Job Description

Clinical Nurse, RN – Per Diem Level I | Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) | Nights

Howard University Hospital  |  Washington, DC

Role Summary

The Clinical Nurse – Per Diem (RN) is a Registered Nurse reporting to the Clinical Nursing Administrator and embedded in the Howard University Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit — part of a comprehensive Women and Infant Services program serving the Washington, DC metro area. Through collaboration with the interdisciplinary team, you will deliver safe, effective, patient- and family-centered care to critically ill and medically complex neonates across the full spectrum of acuity. You will exemplify HUH’s CARES values, adhere to ANA standards of practice, and fulfill our nursing mission and vision.

What You’ll Do

• Perform comprehensive neonatal assessments and develop individualized, evidence-based plans of care for critically ill and medically complex neonates across the full spectrum of acuity, including preterm, surgical, and medically complex patients
• Manage and titrate complex respiratory support modalities including conventional mechanical ventilation, high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV), CPAP, and high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC); recognize and respond to changes in respiratory status
• Initiate and maintain vascular access including umbilical venous catheters (UVC), umbilical arterial catheters (UAC), and peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC); perform continuous hemodynamic monitoring and interpret arterial waveforms
• Administer high-risk neonatal medications including vasopressors, inotropes, sedatives, total parenteral nutrition (TPN), and surfactant safely per protocol; recognize and respond to adverse effects
• Monitor for and manage thermoregulation using isolettes and radiant warmers; implement and maintain developmentally supportive care practices including NIDCAP principles, positioning, and environmental modification
• Recognize and escalate neonatal emergencies including respiratory failure, cardiovascular decompensation, sepsis, seizures, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH); participate in emergency drills and resuscitation events
• Initiate and manage phototherapy for hyperbilirubinemia; monitor bilirubin trends and recognize indications for escalation
• Support family-centered and family-integrated care by engaging parents and caregivers as active partners; facilitate skin-to-skin (kangaroo) care, support breastfeeding and human milk feeding, and provide education on NICU equipment, procedures, and infant cues
• Provide compassionate, culturally responsive support to families navigating the NICU experience, including those facing complex diagnoses, surgical interventions, and end-of-life circumstances
• Document patient care, assessments, and outcomes accurately in the electronic health record; communicate irregularities and continuing care needs across nursing teams
• Delegate tasks appropriately to non-licensed personnel and assistants
• Adhere to infection control protocols, medication administration and storage procedures, and controlled substance regulations
• Participate in unit performance improvement programs, and engage in education, engagement, and practice committees
• Maintain and grow clinical knowledge through educational workshops, professional publications, and professional societies
• Perform other duties as assigned consistent with the scope of this role

Required Qualifications

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) required; Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred
• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing
• Minimum three (3) years of bedside RN experience in a NICU setting (Level III or IV preferred)
• Current, active RN license in the District of Columbia
• Current BLS certification through the American Heart Association (AHA) required
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification through the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) required
• Nationally recognized nursing certification in neonatal nursing (e.g., RNC-NIC) highly desirable

About Howard University Hospital

With over 150 years of caring for our community in the Washington, DC area, Howard University Hospital has a world-renowned reputation for high-quality, patient-centric care. As the nation’s only teaching hospital located on the campus of a Historically Black University, we offer a superior learning environment built on groundbreaking research and exceptional patient outcomes.

What We Offer

• Highly competitive per diem compensation
• Flexible scheduling within defined per diem commitment
• Professional practice environment grounded in the HUH CARES values
• Opportunities to contribute to a respected academic and clinical institution

Please note: Per Diem positions are not benefits-eligible and do not accrue PTO. Employees may be eligible for compensation under the DC Accrued Sick and Safe Leave Act (ASSLA).

Position Details

Per Diem – Level I Commitment

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Nights | 7:30 PM – 8:00 AM

One (1) 12-hour shift per week, set in four (4) week cycles

Two weekends per month (24 hours/month)

Every other major holiday required (New Year’s, Thanksgiving, Christmas — beginning the night before). Additional coverage expected for Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day

Pay & Schedule

This is a per diem, non-exempt position. Hourly rate is $52.00/hour .

Compliance Statements

Culture of Care: Howard University Hospital supports a Just Culture that promotes accountability, learning, and patient safety.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Howard University Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Reasonable Accommodation: Howard University Hospital is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. If you require an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact the Human Resources Department at HUHLA@huhosp.org .

Pay Transparency: Salary ranges listed in job postings reflect the expected compensation range for the position and are provided in accordance with applicable pay transparency laws. Final compensation is determined based on experience, education, internal equity, and other relevant factors.

Disclaimer: The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position.

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