Job Description of an NICU Nurse Manager

The neonatal intensive care unit is a specialized ward in a hospital for newborns who need life support, such as ventilators or incubators. The NICU nurse manager is responsible for overseeing the entire unit.

Function

The NICU nurse manager hires, coaches, reviews and disciplines the nursing staff that works within the unit. The manager is also responsible for ensuring that the unit operates appropriately, provides satisfactory care and offers educational opportunities to new parents.

Features

NICU nurse managers ensure that the unit operates in accordance with all federal, state and local codes. The manger also reviews patient files and discusses treatment plans with nurses who work in the unit on a regular basis.

Time Frame

NICU nurse managers often work 10- to 12-hour shifts and often have to spend time at the unit overnight and on weekends in order to observe and interact with the entire NICU team.

Requirements

A NICU nurse manager must be a registered nurse, meaning the candidate has passed the state written examination. Additionally, some hospitals often prefer NICU nurse managers to have a bachelor's or even a master's degree in nursing, rather than an associate degree or diploma from a hospital training program.

Compensation

In October 2009, the average salary for NICU nurse managers was $79,000, according to Indeed.com.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Industry Overview
• Sample Job Description
• Indeed.com