(RN) Nurse Manager - Neonatal ICU - 137204

UC San Diego Health; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 168,800 - 341,200; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in California is seeking a Neonatal ICU Nurse Manager (RN) to lead critical care at their Hillcrest and Jacobs Medical Centers. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in nursing, a California RN license, and extensive experience in neonatal care and hospital management. Strong leadership and collaboration skills are essential for success in this role, which offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (RN) license issued by the state of California.
• 8+ years relevant RN experience in a large acute care hospital.
• 3+ years supervisory/management experience.
• Neonatal ICU experience (preferably high-risk).

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the NICU.
• Drive patient flow from admission through discharge.
• Own staffing, fiscal oversight, and performance management.
• Collaborate with interprofessional teams to evaluate programs.
• Maintain operational accountability and resolve challenges.

Skills

Strong operational leadership

Excellent communication

Collaboration skills

Hospital management skills

Empathy and professionalism

Education

Bachelor’s degree in nursing

Master’s degree in nursing or related field

Job description

Neonatal ICU Nurse Manager (RN) – UC San Diego Health

UC San Diego Health invites an experienced Registered Nurse to lead our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) across Hillcrest and Jacobs Medical Centers. The role requires advanced neonatal clinical expertise, strong operational leadership, and the ability to drive safety, quality, and patient experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the NICU, ensuring delivery of safe, high‑quality, patient‑centered care.
• Drive patient flow from admission through discharge, coordinating across obstetrics, newborn care, ED, anesthesia, and specialty service lines.
• Own staffing, fiscal oversight, performance management, and continuous improvement of patient care processes and workflows.
• Collaborate with interprofessional teams to design, implement, and evaluate programs, policies, and performance improvement initiatives that advance UC San Diego Health’s mission.
• Maintain 24/7 operational accountability, resolve challenges proactively, and drive efficiency while maintaining high‑quality, safe, and patient‑centered care.
• Promote open communication, innovation, and shared governance to advance nursing practice and optimize outcomes.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in nursing.
• Registered Nurse (RN) license issued by the state of California.
• BART or BLS at hire; commitment to obtain BART within six (6) months of hire.
• Advanced provider NRP certification.
• 8+ years relevant RN experience in a large acute care hospital.
• 3+ years supervisory/management experience.
• Neonatal ICU experience (preferably high‑risk).
• Strong hospital management skills, including quality, fiscal, and operational oversight.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership skills across disciplines.
• Knowledge of regulatory, accreditation, licensing, and compliance requirements.
• Familiarity with healthcare IT, workflows, and patient care processes.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment with empathy and professionalism.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in nursing or related field.
• RN‑NIC, NE‑BC, and/or CNML specialty certification.
• Prior experience at UC San Diego Health.

Special Conditions

• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.
• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre‑employment physical.

Compensation

Annual Full Pay Range: $168,800 – $341,200 (prorated if appointment percentage <100%).

Hourly Equivalent: $80.84 – $163.41.

Location and Schedule

Worksites: Hillcrest Medical Center / Jacobs Medical Center (various). Schedule: Days, 8‑hour shifts, Monday‑Friday.

EEO Statement

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected class under state or federal law.

Application

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter (highly recommended). Apply by 12/2/2025 at UC San Diego Health Careers.

Note

UC San Diego Health is a smoke‑ and drug‑free environment. Employees may be subject to drug screening.