PICU

PICU – Travel RN | Nights | Bakersfield, CA | 13-Week Contract

This travel nursing opportunity is in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit caring for high-acuity pediatric patients. The unit is supported by in-house pediatric hospitalist intensivists, respiratory therapy, and pharmacy services around the clock.

Shift & Schedule

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

Clinical Scope

Common diagnoses include respiratory failure, diabetic ketoacidosis, seizures, dehydration, overdoses, poisonings, and suicide attempts. Nurses manage ventilated patients and titrate drips including insulin, sedative agents, heparin, vasopressors (norepinephrine, epinephrine, vasopressin), and electrolyte replacements. Nurses read and interpret their own telemetry strips. Respiratory support modalities in use include ventilators, CPAP, BiPAP, and HFNC.

Float Requirements

Travelers float first — to general pediatrics and the burn unit (non-burn pediatric care only; burn-specific care is handled by burn staff).

Orientation

Structured orientation covers the PICU, general pediatrics, and the burn unit for pediatric patients.

Requirements

• Minimum 2 years of PICU experience (no first-time travelers)
• BLS and PALS certifications required
• Navy blue scrubs
• BSN not required
• Active CA RN license required at time of submission

Contract Details

• Start date: November 16, 2026
• Duration: 13 weeks
• Low-census standby possible when scheduled during low-census periods