PICU

Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) — Travel RN | Nights | Bakersfield, CA

This 13-week travel assignment places you in a specialized PICU managing high-acuity pediatric patients including those with respiratory failure, seizures, diabetic ketoacidosis, overdose/poisoning, and dehydration. A pediatric hospitalist and intensivist are available in-house 24/7, supported by around-the-clock respiratory therapy and pharmacy.

Shift & Schedule

• 12-hour nights, 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM
• Guaranteed 36 hours per week
• Every other weekend required; 2 out of 3 holidays
• Start date: October 12, 2026

Clinical Details

• Ventilator management required; respiratory support modalities include CPAP, BiPAP, and HFNC
• Nurses read their own telemetry strips
• Common drips: insulin, sedative agents, heparin, electrolyte replacement; occasional vasopressin, norepinephrine, and epinephrine
• Infusion pump experience required
• No IV team or nurse aides on unit; charge nurse role is rare

Float Requirements

• Travelers are first to float to general pediatrics and the burn unit (non-burn pediatric care only; burn-specific care is managed by dedicated staff)
• NICU float is voluntary

Orientation

• 4-shift orientation: 2 PICU, 1 general pediatrics, 1 burn unit

Requirements

• Minimum 2 years of PICU experience required; first-time travelers will not be considered
• Active RN license (CA or compact eligible)
• BLS and PALS required
• Scrub color: Navy blue