Clinical Nurse - Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Location: Salem Health Hospital, 890 Oak Street SE, Salem, Oregon 97301

Department: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Position Type: Full Time, 36 hours/week, Non-Exempt

Schedule: 7:00 pm - 7:00 am, three 12-hour shifts, variable scheduled days

Your role with us

As a clinical nurse in our level II/III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), you’ll provide expert, compassionate care for Salem’s most vulnerable patients, premature and critically ill newborns. You’ll be part of a dedicated, interdisciplinary team of nurses, neonatologists, neonatal nurse practitioners, respiratory therapists, and other specialists committed to delivering exceptional, family-centered care.

Our 27-bed NICU offers both private and semi-private rooms, including family discharge spaces and a family lounge with a pantry and shower. We care for infants as early as 25 weeks' gestation and support families through each stage of their baby’s healing journey.

This role is ideal for a nurse who thrives in a high-acuity environment, values teamwork, and takes pride in promoting excellence in neonatal nursing.

What you'll do

• Deliver safe, evidence-based care to neonates requiring advanced respiratory, nutritional, or developmental support.
• Perform ongoing assessments and develop individualized care plans that reflect each infant’s changing condition.
• Collaborate closely with families, providing education and emotional support as integral members of the care team.
• Manage advanced neonatal equipment, including ventilators, bubble CPAP, high-flow therapy, and oscillators.
• Initiate and maintain IV therapy, central lines (UVC, UAC, PICC), and chest tubes with precision and care.
• Recognize and respond promptly to emergencies, ensuring the highest standards of patient safety.
• Document all aspects of care accurately and thoroughly in accordance with hospital standards.
• Participate in shared decision-making, continuous professional development, and quality improvement initiatives.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor of Science (BSN) or Bachelor of Arts degree in nursing, or non-nursing bachelor's degree with a Master of Science in nursing (MSN). Candidates with an associate's degree in nursing (ADN) and graduates of a diploma RN program are also encouraged to apply; ADN applicants with less than five years of acute care experience will be required to sign an agreement committing to complete their BSN or MSN degree within three years of hire.
• Unencumbered licensure to practice nursing as a Registered Nurse in the State of Oregon.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS).
• One year of nursing experience.

Additional information

• Two years of NICU experience preferred.

Total rewards package

Salem Health's comprehensive benefits package prioritizes your mental and physical health, financial stability, family obligations, and professional growth. Click here for details.

Why Salem Health?

Salem Health is a Top Workplace in Oregon, known for fostering a supportive culture where your contributions truly matter. As an award-winning, independent health care system, we serve our region through Salem Hospital, multiple community clinics and West Valley Hospital, ensuring broad access to high-quality care.

We believe in empowering our teams. Through Lean principles, staff help drive innovation and solve real problems. We also invest in your growth with professional development, tuition assistance, and clear career pathways. At Salem Health, you’ll find more than a job, you’ll find purpose, connection, and room to thrive.

Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status or condition protected by law.

Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for applicants. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact my.recruiter@salemhealth.org.