Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse Jobs
Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse jobs are open across children's hospitals, academic medical centers, and specialty pediatric facilities, from new-grad RN to senior clinical specialist, with specializations in neonatal-pediatric crossover care, pediatric cardiac ICU, and trauma nursing. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital is seeking a 90–100% Advanced Practice Provider (ARNP/PA) to work rotating days/nights/weekends with 12-hour shifts in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) & Intermediate Care Unit (IMCU). This position may be eligible for relocation assistance based on institutional guidelines.
In this position, the APP (ARNP/PA) will provide overall medical care and management for pediatric patients, exercising autonomy in medical decision-making and services provided in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and Intermediate Care Unit (IMCU). The APP will rotate through both the PICU and IMCU as needed. The APP will function independently and/or as a member of an interdisciplinary team to plan, deliver, and evaluate health care for neonates, infants, children, adolescents, and young adults admitted to the ICU and IMCU. The extensive focus is caring for hospitalized patients to manage care and length of stay, improve resource utilization and decrease costs to patients and the institution while providing personalized care on a 24/7 basis.
Position Responsibilities:
Assesses the patient’s health status through history taking, physical examination, laboratory evaluation, and other diagnostic modalities as appropriate.
Performance of the following procedures (but not limited to): PICC lines, arterial lines, and central venous catheters
Plan, implement, and communicate treatment programs addressing the patient’s medical and developmental needs.
Participate in daily rounds, multidisciplinary care conferences, handoffs, and family-centered rounds.
Recognize and manage acute illness, chronic conditions, and clinical deterioration in an intermediate care and intensive care setting.
Care for patients that require advanced monitoring, respiratory support, vasoactive medications, and other high-acuity therapies.
Determines and facilitates appropriate referral and consultation services in a timely manner.
Facilitate transfer of patients between inpatient uni8ts, including escalation from IMCU to PICU and transition from PICU to IMCU or acute care settings.
Completes medical documentation and billing in accordance with institutional and departmental standards.
Initiates therapeutic interventions using independent judgment and evidence-based clinical guidelines.
Integrates clinical data into diagnostic reasoning and individualized care planning.
Provides patient and family education, supporting care plan implementation both inpatient and at discharge.
Participates in quality improvement, patient safety, and clinical pathway initiatives.
Completes required administrative responsibilities including compliance training, credentialing, and institutional documentation.
Performs additional duties and special projects assigned.
Education Requirements:
Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP):
Master’s Degree required; Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) preferred
If master’s is in a related field, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing is required
Current certification as Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP-AC or CPNP-PC)
Current ARNP license in the State of Iowa
Physician Associate (PA):
Graduate of an accredited PA program
Current certification by NCCPA
Current licensure with the Iowa Board of Physician Associate Examiners
Experience Requirements:
1–3 years of experience caring for acutely ill pediatric patients is required
Understanding of the Nurse Practice Act and APP scope of practice in Iowa
Demonstrated ability to function as an independent practitioner within a collaborative practice agreement
Strong clinical judgment, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Desired Qualifications:
Experience working in pediatric intermediate care, PICU, or step-down environments
Demonstrated experience managing hospitalized patients, including throughput, length of stay, and resource utilization
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
Federal DEA license
Certification as Pediatric Acute Care NP, if holds nurse practitioner certification
Experience providing autonomous medical management in an inpatient setting
Demonstrated ability to work independently with indirect supervision
Position and Application Details:
Successful candidates will be subject to a criminal background check and education/credential verification. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.
This position is not eligible for university sponsorship for employment authorization.
In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a “Relevant File” to the submission:
Resume
Cover Letter
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.
For additional questions, please contact Mara Lugo at maria-lugo@uiowa.edu
Benefits Highlights
Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans
The University of Iowa offers a generous benefits package, including paid vacation and paid sick leave. Complete information regarding the full benefits package may be viewed at: Benefits | University Human Resources - The University of Iowa (uiowa.edu)
- Classification Title: Critical Care/Neonatal NP/PA
- Appointment Type: SEIU
- Schedule: Full-time
- Work Modality Options: On Campus
- Pay Level: 97
- Organization: Healthcare
- Contact Name: Maria Lugo
- Contact Email: Maria-lugo@uiowa.edu
Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital is seeking a 90–100% Advanced Practice Provider (ARNP/PA) to work rotating days/nights/weekends with 12-hour shifts in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) & Intermediate Care Unit (IMCU). This position may be eligible for relocation assistance based on institutional guidelines.
In this position, the APP (ARNP/PA) will provide overall medical care and management for pediatric patients, exercising autonomy in medical decision-making and services provided in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and Intermediate Care Unit (IMCU). The APP will rotate through both the PICU and IMCU as needed. The APP will function independently and/or as a member of an interdisciplinary team to plan, deliver, and evaluate health care for neonates, infants, children, adolescents, and young adults admitted to the ICU and IMCU. The extensive focus is caring for hospitalized patients to manage care and length of stay, improve resource utilization and decrease costs to patients and the institution while providing personalized care on a 24/7 basis.
Position Responsibilities:
Assesses the patient’s health status through history taking, physical examination, laboratory evaluation, and other diagnostic modalities as appropriate.
Performance of the following procedures (but not limited to): PICC lines, arterial lines, and central venous catheters
Plan, implement, and communicate treatment programs addressing the patient’s medical and developmental needs.
Participate in daily rounds, multidisciplinary care conferences, handoffs, and family-centered rounds.
Recognize and manage acute illness, chronic conditions, and clinical deterioration in an intermediate care and intensive care setting.
Care for patients that require advanced monitoring, respiratory support, vasoactive medications, and other high-acuity therapies.
Determines and facilitates appropriate referral and consultation services in a timely manner.
Facilitate transfer of patients between inpatient uni8ts, including escalation from IMCU to PICU and transition from PICU to IMCU or acute care settings.
Completes medical documentation and billing in accordance with institutional and departmental standards.
Initiates therapeutic interventions using independent judgment and evidence-based clinical guidelines.
Integrates clinical data into diagnostic reasoning and individualized care planning.
Provides patient and family education, supporting care plan implementation both inpatient and at discharge.
Participates in quality improvement, patient safety, and clinical pathway initiatives.
Completes required administrative responsibilities including compliance training, credentialing, and institutional documentation.
Performs additional duties and special projects assigned.
Education Requirements:
Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP):
Master’s Degree required; Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) preferred
If master’s is in a related field, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing is required
Current certification as Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP-AC or CPNP-PC)
Current ARNP license in the State of Iowa
Physician Associate (PA):
Graduate of an accredited PA program
Current certification by NCCPA
Current licensure with the Iowa Board of Physician Associate Examiners
Experience Requirements:
1–3 years of experience caring for acutely ill pediatric patients is required
Understanding of the Nurse Practice Act and APP scope of practice in Iowa
Demonstrated ability to function as an independent practitioner within a collaborative practice agreement
Strong clinical judgment, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Desired Qualifications:
Experience working in pediatric intermediate care, PICU, or step-down environments
Demonstrated experience managing hospitalized patients, including throughput, length of stay, and resource utilization
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
Federal DEA license
Certification as Pediatric Acute Care NP, if holds nurse practitioner certification
Experience providing autonomous medical management in an inpatient setting
Demonstrated ability to work independently with indirect supervision
Position and Application Details:
Successful candidates will be subject to a criminal background check and education/credential verification. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.
This position is not eligible for university sponsorship for employment authorization.
In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a “Relevant File” to the submission:
Resume
Cover Letter
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.
For additional questions, please contact Mara Lugo at maria-lugo@uiowa.edu
Benefits Highlights
Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans
The University of Iowa offers a generous benefits package, including paid vacation and paid sick leave. Complete information regarding the full benefits package may be viewed at: Benefits | University Human Resources - The University of Iowa (uiowa.edu)
- Classification Title: Critical Care/Neonatal NP/PA
- Appointment Type: SEIU
- Schedule: Full-time
- Work Modality Options: On Campus
- Pay Level: 97
- Organization: Healthcare
- Contact Name: Maria Lugo
- Contact Email: Maria-lugo@uiowa.edu
See All 52 Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse Jobs
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Find JobsPediatric Intensive Care Nurse Job Market
Who's Hiring
- HealthTrust Workforce Solutions11
- Matrix Providers6
- Penn State Health3
- University of Mississippi Medical Center3
- ATC Healthcare2
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Education
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in pediatric intensive care nurse jobs.
- Active RN licensure in the state of employment or compact licensure
- Minimum one to two years of pediatric or critical care nursing experience
- BLS and PALS certification required at time of hire
- CCRN-Pediatric or CPN certification preferred or required within a defined timeframe
- Proficiency with mechanical ventilation, vasoactive drips, and arterial line management
- BSN required or ADN with active enrollment in a BSN completion program
Tips for Your Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse Job Search
Tailor your resume for PICU acuity
Hiring managers scan for specific acuity indicators, so list your average nurse-to-patient ratio, the types of drips you've managed, and any ventilator modes you're proficient with. Generic critical-care language won't distinguish you from adult ICU candidates.
Certify before the application deadline
Many PICU postings require or strongly prefer CCRN-Pediatric or CPN certification at the time of application, not just at hire. If your exam is scheduled, state the date on your resume so recruiters don't screen you out before reading further.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists pediatric intensive care nurse openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings that name your specialty equipment
PICU units vary widely, from cardiac to neurology to general critical care. Filter for job descriptions that name the specific population or equipment you've trained on, like ECMO, arterial lines, or intracranial pressure monitoring, to match where your skills are strongest.
Prepare scenario answers around pediatric deterioration
Interviewers for PICU roles consistently ask how you recognized and responded to rapid deterioration in a pediatric patient. Build two or three tight STAR-format answers from your actual cases before your first phone screen, not after.
Negotiate shift differentials and float pool terms
Children's hospitals often structure PICU offers with significant night and weekend differentials, plus float pool expectations across adjacent units. Clarify float obligations and confirm differential rates in writing before you accept, since these terms vary more than base pay between institutions.
Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most pediatric intensive care nurses?
The most active employers for pediatric intensive care nurses right now are HealthTrust Workforce Solutions, Matrix Providers, and Penn State Health, and the most openings are in Texas, South Carolina, and Virginia, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Volume shifts seasonally, so checking current listings gives you the most accurate picture.
How many pediatric intensive care nurse jobs are remote?
About 0% of pediatric intensive care nurse openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of bedside critical care. The sub-areas most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements include pediatric tele-ICU oversight roles, case management transitions within PICU programs, and clinical education or staff development positions tied to PICU units.
How do you become a pediatric intensive care nurse?
Start by earning your RN license through an accredited ADN or BSN program, then gain foundational critical care or pediatric experience in a general ICU, pediatric step-down, or emergency department. From there, apply to entry-level PICU positions at children's hospitals, complete unit-based orientation, and pursue CCRN-Pediatric or CPN certification to advance your standing and open senior roles.
Can you get a pediatric intensive care nurse job with limited PICU experience?
Yes, many children's hospitals hire nurses from adult ICUs, pediatric medical-surgical floors, or emergency departments into structured PICU fellowship or residency programs designed for the transition. Highlight transferable critical-care skills like hemodynamic monitoring, ventilator management, and rapid response experience, and target postings that explicitly mention new-to-PICU or nurse residency pathways rather than applying to senior staff positions.
What does the pediatric intensive care nurse interview process look like?
Most PICU interviews start with a recruiter phone screen focused on licensure, certifications, and availability, followed by a panel interview with the nurse manager and two or three staff nurses. Expect clinical scenario questions about pediatric deterioration, family communication in crisis situations, and equipment troubleshooting. Some units add a brief skills or simulation assessment before extending an offer.
Where can I find and apply to pediatric intensive care nurse jobs?
You can find and apply to pediatric intensive care nurse jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Find the roles that match your experience, specialty, and preferred location, then apply directly to each listing from the page.
See All 52 Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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