Travel Registered Nurse NICU Job
San Luis Obispo, CA
Contracted
Adventist Health- Sierra Vista
Mid Level
Step into a pivotal NICU nursing role as a Registered Nurse in California’s Central Coast, where your neonatal expertise will shape bright beginnings for the smallest patients and their families. In this position you’ll partner with compassionate teams, apply hands‑on clinical skills, and lead with evidence-based care that supports families through some of their most challenging moments. You’ll monitor fragile newborns, manage ventilator and respiratory support when needed, oversee thermoregulation, monitor feeding and growth, administer medications safely, and collaborate closely with neonatologists, respiratory therapists, lactation consultants, and family support specialists. Your work will extend beyond the bedside, driving developmental care, careful charting, and meticulous rounds that align with best practices and hospital protocols. This assignment begins 02/23/2026 and spans several weeks, offering a dynamic, mission‑driven environment where every intervention has a meaningful impact. As you step into this role, envision the difference you can make in a NICU that values precision, empathy, and teamwork. And for those who love both hospital life and golden-hour sunsets, California’s beauty provides a backdrop that reinforces the purpose of your daily care.
California’s coast and countryside offer more than scenery; they provide inspiration and balance. Separately, you’ll find a state celebrated for its natural diversity—from the pristine shoreline of the Pacific to the inland hills and agricultural heartlands. In San Luis Obispo, you’ll experience a welcoming community, a mild climate, and a neighborhood feel that makes a demanding NICU schedule feel sustainable. The region’s outdoor offerings—from scenic bluff overlooks and coastal trails to breezy beach days and nearby vineyards—complement a professional life dedicated to healing. And for travel-minded professionals, the opportunity exists to engage with facilities across the U.S., expanding your clinical repertoire while maintaining the core values that guide excellent neonatal care.
Location benefits go beyond a single site. Working in San Luis Obispo places you in a center with strong interdisciplinary collaboration, advanced neonatal technologies, and access to mentorship from seasoned NICU leaders. You’ll enjoy proximity to educational institutions, vibrant local culture, and a network of health systems that support career growth through targeted training, research opportunities, and leadership pathways. If you choose to extend beyond the initial assignment, you’ll encounter a variety of NICU environments—from urban tertiary centers to suburban community hospitals—each offering unique patient populations and clinical challenges. Competitive compensation is paired with housing assistance and the potential for contract extensions, allowing you to tailor the experience to your professional goals while balancing personal life. Weekly pay ranges from $1,848 to $1,963, with flexible scheduling and the possibility of bonus incentives that recognize your expertise and commitment. While traveling with the company, you’ll have 24/7 support from a dedicated team, ensuring transitions between shifts, facilities, and cities are smooth and well-supported.
In this role, you’ll take on responsibilities that reinforce your leadership in neonatal safety and family-centered care. Key duties include comprehensive patient assessment, vigilant monitoring of vital signs and respiratory status, nurse-initiated care plans aligned with NICU protocols, careful dosing and administration of medications, and timely communication with physicians and families. You’ll participate in rounds, contribute to quality improvement initiatives, and mentor newer staff or traveling nurses, enriching the unit with your experience and compassionate approach. The position emphasizes continuous professional growth: you’ll have access to ongoing education, specialized NICU certifications, and opportunities to refine subspecialty skills such as transport coordination, lactation support, and developmental care practices. The benefits package is designed to reflect your critical role—competitive weekly pay within the stated range, a sign-on bonus, and robust housing assistance that reduces living costs while you focus on patient care. Extension opportunities allow you to deepen your specialization in NICU, explore rotations across facilities, and build a durable, impactful career path. You’ll receive comprehensive travel support, including accommodations coordination, transportation assistance where relevant, and 24/7 help desk access to address any concerns while you’re on assignment. The program structure supports your mastery of high-acuity neonatal care, while recognizing the resilience and empathy you bring to every family’s journey.
Our company values people who elevate patient outcomes and nurture professional growth. We are committed to empowering our staff to advance within NICU specialties, broaden clinical competencies, and lead with integrity in fast‑paced, high‑stakes environments. You’ll join a culture that prioritizes mentorship, transparent feedback, collaborative problem solving, and a spirited dedication to wellbeing and work‑life balance. Expect a supportive work environment where experienced leaders invest in your development, celebrate your successes, and provide the resources you need to continually improve patient care and family engagement. This is more than a job—it’s a pathway to becoming a more confident clinician, a stronger mentor, and a more influential advocate for neonatal health across diverse care settings.
Ready to seize an exciting opportunity to grow as a NICU nurse while exploring California’s coast and beyond? If you’re passionate about neonatal outcomes, eager to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and motivated by a program that backs your career ambitions, apply now. This assignment welcomes your expertise, accommodates your professional goals, and recognizes the vital role you play in shaping healthier futures for newborns and their families. Start your next chapter with a team that values your contribution and invests in your development.
Note: The hours and pay rates listed are estimates and may vary. Final compensation packages and guaranteed hours will be confirmed during the hiring process.
California’s coast and countryside offer more than scenery; they provide inspiration and balance. Separately, you’ll find a state celebrated for its natural diversity—from the pristine shoreline of the Pacific to the inland hills and agricultural heartlands. In San Luis Obispo, you’ll experience a welcoming community, a mild climate, and a neighborhood feel that makes a demanding NICU schedule feel sustainable. The region’s outdoor offerings—from scenic bluff overlooks and coastal trails to breezy beach days and nearby vineyards—complement a professional life dedicated to healing. And for travel-minded professionals, the opportunity exists to engage with facilities across the U.S., expanding your clinical repertoire while maintaining the core values that guide excellent neonatal care.
Location benefits go beyond a single site. Working in San Luis Obispo places you in a center with strong interdisciplinary collaboration, advanced neonatal technologies, and access to mentorship from seasoned NICU leaders. You’ll enjoy proximity to educational institutions, vibrant local culture, and a network of health systems that support career growth through targeted training, research opportunities, and leadership pathways. If you choose to extend beyond the initial assignment, you’ll encounter a variety of NICU environments—from urban tertiary centers to suburban community hospitals—each offering unique patient populations and clinical challenges. Competitive compensation is paired with housing assistance and the potential for contract extensions, allowing you to tailor the experience to your professional goals while balancing personal life. Weekly pay ranges from $1,848 to $1,963, with flexible scheduling and the possibility of bonus incentives that recognize your expertise and commitment. While traveling with the company, you’ll have 24/7 support from a dedicated team, ensuring transitions between shifts, facilities, and cities are smooth and well-supported.
In this role, you’ll take on responsibilities that reinforce your leadership in neonatal safety and family-centered care. Key duties include comprehensive patient assessment, vigilant monitoring of vital signs and respiratory status, nurse-initiated care plans aligned with NICU protocols, careful dosing and administration of medications, and timely communication with physicians and families. You’ll participate in rounds, contribute to quality improvement initiatives, and mentor newer staff or traveling nurses, enriching the unit with your experience and compassionate approach. The position emphasizes continuous professional growth: you’ll have access to ongoing education, specialized NICU certifications, and opportunities to refine subspecialty skills such as transport coordination, lactation support, and developmental care practices. The benefits package is designed to reflect your critical role—competitive weekly pay within the stated range, a sign-on bonus, and robust housing assistance that reduces living costs while you focus on patient care. Extension opportunities allow you to deepen your specialization in NICU, explore rotations across facilities, and build a durable, impactful career path. You’ll receive comprehensive travel support, including accommodations coordination, transportation assistance where relevant, and 24/7 help desk access to address any concerns while you’re on assignment. The program structure supports your mastery of high-acuity neonatal care, while recognizing the resilience and empathy you bring to every family’s journey.
Our company values people who elevate patient outcomes and nurture professional growth. We are committed to empowering our staff to advance within NICU specialties, broaden clinical competencies, and lead with integrity in fast‑paced, high‑stakes environments. You’ll join a culture that prioritizes mentorship, transparent feedback, collaborative problem solving, and a spirited dedication to wellbeing and work‑life balance. Expect a supportive work environment where experienced leaders invest in your development, celebrate your successes, and provide the resources you need to continually improve patient care and family engagement. This is more than a job—it’s a pathway to becoming a more confident clinician, a stronger mentor, and a more influential advocate for neonatal health across diverse care settings.
Ready to seize an exciting opportunity to grow as a NICU nurse while exploring California’s coast and beyond? If you’re passionate about neonatal outcomes, eager to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and motivated by a program that backs your career ambitions, apply now. This assignment welcomes your expertise, accommodates your professional goals, and recognizes the vital role you play in shaping healthier futures for newborns and their families. Start your next chapter with a team that values your contribution and invests in your development.
Note: The hours and pay rates listed are estimates and may vary. Final compensation packages and guaranteed hours will be confirmed during the hiring process.
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About TLC Nursing
TLC Healthforce is a nationwide travel healthcare staffing agency pairing Nursing and Allied Health professionals with high-quality travel and local contracts across the U.S.
ShiftShield™ – Traveler Protection
ShiftShield™ protects travelers from preventable facility-driven cancellations and ensures fair compensation for schedule disruptions.
Why Travelers Choose TLC
- Competitive weekly pay
- Fast credentialing
- 24/7 recruiter & clinical support
- Nationwide assignments
Referral Bonus
Earn up to $1,000 per referral — no employment required.
EEO Statement
TLC Healthforce is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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