Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) (RN) - Neonatal ICU (NICU)

San Diego, CA

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Overview

Rady Children’s nurses serve as local and global leaders in shaping how care is delivered to patients and families throughout our organization and in the communities we serve. Behind each nurse and their leader is the commitment to learn more, improve outcomes and empower individuals to seek innovative solutions. We are transforming the role of the caregiver, and in that transformation, we are partners in advancing the quality of care. Every day, we look for new pathways. It is a journey of excellence.

It’s not just caring about children that makes our nursing staff so special. It’s the magic! Our dedication to specialized training and sensitivity is perfected by caring for children 100% of the time. Rady Children’s is designed, equipped and staffed just for kids. As the region’s only pediatric trauma center, we care for children with the most severe medical emergencies to those with mild illnesses.

Rady Children's offers competitive salaries, robust benefits, generous paid time off, retirement savings with contribution match, employee recognition, Team Rady events and celebrations, along with other great perks. Join us in sunny San Diego!

Job Type: Full-time, Part-time & Per diem
Level: Entry-level & Mid-level

Success Profile

What makes a successful Triage Nurse at Rady Children’s Hospital? Check out the traits we’re looking for and see if you have the right mix.

Adaptable
Collaborative
Compassionate
Courageous
Positive
Quick-thinking

Culture

Consistently excellent in providing the highest level of care for our patients.
Ensuring that our nursing team receives support, rewards and career advancement opportunities.
Committed to improving outcomes and empowering individuals to seek innovative solutions.
Collaborative, respectful and dedicated to care, research and teaching.

Career Path

Rady Children’s Hospital offers many career paths to support your immediate and future success.

CN I
CN II
CN III

Supervisor
Manager
Case Manager

Nurse Educator
Case Manager
Care Coordinator

It’s amazing to see these children go from weak to vibrant… The nurses who chose to come here are unique because they’re comfortable with these patients and are eager to give it their all… I’ve never worked with a more passionate group of nurses. Each and every one of them truly loves this patient population. They’re so dedicated and do such a great job.
Cheryle Pillow, Clinical Nurse III, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Rewards

We offer a robust Total Rewards Package in order to help our employees achieve and maintain overall physical, emotional and financial well-being for themselves and their families

Health Plan

Medical, Dental, Vision
403(b) Retirement Plan

Match that increases with years of service
Tuition Reimbursement

Up to $10,000 per year, paid time off for seminars
Life and Disability Insurance
Competitive Salaries

Annual merit increases, longevity increases, success sharing, paid leave cash-out program
Awards & Recognition

Milestone awards, CARES recognition

Responsibilities

Job ID: 17390
Date posted: 08/16/2025
Schedule: Full-Time
Shift: Day
Department: Neonatal Intensive Care

Are you ready to elevate neonatal care and shape the future of nursing? Join Rady Children’s Hospital as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) in our nationally recognized Level IV NICU. Whether you're an experienced clinician or just beginning your journey as a CNS, this is your opportunity to lead, inspire, and innovate in one of the most advanced pediatric care environments in the country.

Why Rady Children’s?

- Cutting-Edge Care: Support both our main campus Level IV NICU and our Level II/III satellite units.

- Collaborative Culture: Work alongside a passionate team of nurses, physicians, and specialists committed to excellence in patient care.

- Professional Growth: Be part of a hospital that invests in your development through mentorship, research, and leadership opportunities.

What You’ll Do

As a CNS in our NICU, you’ll serve as a clinical leader, educator, and change agent across three key domains:

1. Expert Clinical Practice

- Serve as a resource for complex neonatal cases, guiding care plans and interventions.

- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure optimal outcomes for our tiniest patients.

2. Evidence-Based Innovation

- Lead initiatives to integrate the latest research and clinical guidelines into bedside care.

- Drive quality improvement projects and contribute to protocol development.

3. Mentorship & Education

- Facilitate ongoing education and training to elevate team performance and confidence.

- Support and mentor new nurses, including recent graduates and those new to pediatrics.

Make an Impact

Be a catalyst for compassionate, high-quality care that transforms lives—starting with our most vulnerable newborns. Watch what makes our NICU team extraordinary: Meet the Team

Ready to lead with heart and expertise? Apply today and become a cornerstone of neonatal excellence at Rady Children’s Hospital!

Minimum Qualifications

- Master’s Degree in Nursing

- 2+ years of RN experience (New grad CNSs encouraged to apply)

- Current California RN License

- Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification

- BLS (AHA)

- NICU-specific National Certification (RNC-NIC)

Preferred Qualifications

- Doctorate Degree (DNP or PhD)

- 5+ years of NICU experience

- NRP Certification (AAP)

The expected hiring range for this position is $64.37 to $96.55.

Rady Children’s Hospital is committed to compensation that is externally competitive and internally equitable. We demonstrate this commitment by conducting regular market reviews to remain competitive with organizations of similar size in the nonprofit, healthcare sector. The range listed above does not represent the full salary range for the position but is the expected hiring range for qualified candidates. Compensation decisions consider a variety of factors including experience, education, licensure, unique skillsets, organizational need, and internal equity. This posting will remain open from the “date posted” until the hiring manager has determined there is a sufficient applicant pool or until the position is filled.

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