NICU RN
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Tacoma, WA, 98405
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : 46.02-76.71 HOUR
Date Posted : 29 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
Tacoma's healthcare sector shows strong demand for NICU RNs due to its growing population and specialized care centers. Competition remains moderate, with hospitals like Virginia Mason Franciscan Health actively recruiting skilled nurses, especially those with level II or III NICU experience.
In Washington, NICU RNs benefit from holding state RN licensure, current BLS certification, and completing the Neonatal Resuscitation Program within six months of hire. Additional NCC certifications in mother/baby or high-risk NICU units enhance eligibility and competitive edge.
Mastering comprehensive neonatal assessments, understanding pathophysiology of newborns, and adapting care plans for both routine and critically ill neonates are key. Proficiency in neonatal resuscitation and familiarity with advanced monitoring equipment further distinguish top NICU nurses.
New graduate NICU RNs can progress by gaining experience in level II and III units, pursuing specialized certifications like NCC, and eventually advancing to nurse educator or clinical nurse specialist roles within neonatal care. Continuous education and networking in neonatal healthcare boost upward mobility.
Catholic Health Initiatives offers NICU nurses access to a collaborative environment with neonatologists and pediatric specialists, plus modern facilities emphasizing family-centered care. This contrasts with some regional providers by integrating advanced prenatal diagnostics and seamless transitions to tertiary care.
At Catholic Health Initiatives, NICU nurses benefit from a supportive team atmosphere, continuous professional development, and resources dedicated to holistic newborn and family care. The organization’s legacy in compassionate service fosters an environment prioritizing nurse well-being alongside patient outcomes.
NICU RNs in Tacoma generally earn between $75,000 and $95,000 annually, reflecting regional healthcare market trends. This compensation aligns with Tacoma’s moderate cost of living, offering competitive wages that support a comfortable lifestyle for specialized nursing professionals.
Successful NICU RNs demonstrate thorough neonatal physical assessments, swift identification of complications, and tailored interventions for critically ill infants. Experience in high-risk deliveries and familiarity with neonatal resuscitation protocols elevate clinical effectiveness in demanding NICU environments.
Yes, travel NICU RN roles near Tacoma offer exposure to various hospital settings, including level III NICUs and specialized neonatal units. These positions provide flexibility and broaden clinical skills by caring for diverse neonatal populations across the Puget Sound region.
NICU RNs at Catholic Health Initiatives collaborate closely with Seattle Children’s neonatologists who provide on-site and 24/7 phone support. This partnership ensures access to nationally renowned pediatric expertise, enhancing care quality for neonates with serious medical needs.