Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) Registered Nurse (RN) – Travel Nursing Contract in Durham, NC

Join a high-acuity PICU travel nursing assignment in Durham, North Carolina, and provide critical care to neonates, infants, children, and adolescents. This 13-week travel nurse contract offers experienced pediatric ICU RNs the opportunity to care for patients with complex congenital and cardiac conditions while collaborating with a multidisciplinary healthcare team. First-time travelers are welcome to apply.

Pediatric ICU Travel Nurse Job Details

• Location: Durham, North Carolina 27710
• Assignment Type: 13-week PICU travel nursing contract
• Start Date: October 19, 2026
• End Date: January 18, 2027
• Weekly Estimated Pay: $2,160–$2,270
• Schedule: 3 shifts per week; 4 shifts per week may also be available
• Shift Duration: 12-hour day shifts, approximately 7:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Weekly Hours: 36 hours
• Weekend Requirement: Every other weekend
• Patient Ratio: Approximately 1:1
• Orientation: 36 hours; orientations are held biweekly
• Floating: Required as appropriate

Pediatric ICU RN Job Requirements

• At least 1 year of recent pediatric intensive care or cardiovascular pediatric intensive care RN experience
• Active North Carolina or compact Registered Nurse license in hand
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• Current Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification
• Strong assessment, prioritization, and clinical judgment skills in a high-acuity pediatric setting
• Experience with Epic electronic medical record charting is preferred
• Previous charge nurse experience is preferred
• Experience caring for patients with complex congenital heart disease, cardiac arrhythmias, or heart failure is preferred
• Annual influenza vaccination is required; exemptions and declinations are not accepted
• One recent supervisory reference may be required during the application process

PICU Travel Nurse Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive, age-appropriate nursing care to critically ill neonates, infants, children, and adolescents
• Care for patients before and after cardiac surgery, cardiac catheterization, transplantation, and other complex procedures
• Monitor and manage ventilated patients, high-flow nasal cannula, BiPAP/CPAP, chest tubes, tracheostomies, and acute airways
• Perform hemodynamic monitoring, arterial line management, central line care, CVP monitoring, and interpretation of arterial blood gases
• Administer and monitor IV vasopressors, continuous sedation, blood products, TPN/lipids, and other critical care therapies
• Support patients receiving advanced therapies such as ECMO, CRRT, and ventricular assist devices according to unit protocols
• Recognize changes in patient condition and respond promptly to dysrhythmias, emergencies, and rapid response situations
• Collaborate with respiratory therapy, pharmacy, radiology, rehabilitation, social services, and other members of the pediatric critical care team
• Accurately document assessments, interventions, and patient responses in the electronic medical record
• Maintain a safe environment through infection prevention, medication safety, and evidence-based pediatric nursing practices

Why You’ll Love This North Carolina Travel Nursing Opportunity

Durham is a vibrant North Carolina community in the Research Triangle, known for its welcoming neighborhoods, diverse dining and arts scene, and easy access to parks, trails, and outdoor recreation. This assignment is an excellent opportunity to expand your pediatric critical care and PICU nursing experience while enjoying the energy and amenities of a thriving Southern city.

Apply now for this Pediatric ICU RN travel contract in Durham, North Carolina, and take the next step in your travel nursing career.

Benefits

401K with Matching, Healthcare, Dental and Vision

Equal Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity across our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.