Location: Santa Cruz, CA

Start Date: 01-05-2026

End Date: 04-06-2026

Contract Type: Travel Contract

Shift Type: Rotating 12-hour shifts, primarily Night shift 7:00 PM - 7:00 AM; Day shift 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM when scheduled; every other weekend required; holidays worked as part of core rotation; guaranteed 36 hours/week

Hours per Week: 36

Candidate Pay Rate: $76 per hour

About United Health Care Staffing

At United Health Care Staffing (UHC Staffing), we believe healthcare staffing should be more than just finding a job. We are here to connect amazing professionals with opportunities that make their careers exciting, rewarding, and meaningful. With us, you're not just signing up for a contract you are joining a team that's got your back, answers your calls, and maybe even cracks a joke or two to brighten your day. Think of us as the travel buddy who handles the logistics while you focus on what you do best helping people heal.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality, family-centered nursing care for neonates in a Level 3 NICU
• Perform neonatal assessments and implement evidence-based interventions, including neonatal resuscitation (NRP)
• Safely manage ventilated infants and collaborate with respiratory therapy 24/7
• Document care accurately and timely in Cerner to ensure continuity and quality
• Work closely with neonatologists, pediatricians, pharmacy, and multidisciplinary teams for safe discharge or transfer planning
• Serve as resource and charge nurse when assigned, supporting unit workflow and patient safety
• Participate in unit orientation and contribute to a positive, team-oriented culture

Qualifications

• Active RN license (required to submit)
• Minimum 2 years of NICU nursing experience
• Current BLS and NRP certifications
• COVID-19 vaccination required per facility policy
• Experience with Cerner electronic medical record
• Experience with neonatal ventilators and Phillips telemetry
• Comfort working 12-hour shifts and every other weekend scheduling

Education

• BSN not required (facility notes: BSN Required: No)

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong neonatal assessment and monitoring skills
• Knowledge of neonatal resuscitation protocols (NRP) and BLS
• Experience managing ventilators and respiratory support for neonates
• Familiarity with Cerner charting and electronic documentation
• Understanding of common NICU diagnoses such as prematurity, sepsis rule-out, NAS, and late preterm care
• Ability to function in a locked NICU environment and collaborate with neonatology/pediatric teams

Benefits

• Competitive pay with overtime and holiday differentials
• Generous housing stipend or assistance options to make your travel stay easy
• Travel reimbursement so your commute is the least stressful part of the trip
• Medical, Dental & Vision coverage to keep you healthy on and off shift
• Licensure assistance and reimbursement to keep your credentials current
• Paid time off so you can recharge between assignments
• Referral bonus program—bring a friend and both win
• A supportive team environment with experienced neonatologists and respiratory therapy available 24/7

Travel Perks: Explore Santa Cruz, CA

Santa Cruz is a perfect blend of salt air and redwood calm. Spend your time off strolling the historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, watching surfers at Steamer Lane, or exploring tide pools at Natural Bridges State Beach. Hike among towering redwoods at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, wander the colorful shops and restaurants in Capitola Village, or take a short drive to Monterey and visit the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium. Lovely coastal drives, local farmers markets, coffee shops, and a vibrant downtown make it easy to enjoy weekends and recharge between shifts.

Hashtags

#RegisteredNurseJobs #NICUJobs #SantaCruzJobs #TravelNurse #NursingJobs #HealthcareJobs #CernerJobs #NeonatalNurse #RNTravel #NICUCareers