What experience do you need to be a NICU travel nurse?

Usually 2 years of recent NICU experience, often at the same level or higher. Requirements are set by each hospital, so check the job post.

What certifications do NICU travel nurses need?

Most NICU contracts require BLS and NRP, and many prefer S.T.A.B.L.E., RNC-NIC and PALS. Bring current cards: agencies verify them before submitting you.

What is the nurse-to-patient ratio for NICU?

Only California sets ratios in law: 1 nurse to 2 patients (Title 22 CCR §70217). Elsewhere it's hospital policy, so ask on the interview.

NICU travel nurse

Also posted as neonatal ICU.

Usually 2 years of recent NICU experience, often at the same level or higher. Most contracts require BLS and NRP; many prefer S.T.A.B.L.E., RNC-NIC and PALS. California, the only state with ratios in law, caps NICU at 1 nurse to 2 patients.

Updated October 2026

Premature and sick newborns. The NICU's level (II to IV) shapes the patients you'll see and the experience asked for.

What agencies ask for

Experience: Usually 2 years of recent NICU experience, often at the same level or higher.
Required on most contracts: BLS and NRP
Often preferred: S.T.A.B.L.E., RNC-NIC and PALS
Also expect: A skills checklist and references from your recent NICU managers, and a license for the state (or a multistate license where it applies).

Ratios and floating

California minimum: 1 nurse to 2 patients. Title 22 §70217

Traveler reports on NICU ratios and floating appear here once a hospital's NICU has 3 reports. Report a unit you worked on.

What NICU travelers were offered

No NICU offers shared yet. Pay is published as medians once 3 travelers have shared.

Decode a NICU job post Share an offer anonymously

Ask before you sign

What level is the NICU, and the lowest gestational age you take?
Will I go to deliveries?
Will I float to mother-baby or peds?
What's the usual ratio on days and on nights, and who covers breaks?
How many orientation shifts do travelers get, and are they paid?
Which charting system does the unit use?

Questions

What experience do you need to be a NICU travel nurse?: Usually 2 years of recent NICU experience, often at the same level or higher. Requirements are set by each hospital, so check the job post.
What certifications do NICU travel nurses need?: Most NICU contracts require BLS and NRP, and many prefer S.T.A.B.L.E., RNC-NIC and PALS. Bring current cards: agencies verify them before submitting you.
What is the nurse-to-patient ratio for NICU?: Only California sets ratios in law: 1 nurse to 2 patients (Title 22 CCR §70217). Elsewhere it's hospital policy, so ask on the interview.

Other specialties: ICU · ER · Labor & Delivery · Med-Surg · PCU / Stepdown · Telemetry · OR · Pediatrics · Psych