Neonatal Practice Trainee

University of New Mexico; Albuquerque (NM); Hybrid; USD 47,273 - 66,413; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition remission

Educational benefits

Job summary

The University of New Mexico's Division of Neonatology is actively recruiting experienced Neonatal RNs who want to become Neonatal Nurse Practitioners. Trainees will attend Neonatal Nurse Practitioner school starting in August 2023 and graduate with an MSN after 4–6 months of clinicals within one calendar year.

After certification, candidates will be transitioned to Neonatal Practice Specialist and commit to a minimum of three years.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with immediate eligibility to enter an accredited MSN program; at least two years of work experience applicable to the duties.
• Certification/Licensure: State of New Mexico Licensed Registered Nurse or licensure pending via temporary licensure, or current RN licensure via compact with New Mexico.
• Completed degrees above minimum education may substitute for experience year-for-year.
• Preferred: Level III NICU RN experience; GPA 3.0; RNC certification.

Responsibilities

• Participate in a 52‑week training program to advance to Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.
• Upon completion, transition to Neonatal Practice Specialist for a minimum of three years.
• Work within a 52‑bed regional NICU, including transitions to home and statewide follow-up.

Skills

RN License

MSN program entry

Clinical experience

Education

Bachelor's degree

Eligible to enter MSN program

Job description

Position Summary

The Division of Neonatology is actively recruiting experienced Neonatal RN's looking to expand their careers by becoming Neonatal Nurse Practitioners. The candidates will be sent to Neonatal Nurse Practitioner school beginning in August 2023 and will graduate with an MSN in the specialty area of Neonatal Nurse Practitioner after completing clinicals of 4-6 months within one calendar year. After successful completion of the program and passing of the certification exam, the candidate will be transitioned to a position as a Neonatal Practice Specialist and work for the Division for a minimum of three years. The Division and Program serve children and families in a 52‑bed regional NICU, including transitions to home and statewide follow‑up.

Prior to the completed hire, the trainee must sign a written agreement under which the employee agrees, in exchange for the University’s funding of the tuition and salary while attending school, to continue employment with the University for a period of at least three years following the completion of the degree program. The payment of tuition by the University on the employee’s behalf may result in taxable income to the employee, and the employee, and not the University, is responsible for any federal and/or state tax consequences of the University’s funding of the tuition and related expenses.

See the Position Description for additional information.

Conditions of Employment

• CPR Certified.
• Successful candidate must submit to a post‑offer, pre‑employment physical examination and medical history check. Additional health screenings may be required, dependent on the nature of the research conducted, as determined by Employee Occupational Health Services.
• UNM will provide Hepatitis vaccination; candidate may decline vaccination through a declination form or may provide record of vaccination from a previous employer.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University’s influenza vaccination requirement.
• Must pass a pre‑employment criminal background check.
• Discipline‑specific licensure/certification is a requirement for positions in this classification.
• Ability to participate full‑time in a 52‑week training program.
• Employees in this job title are subject to the terms and conditions of the department’s preceptorship program agreement.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree with immediate eligibility to enter an accredited MSN program; at least two years of work experience that can be demonstrated to be applicable to the duties listed in the job description. Certification/Licensure: State of New Mexico Licensed Registered Nurse or licensure pending as documented by temporary licensure, or current RN licensure from a state participating in the multistate privilege to practice “compact with New Mexico.”

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year‑for‑year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years’ experience as RN in Level III Newborn Intensive Care Unit
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• RNC Certified in High‑Risk Neonatal Nursing

Location and Employment Details

Campus: Health Sciences Center (HSC) – Albuquerque, NM

Department: Neonatology Division Support (997O1)

Employment Type: Staff – Term, Full‑Time

Term End Date: 6/1/2027

Status: Exempt

Pay: Monthly $4,236.27 – $5,950.53

Benefits

This is a benefits‑eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs.

Additional Information

ERB Statement: As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid.

Background Check Required: Yes

For Best Consideration Date: 1/23/2026

Eligible for Remote Work: Yes – This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule.

Application Instructions

Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a third‑party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.

A complete application will consist of current resume, cover letter and reference. Please describe in your cover letter how you meet the preferred qualifications for the position. Include three references in your resume. The references must be former supervisors. Finalists should be prepared to provide official educational transcripts if selected for hire.

Equal Opportunity and Background Check Policies

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions to successfully pass a pre‑employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.