Clinical Nurse Specialist RN Neonatal ICU

Job Summary

At Northridge Hospital Medical Center, we understand that the possibility of a newborn needing specialized care can be unexpected. That's why we've invested in a state‑of‑the‑art Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), staffed by a team of expert neonatologists and neonatal nurses dedicated to providing the highest level of care. Our brand new, expanded NICU offers private rooms, double‑sized rooms for twins, lactation areas, and comfortable sleeping accommodations for parents, creating a supportive environment for families during a challenging time.

As a Level III NICU, Northridge Hospital provides advanced treatment for seriously ill, low birth weight, and premature infants, including micropreemies. This prestigious designation reflects our ability to handle the most complex births and provide immediate surgical intervention when needed. Our NICU is designed to minimize stress and maximize growth and development, offering warmth, nutrition, and protection to help infants thrive.

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Clinical Nurse Specialist to join our exceptional NICU team. As a Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist, you will be a key leader in assessing the needs of patients and families, planning and implementing evidence‑based nursing care, and evaluating outcomes. You will leverage your advanced knowledge and clinical expertise to optimize nursing practice through direct patient care, clinical staff development, consultation, and research.

• Develop and implement evidence‑based standards of care, ensuring exceptional quality and optimal patient outcomes in the NICU.
• Proactively assess patient care needs, collaborate with nursing staff to develop individualized care plans, and provide direct care as needed.
• Identify and address the educational needs of families and staff, creating and delivering engaging educational programs and materials.
• Serve as a preceptor and mentor for new employees and students, fostering a culture of learning and professional growth.
• Research and evaluate new equipment and technologies to enhance patient care, communicating findings to the Department Manager.
• Participate in the review, development, and implementation of policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with best practices.
• Identify researchable clinical nursing problems, disseminate research findings, and evaluate the impact of programs and interventions.
• Actively participate in the Quality Improvement Process, driving continuous improvement in patient care and nursing practice.
• Participate in the development of NICU goals, coordinate programs and projects, and provide input into the NICU budget.
• Ensure that NICU goals and projects reflect system‑wide strategic objectives.
• Direct clinical nursing practice in the NICU, ensuring adherence to best practices and optimal patient outcomes. Coordinate and assess critical care education development and clinical competency of the nursing staff in the NICU.
• Perform other related duties as assigned within scope of practice.

• Minimum 3 years full‑time clinical experience in neonatal nursing in a NICU that is equivalent to a Regional or Community NICU.
• RN licensed by the State of California holding a Master’s and/or doctoral degree in Nursing.
• CNS licensed by the State Board of Registered Nursing as a CNS.
• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license issued by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN).
• Current certification in Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing from a nationally accredited organization (e.g., NCC or the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) or certified by AACN as a Neonatal CNS).
• Evidence of current instructor status by the NRP of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the AHA.
• Current BLS/ACLS from the American Heart Association required.
• Current NRP from the American Heart Association required.

• Doctorate of Nursing (Nursing) upon hire.

Knowledge of neonatal intensive care and the needs of neonatal patients and their families; knowledge of Developmental and Family‑Centered Care concepts; skill in providing care to critically ill neonates and their families;…