reach and services across the Puget Sound area.
Today, as Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we remain deeply committed to healing the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – in the communities we serve. This commitment is strengthened by the diverse expertise and shared values brought together through our growth.
Our dedicated providers offer a full spectrum of health care services, from routine wellness to complex disease management, all grounded in rigorous research and education. Our comprehensive network of 10 hospitals and nearly 300 care sites strategically located across the greater Puget Sound region reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility and comprehensive care.
We are proud of our pioneering medical advances and numerous awards and accreditations that reflect our dedication to excellence. When you join Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you become part of a team that delivers top-quality, professional healthcare in modern, well-equipped facilities, and contributes to a legacy of service built on collaboration and shared purpose.
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Frequently asked questions
NICU RNs in Lakewood skillfully juggle intensive clinical monitoring of critically ill newborns while fostering a comforting environment for families. They provide hands-on care, interpret complex neonatal assessments, and communicate effectively to ease parental anxiety, reflecting the compassionate culture prevalent in Washington's neonatal units.
Advancement usually begins with mastering Level II/III neonatal care, then expanding into specialized roles like neonatal transport or nurse educator positions. The Puget Sound area's healthcare institutions often encourage certifications and continuing education, facilitating upward mobility for NICU nurses who wish to deepen clinical expertise or transition into leadership.
Beyond a Washington RN license, certifications such as Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) and National Certification Corporation (NCC) credentials for high-risk NICU care are highly valued. These demonstrate proficiency in neonatal emergencies and specialized care, aligning with state licensing requirements and local employers' expectations.
At Catholic Health Initiatives, NICU RNs navigate a Level III unit with access to Seattle Children’s pediatric specialists, requiring seamless interdisciplinary collaboration and rapid response to complex neonatal cases. Balancing advanced technology use with personalized family-centered care here demands both clinical dexterity and emotional intelligence.
NICU RNs at Catholic Health Initiatives are central to delivering around-the-clock specialized care, coordinating with neonatologists and pediatric experts. Their role extends beyond clinical tasks to include early detection of complications and supporting families through each stage, reflecting the organization’s holistic and innovative care philosophy.
NICU RNs in Lakewood typically earn between $85,000 and $110,000 annually, reflecting the advanced skills required and regional healthcare market conditions. This range aligns with Puget Sound area averages, slightly higher than national medians due to Washington’s cost of living and demand for specialized neonatal nursing expertise.
Yes, Lakewood’s proximity to Seattle’s medical hubs and presence of advanced neonatal units contribute to a strong demand for NICU RNs. Growing birth rates and expanding pediatric services in the region intensify recruitment efforts, making it a competitive yet opportunity-rich market for neonatal nursing professionals.
Given traffic patterns in the greater Puget Sound area, NICU nurses often consider proximity to work to manage shift schedules effectively. Lakewood’s accessibility via major highways and public transit aids in reducing commute-related stress, which is crucial for nurses handling the high demands of neonatal intensive care shifts.
A Nicu Rn manages the care of critically ill newborns with complex health needs, conducting detailed physiological assessments, administering specialized treatments, and collaborating with neonatologists. Their role demands acute vigilance and neonatal-specific interventions beyond general pediatric nursing duties.
NICU RNs are increasingly expected to operate sophisticated monitoring equipment, interpret real-time data, and implement evidence-based protocols. In Washington’s technologically advanced centers, these nurses blend clinical acumen with tech proficiency to enhance survival and developmental outcomes for vulnerable neonates.