RN Nurse Manager - Neonatal ICU

Neonatal ICU Nurse Manager (RN) – UC San Diego Health

UC San Diego Health invites an experienced Registered Nurse to lead our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) across Hillcrest and Jacobs Medical Centers. The role requires advanced neonatal clinical expertise, strong operational leadership, and the ability to drive safety, quality, and patient experience.

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the NICU, ensuring delivery of safe, high‑quality, patient‑centered care.
• Drive patient flow from admission through discharge, coordinating across obstetrics, newborn care, ED, anesthesia, and specialty service lines.
• Own staffing, fiscal oversight, performance management, and continuous improvement of patient care processes and workflows.
• Collaborate with interprofessional teams to design, implement, and evaluate programs, policies, and performance improvement initiatives that advance UC San Diego Health’s mission.
• Maintain 24/7 operational accountability, resolve challenges proactively, and drive efficiency while maintaining high‑quality, safe, and patient‑centered care.
• Promote open communication, innovation, and shared governance to advance nursing practice and optimize outcomes.

• Bachelor’s degree in nursing.
• Registered Nurse (RN) license issued by the state of California.
• BART or BLS at hire; commitment to obtain BART within six (6) months of hire.
• Advanced provider NRP certification.
• 8+ years relevant RN experience in a large acute care hospital.
• 3+ years supervisory/management experience.
• Neonatal ICU experience (preferably high‑risk).
• Strong hospital management skills, including quality, fiscal, and operational oversight.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership skills across disciplines.
• Knowledge of regulatory, accreditation, licensing, and compliance requirements.
• Familiarity with healthcare IT, workflows, and patient care processes.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment with empathy and professionalism.

• Master’s degree in nursing or related field.
• RN‑NIC, NE‑BC, and/or CNML specialty certification.
• Prior experience at UC San Diego Health.

• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.
• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre‑employment physical.

Annual Full Pay Range: $168,800 – $341,200 (prorated if appointment percentage