RN Clinical Nurse IV - Neonatal Intensive Care

Description:

This position qualifies for the UNC Rex Incentive Program, which includes up to $20,000 commitment incentive or up to $25,000 tuition loan forgiveness. Additional relocation assistance up to $10,000 and employee referral program.

Job Title:

Clinical Nurse IV / NICU Team Leader (RN)

Location:

UNC Rex Health
• Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Status:
Full-Time (Night Shift)

At UNC Rex Health, our Level IV NICU provides specialized family-centered care to critically ill and medically fragile newborns. A 21‑bed unit cares for approximately 450–500 infants annually, combining advanced technology with expert multidisciplinary teams to deliver the highest‑quality neonatal care.

As a Clinical Nurse IV / Team Leader, you will take on a hybrid leadership role, blending expert bedside care with administrative and unit leadership responsibilities. This position is ideal for NICU nurses who want to grow in leadership while continuing to provide direct patient care.

Time Allocation: ~70% Clinical, ~30% Administrative. Serve as advanced bedside clinician and unit leader. Influence nursing practice, team culture, and outcomes for newborns and families.

• Provide high-quality, evidence-based care to critically ill neonates.
• Serve as Charge Nurse, coordinating daily operations, patient flow, and staffing needs.
• Precept, mentor, and support skill development and competency of new nurses.
• Act as a clinical resource at the bedside, promoting critical thinking and best practices.
• Collaborate with neonatologists, respiratory therapists, lactation consultants, and other interdisciplinary partners.
• Facilitate rapid decision-making based on patient acuity and family-centered care needs.

• Participate in shared governance councils and hospital/unit committees.
• Lead or support quality improvement (QI) and performance improvement initiatives.
• Assist with unit-based education, competency validation, and ongoing staff training.
• Conduct staff check‑ins, coaching, mentorship, and support professional development.
• Perform patient‑family experience rounding to promote service excellence.
• Partner with leadership on staffing, retention, and team culture-building efforts.

We are seeking a NICU nurse who demonstrates:

• Strong clinical judgment and critical thinking skills.
• Compassionate, family-centered care philosophy.
• Effective communication and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.
• Commitment to mentorship, professional development, and evidence-based practice.

• 2–5 years of NICU experience (Level III or Level IV preferred).
• Previous leadership experience (charge nurse, preceptor, or committee involvement).
• Dedication to continuous improvement and fostering a positive team culture.
• Professional certification relevant to the practice area and on the ANCC Magnet approved list is required.

• Blend advanced clinical practice with leadership and mentorship opportunities.
• Influence unit culture, patient outcomes, and professional nursing practice.
• Work in a highly specialized, high‑acuity Level IV NICU.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team dedicated to excellence in neonatal care.
• Make a meaningful impact on the lives of critically ill newborns and their families.

1. Education and Professional Development – Coordinate, design, and implement educational programs to meet identified learning needs of staff, patients, and families. Promote staff participation in continuing education, orientation, competency, in‑service, and staff development offerings. Participate in development and implementation of competency initiatives. Serve as an area of specialty consultant in design of educational programs. Participate in development of and provide clinical expertise for patient education materials.

Promote professional growth of self and staff. Provide educational experiences for students.

2. Evaluation – Evaluate patient progress and revise plan accordingly. Maintain accountability for carrying out components of the plan. Work with manager to ensure care on…