Registered Nurse, Clinical Team Lead, NICU (Night Shift)

VHC Health
Arlington, VA

Position Title

Registered Nurse, Clinical Team Lead, NICU (Night Shift)

Job Description Summary

Our Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) offers a dynamic, collaborative environment dedicated to providing exceptional care for our most vulnerable patients. This 28 private-room unit, with the capacity to care for up to 44 patients and an average daily census of 17, supports neonates ranging from 22 weeks gestation through full term with a wide variety of complex conditions. Team members typically care for 1–3 patients at a time, allowing for focused, high-quality, acuity-based care.

The NICU is a fast-paced, high-acuity setting where each day brings new challenges and opportunities to make a meaningful impact. Care includes advanced respiratory support, from low-flow nasal cannula to high-frequency oscillation, along with management of peripheral IVs, umbilical lines, PICC lines, chest tubes, and comprehensive patient assessments. A strong emphasis is placed on developmental and family-centered care, supported by close collaboration across a multidisciplinary team that includes providers, therapists, and lactation specialists.

Professional growth and continuous learning are central to the unit’s culture. Orientation is individualized based on experience (ranging from 4–12 weeks), with structured education programs and opportunities to engage with various specialties across the Women’s & Infants service line. Team members are encouraged to participate in unit-based councils and quality improvement initiatives, helping to shape practice, strengthen interdisciplinary care, and drive innovation.

The culture within the NICU is built on teamwork, recognition, and shared purpose. With strong interdisciplinary collaboration, team-driven protocols, and a supportive environment, individuals are empowered to contribute, grow, and advance in their careers through opportunities such as leadership roles, precepting, and committee involvement.

If you’re looking to be part of a highly collaborative team where your work has a direct and lasting impact, this NICU provides an exceptional environment to grow and thrive.

Job Description

Purpose & Scope:

The RN Clinical Team Leader is responsible for direct and indirect care of patients and general operations of the unit in coordination with department leadership. The RN Clinical Team Leader understands the goals of the unit and Patient Care Services Division. Acts and is assigned as charge or other designated role in order to plan, organize, and direct patient care assignments with the goal of maximizing efficiency and ensuring appropriate staffing and resource allocation. The RN Clinical Team Leader effectively communicates and collaborates with members of the patient care team and ancillary departments. Serves as overall on-site support person for daily operations in order to achieve optimal patient outcomes and efficient patient throughput. Collaborates with unit leadership to evaluate current processes and recommends improvements/solutions as needed. The RN Clinical Team Leader role models exceptional patient engagement, best practices, conflict resolution, de-escalation techniques, and mentoring/coaching. Serves as a member of the leadership team in all interactions with staff, patients, family visitors, physicians, and other staff members.

Education:

Graduation from an accredited school of nursing is required.

Bachelor's degree in nursing is preferred.

Experience:

Three years of experience in specialty is preferred.

Demonstrated leadership ability is required.

For Emergency Department: one year of experience in a level 1 or level 2 trauma center is preferred.

Certification/Licensure:

Licensed as a Registered Nurse by the Virginia Department of Health Professionsor compact state licensure in nursing is required.

Certification in area of clinical specialtyto be obtained within 12 months

BLS certification is required.

Registered Nurses on designated units are required to maintain certain certifications. New to practice area nurses or new graduates have 1 year to complete the specialty requirements below.

ACLS: ED, ICU, CVICU, Cardiac Cath Lab, Cardiopulmonary Rehab, Bronch Suite, Interventional Radiology, Radiology Safety Nurses, Step down Units (3A, 3B, 4B), 6A, 6B, 7A, Labor and Delivery, Hemodialysis, Respiratory Therapy, Float pool, GI Unit, and PACU

PALS: PACU: Pediatric Nurses, ED

NRP: NICU, Mother Baby, Labor and Delivery

De-escalation training: BHU, ED

Per policy ACLS or PALS cards stand as showing competence in BLS Skills per American Heart Association Guidelines. If an employee holds current ACLS or PALS certification, this meets the requirement for BLS in their job description. They do not need to also carry a separate BLS certification.

Additional Job Description

Pay & Benefits: Commensurate with experience. Team members are eligible to receive benefits on the first day of the month following the date of hire, with 30 days to apply for benefits of choice.

  • Employee-Led Engagement and Wellness Committee dedicated to make work a fun and healthy place to work
  • Annual Employee Survey – Your Voice is Heard at VHC!
  • Paid Major Holidays
  • Generous Paid Time Off / Vacation / Sick Time
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Student Loan Repayment
  • Career Counseling, Leadership Development and Training
  • Clinical and Research Pathways Eligible
  • Annual Merit Review and Merit Increases
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Health Fitness & Education Class Discounts
  • Employee Wellness Benefits
  • Hospital Discount for Employees and Family
  • VHC Health Outpatient Pharmacy
  • VHC Retirement Program
  • Workforce Enhancement Program
  • Work/Life Discounts Program
  • Free onsite parking
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Family Leave
  • 401(k) + Match
  • and much more!
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