(RN) Manager, Clinical Services – NICU

A growing, comprehensive Southern California hospital is seeking an experienced NICU Clinical Services Manager to lead a 15-bed Level III NICU within a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

This hospital is known for its strong executive leadership team, collaborative culture, and has earned an “A” grade in patient safety by The Leapfrog Group. This role offers high visibility and the opportunity to make a measurable impact.

About the Unit

• 15-bed Level III NICU
• Medium-sized department with strong growth potential
• High-acuity neonatal population
• Flexible, fast-moving operational environment
• Staffing dynamics that require adaptability and decisiveness

This role reports directly to the Maternal Child Health Director — a leader we personally placed and know well. She is an exceptional mentor, highly respected, and deeply committed to developing strong leaders.

What We Are Looking For

• Strong NICU clinical background
• Previous Manager-level experience
• Comfortable in a changing environment where staffing and priorities can shift quickly
• Flexible, solution-oriented leader who does not become frustrated by operational changes
• Ideally someone with experience presenting education or partnering with the Education Department
  (The NICU Educator role is still evolving, so this manager may collaborate closely on education initiatives.)

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Operations

• Oversee daily operations of the NICU, ensuring safe and efficient patient care delivery.
• Manage staffing, scheduling, performance evaluations, and accountability.
• Build a cohesive, high-performing clinical team.
• Maintain strong presence on the unit.

Clinical Oversight

• Ensure care delivery aligns with evidence-based NICU standards.
• Monitor patient outcomes and quality metrics.
• Lead performance improvement initiatives.

Education & Development

• Partner with the Education Department to support staff competency.
• Assist with training, professional development, and onboarding.
• Reinforce standards of care through coaching and mentorship.

Regulatory & Quality Compliance

• Ensure compliance with patient safety, infection prevention, and documentation standards.
• Support readiness for regulatory inspections and accreditation surveys.

Financial & Resource Stewardship

• Assist with budget management and resource utilization.
• Monitor staffing productivity and cost controls.

Qualifications

Education

• Graduate of an Accredited Registered Nursing Program

Experience

• Minimum 3–5 years NICU clinical experience
• Manager-level leadership experience required
• Strong knowledge of NICU practices, policies, and procedures
• Experience in a union environment preferred

Licensure & Certifications

• Current California RN License
• BLS (AHA)
• NRP Certification
• S.T.A.B.L.E. (within 6 months)
• Los Angeles County Fire Card (within 30 days)
• Assault Response Competency (within 30 days)

Why This Role?

• Work with an exceptional MCH Director who mentors and develops leaders
• Large, growing hospital with diverse clinical services
• Recognized for patient safety excellence
• Opportunity to stabilize, strengthen, and elevate a Level III NICU
• Ideal for a strong NICU leader who thrives in operationally dynamic environments