Graduate Nurse Internship – NICU

Job Description

Job Summary

The Brandon Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the University of Michigan is a 60-bed Level IV neonatal center that serves its region, state, and beyond. It is recognized as one of the state’s leading referral centers for premature newborns and infants with complex medical or surgical problems, unusual anomalies, and those requiring advanced treatments such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), high-frequency ventilation, nitric oxide therapy, and whole-body cooling for hypothermic neuroprotection.

Approximately 80% of NICU admissions are inborn, while 20% are transported from referral regions and across the state. The unit offers 24/7 neonatal transport services, with Newborn ICU RNs integral members of the transport team.

The specialized nursing team delivers quality nursing care to newborns from acute illness through recovery, utilizing a family-centered approach. They provide individualized support and education to families throughout hospitalization and in preparation for discharge, empowering them to actively participate in decision-making and the care of their child.

This position is a 9-month internship program designed to prepare new Graduate Nurses for an RN position in the Brandon NICU. The orientation includes a combination of classroom instruction and precepted clinical experience. A two-year commitment with a minimum of 32 hours/week to Brandon NICU is required after the completion of the 9-month internship program.

The initial 6-month preceptorship will rotate over day, evening, and night shifts. Following the preceptorship, onboarding continues with a 3-month mentorship experience on 12-hour day shift (7:00 AM – 7:30 PM) before transitioning to a definitive 12-hour night shift position (7:00 PM – 7:30 AM).

This posting aims to hire four (4) Graduate Nurse Internship positions in Brandon NICU, with a projected start date of June 4, 2026.

Mission Statement

Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components: patient care, education, and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

Why Join Michigan Medicine?

Michigan Medicine is one of the largest healthcare complexes in the world, renowned for many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Comprised of over 26,000 employees, our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world’s most distinguished academic health systems. Every person at Michigan Medicine, in some way great or small, helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.

What Benefits Can You Look Forward To?

Nursing at Michigan offers a competitive salary with excellent benefits:

• Hourly range for Registered Nurses: $41.78 – $64.81 / hour
• Evening Shift Differential: $3.00 / hour
• Night Shift Differential: $4.00 / hour
• Day Shift Weekend Differential: $2.90 / hour
• Evening Shift Weekend Differential: $5.90 / hour
• Night Shift Weekend Differential: $6.90 / hour
• Charge Nurse Differential: $1.00 / hour

The comprehensive benefit package includes:

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 2:1 match on retirement savings and immediate vesting
• Generous Paid Time Off allowances
• Robust Tuition and Certification support programs
• Large offering of no-cost CEs and professional development for advancement

Responsibilities*

This is a fast-paced, challenging position in an academic environment fully committed to maintaining EXCELLENCE in family-centered newborn intensive care. Major responsibilities include:

• Providing safe and efficient nursing care to critically ill newborns and premature infants in an intensive care unit.
• Assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating the care of the newborn or premature infant.
• Providing Patient & Family Centered Care through collaboration with all members of the healthcare team to meet complex care requirements.
• Demonstrating competence in the implementation of technical skills required for the care of critically ill newborns according to UMHS policies, procedures, and standards.
• Demonstrating critical thinking skills as evidenced by the utilization of a rapid decision-making process in an intensive care environment.
• Demonstrating full compliance with practices in documentation while providing intensive care.
• Assuming leadership responsibilities in teamwork and patient care delivery.
• Demonstrating awareness of the importance of research and evidence-based practice.
• Identifying and assuming responsibility for one’s own learning needs.
• Actively participating in quality improvement projects and initiatives related to the care of newborn or premature infants.

Nursing Specific Info

This UMPNC RN posting is listed as Nursing Framework LEVEL C. The actual Nursing Framework LEVEL and salary will be determined at the time of hire, with levels ranging from A to F.

Required qualifications must be met by the candidate to be interviewed and considered. The posting may be filled after the initial 5-day posting period. Applicants who have left the UMPNC bargaining unit must include on their resume dates of past employment, including months and years of service along with effort. Positions less than 20 hours/week may be combined.

For questions regarding this posting or assistance with nursing opportunities, please contact Nurse Recruitment at (734) 936-5183.

Required Qualifications*

• Graduate Nurse or Newly Licensed RN, who has not practiced as an RN.
• Applicant must have successfully completed an accredited BSN program.
• Successful completion of the NCLEX must occur no later than 45 days from the individual start date.
• Successful candidate must complete NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program) during orientation.

NOTE: Required qualifications must be met by the candidate to be interviewed and considered for the position.

RESUME REQUIRED: You must attach a complete and accurate resume to be fully considered for this position.

Desired Qualifications*

• Student nurse clinical experience in a newborn intensive care unit.
• Experience as an extern or ICU tech in a newborn intensive care unit.
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills.
• Highly motivated and organized.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities.
• Takes initiative in seeking professional growth.
• Demonstrates expertise in communication and problem-solving skills as evidenced by interviews, documentation, writing skills, and references.
• Overall GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Work Schedule

• Hours per week: 36
• Shift/Hours/Days: A permanent 12-hour night shift assignment will occur after completion of the internship. Candidates must work the night shift for 6 months before seeking shift reassignment. This includes working two of four weekends per four-week scheduling period.
• Location: Mott Children’s Hospital – 8 West, Brandon Newborn Intensive Care Unit.
• Start Date: Must be able to start June, 2026.
• Floating: All new employees will be expected to float to a designated unit(s) in times of low census.

Modes of Work

Positions eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work modes are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Union Affiliation

This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the Michigan Nurses Association and the U-M Professional Nurse Council union, which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.

Background Screening

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.