RN Clinical Nurse IV - Neonatal Intensive Care

Description

* This position qualifies for our UNC Rex Incentive Program, which includes up to $20,000 commitment incentive or up to $25,000 tuition loan forgiveness. In addition, this position is also eligible for up to $10,000 in relocation assistance (based on location) and our employee referral program. Learn more about our UNC Rex Incentive Program here: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).-program

Become part of an inclusive organization with over 40,000 teammates, whose mission is to improve the health and well-being of the unique communities we serve.

UNC REX Healthcare is seeking a compassionate and skilled Clinical Nurse Team Leader to join our Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)—a highly specialized 21-bed unit providing the highest level of care for critically ill and medically fragile newborns.

The UNC REX Level IV NICU cares for some of the most vulnerable infants, including those experiencing:

• Prematurity

• Complex medical and surgical conditions

• Congenital anomalies

• Neonatal transitional challenges

Our multidisciplinary team—led by board-certified neonatologists, neonatal nurse practitioners, NICU-trained nurses, respiratory therapists, lactation consultants, social workers, and rehabilitation specialists—cares for 450–500 newborns each year
.

Family-centered care is at the heart of our mission. We partner closely with a Family Advisory Council of former NICU parents
, whose lived experience helps guide continuous improvement and fosters a supportive environment for families during their NICU journey.

Nurse-to-Patient Ratio: 1:1 to 1:3, depending on acuity.

As a Team Leader RN
, you will serve in a hybrid leadership role—providing expert bedside care while also supporting clinical operations, staff development, and unit initiatives. This position is ideal for an experienced NICU nurse who wants to grow in leadership without stepping away from direct patient care.

Time Allocation: ~70% Clinical / ~30% Administrative

• Provide high-quality, evidence-based care to critically ill neonates.

• Serve as Charge Nurse
  , coordinating daily operations, staffing needs, and patient flow.

• Precept and mentor new nurses, supporting skill development and competency.

• Act as a clinical resource at the bedside, promoting critical thinking and best practices.

• Collaborate with neonatology, respiratory therapy, lactation, and other interdisciplinary partners.

• Facilitate rapid decision-making based on patient acuity and family needs.

• Participate in shared governance councils and hospital/unit committees.

• Lead or support quality improvement and performance improvement initiatives.

• Assist with unit-based education, competencies, and ongoing staff training.

• Conduct staff check-ins and provide coaching, mentorship, and support for professional growth.

• Perform patient-family experience rounding to promote service excellence.

• Work with leadership on staffing, retention, and culture-building efforts.

This role offers the opportunity to help shape nursing practice, strengthen team culture, and directly influence outcomes for newborns and families.

We’re seeking a dedicated NICU nurse who demonstrates strong clinical judgment, communication skills, and compassion.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 2–5 years of NICU nursing experience (Level III or Level IV preferred)

• Prior leadership experience (charge nurse, preceptor, committee involvement, or similar)

• Strong commitment to family-centered care and interdisciplinary collaboration

• Part of the nationally respected UNC Health system

• Level IV NICU with advanced technology and specialized neonatal services

• Supportive, collaborative work culture with strong interdisciplinary partnerships

• Robust opportunities for professional development, certification, leadership growth, and continuing education

• A mission-driven environment focused on compassion, innovation, and excellence in neonatal care

Make a life-changing impact on the…