Job Description

Join a team that's shaping the future of pediatric care. Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is consistently ranked among the top 10 children's hospitals in the nation, delivering world-class care through more than 350 specialized programs and services. Here, world-class experts in medicine, research, and education work together to deliver family-centered care to more than 155,000 patients each year. At CHLA, your work will help build brighter tomorrows for the children and families we serve.

Overview

Schedule: Days
Purpose Statement/Position Summary: The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit provides advanced clinical leadership and expertise to support evidence-based care, optimize neonatal outcomes, and enhance nursing practice in a high-acuity Level IV NICU. This role focuses on improving nurse-sensitive indicators, facilitating transitions of care, and advancing neonatal clinical standards.
The CNS applies specialized knowledge in neonatal physiology, complex congenital conditions, and critical care management across three spheres of influence:
• Patient/Family: Advocates for safe, high-quality care for critically ill neonates and their families.
• Nurses/Nursing Practice: Serves as a mentor, educator, and resource for NICU nurses, supporting professional development and competency.
• Organization/System: Leads quality improvement initiatives, develops evidence-based protocols, and collaborates on strategic goals.
The CNS functions as a subject matter expert in neonatal nursing education, curriculum development, and clinical operations. This role partners with NICU leadership to implement projects that drive excellence in patient care and staff engagement.
Minimum Qualifications/Work Experience: 5+ years of recent relevant specialty area of practice experience required.
Previous CNS experience preferred.
Education/Licensure/Certification:
  • CNS Advanced Practice Registered Nurse prepared by a master’s, doctoral, or post-graduate certificate level CNS
  • program required.
  • Current professional California Registered Nurse and Clinical Nurse Specialist Licensure required.
  • BLS and PALS from the American Heart Association required.
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist national board certification in relevant specialty area of practice required.
  • NRP required for NICCU.
  • Current CNS certification in Neonatal or Pediatric specialty (ANCC or AACN).

Pay Scale Information

$136,427.00-$233,875.00

CHLA values the contribution each Team Member brings to our organization. Final determination of a successful candidate’s starting pay will vary based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, education and experience within the job or the industry. The pay scale listed for this position is generally for candidates who meet the specified qualifications and requirements listed on this specific job description. Additional pay may be determined for those candidates who exceed these specified qualifications and requirements. We provide a competitive compensation package that recognizes your experience, credentials, and education alongside a robust benefits program to meet your needs.

About Us

CHLA is a leader in pediatric and adolescent health, in our community, across the nation, and around the world . As a premier Magnet®-recognized teaching hospital, CHLA offers an environment rooted in learning, collaboration, and compassionate care. . We are home to groundbreaking research, clinical innovation, and a culture that supports personal and professional growth.

Since 1932, CHLA has been affiliated with the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California. Through this partnership and our own enduring mission, we remain committed to creating hope and building healthier futures.

CHLA is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, our work matters. And so do each and every one of our valued team members. We consider qualified applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran or military status, genetic information or any other legally protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. We will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of state and local laws, including the LA City Fair Chance Ordinance and SF Fair Chance Ordinance.

Qualified Applicants with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodation under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please contact CHLA Human Resources if you need assistance completing the application process.

Our various experiences, perspectives and backgrounds allow us to better serve our patients and create a strong community at CHLA.

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