Job Description

Assistant Nurse Manager – NICU (Full-Time)

Location: Los Angeles, CA

The Assistant Nurse Manager, NICU supports the Nurse Manager in leading a high-acuity neonatal intensive care unit, balancing direct clinical practice with frontline leadership, staff support, and operational oversight on the mid-shift (12:00 pm–8:30 pm). This role is ideal for an experienced NICU RN who is ready to step into a formal leadership position while maintaining a strong bedside presence in a collaborative, quality-focused acute care environment.

Position details

• Industry: Healthcare / Health Services
• Category: Medical / Health – Nursing Leadership (NICU)
• Location: Onsite, Los Angeles, CA region
• Schedule: Full-time; 12:00 pm – 8:30 pm mid-shift
• Role: Assistant Nurse Manager, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (Level III or higher)

Role summary

The Assistant Nurse Manager, NICU helps plan, coordinate, and evaluate patient care delivery for a Level III or higher neonatal intensive care unit, working closely with the Nurse Manager and medical team. This position supports implementation of best practice models, patient care delivery systems, and nursing practice standards across assigned locations, while ensuring safe, high-quality care for critically ill and premature neonates and their families.

Key responsibilities

• Assist in implementing evidence-based NICU practice models, care standards, and policies, ensuring consistency across shifts and locations.
• Support daily operations of the NICU, including staffing, patient assignments, resource allocation, and bed management for a 24/7 unit.
• Maintain clinical expertise and provide direct patient care as needed, including high-acuity neonatal assessments, interventions, and family-centered care.
• Provide clinical supervision and coaching to NICU RNs and ancillary staff; delegate tasks and duties appropriately within scope of practice.
• Promote patient safety, quality, and a just culture by supporting event reviews, performance improvement initiatives, and action plans.
• Support investigations and resolution of patient, family, and member concerns related to care and services in the NICU.
• Collaborate with neonatologists, pediatric subspecialists, respiratory therapy, lactation, social work, and other disciplines to optimize outcomes across the continuum of care.
• Oversee appropriate use, maintenance, and readiness of NICU equipment, supplies, and medications, escalating issues as needed.
• Help coordinate staff education, competency validation, and onboarding of new team members in partnership with education and leadership.

Minimum requirements

• Active, unrestricted Registered Nurse License – California at time of hire.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) at hire.
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) – required (or obtained within defined organizational timeframe).
• RNC-NIC (Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing certification) required within 6 months of hire.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in patient care delivery.
• Education:
• Associate degree in Business, Nursing, Health Care, or related field with at least 2 years of experience in business operations or clinical healthcare; OR
• Minimum 3 years of experience in business operations, clinical healthcare, or a directly related field.
• Minimum 1 year of experience in a leadership role (with or without direct reports), such as charge nurse, clinical coordinator, or supervisor.
• Strong interpersonal and people-management skills; demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage conflict, and support staff development.

Preferred qualifications

• At least 2 years of recent NICU RN experience in a Level III or higher NICU in an acute care hospital.
• Minimum 1 year of formal NICU RN leadership experience (e.g., Charge Nurse, Clinical Coordinator, Supervisor, Assistant Nurse Manager, Nurse Manager; relief charge alone not accepted).
• BSN or MSN strongly preferred.
• Experience working with unions from a management perspective.
• Demonstrated skills in performance improvement, change management, and staff engagement within a neonatal setting.

Benefits and growth

• Comprehensive benefits package including healthcare coverage and other standard employee benefits.
• Annual pay review cycle and support for continuing education, specialty certifications, and professional development.
• Opportunities to grow within NICU leadership and broader nursing leadership pathways in a large acute care organization.

Why this opportunity stands out

This Assistant Nurse Manager, NICU role offers the chance to step into a high-impact leadership position in a busy, high-acuity neonatal environment while still providing hands-on care and mentoring a strong nursing team. The organization is committed to preventive care for its members, generous benefits, and ongoing education support, creating a supportive environment for professional growth and long-term career development

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