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How much do cardiac step down unit jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for cardiac step down unit in the United States is $22.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Cardiac Step Down Unit?

A Cardiac Step Down Unit is a specialized hospital unit where patients with heart conditions receive care that is less intensive than what is provided in a cardiac intensive care unit (ICU), but more closely monitored than a general medical-surgical unit. Patients in this unit typically require continuous cardiac monitoring, frequent assessments, and specialized nursing care as they recover from cardiac events, surgeries, or procedures. The Cardiac Step Down Unit acts as a transitional area to ensure patients are stable enough before being discharged home or transferred to a regular hospital floor.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cardiac Step Down Unit nurse, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cardiac Step Down Unit nurse, you need a solid background in cardiac care, advanced patient monitoring, and acute care nursing, typically supported by a BSN degree and current RN licensure. Familiarity with cardiac telemetry, EKG interpretation, and advanced life support certifications (like ACLS) are commonly required. Exceptional communication, critical thinking, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure the delivery of safe, timely, and effective care to patients with complex cardiac conditions during their recovery.

What are some common challenges faced by nurses working in a Cardiac Step Down Unit, and how can they be managed?

Nurses in a Cardiac Step Down Unit often care for patients transitioning from intensive care after cardiac events or surgery, which means they must closely monitor for subtle changes in patient condition. Managing high patient acuity, frequent telemetry monitoring, and rapidly responding to deteriorations can be challenging. Effective time management, strong communication with the cardiology team, and ongoing education about cardiac protocols help nurses succeed in this fast-paced environment. Teamwork and support from experienced colleagues are also key to managing complex cases and maintaining patient safety.

What is the difference between Cardiac Step Down Unit vs Cardiac Telemetry Nurse?

AspectCardiac Step Down UnitCardiac Telemetry Nurse
CertificationsRN, ACLS, BLSRN, ACLS, BLS
Work EnvironmentIntermediate care for post-acute cardiac patientsMonitoring patients via telemetry, often in a less intensive setting
Patient Care FocusPost-acute, complex cardiac cases requiring close monitoringContinuous cardiac monitoring, early detection of arrhythmias

Cardiac Step Down Units provide care for patients transitioning from ICU to general wards, handling more complex cases. Cardiac Telemetry Nurses focus on continuous cardiac monitoring, often in less intensive settings. Both roles require similar certifications but differ in patient acuity and care scope.

How much do cardiac step down unit nurses make?

Cardiac step down unit nurses typically earn an average annual salary ranging from $65,000 to $85,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications such as ACLS or BLS. Salaries can vary based on hospital size, shift differentials, and additional skills.

What do cardiac step down unit nurses do?

Cardiac step down unit nurses monitor and care for patients with cardiac conditions who require intermediate-level care between intensive care and general wards. They assess vital signs, administer medications, assist with procedures, and collaborate with healthcare teams to ensure patient stability and recovery. Certification in cardiac or critical care nursing is often preferred.
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Cardiac Step Down Unit jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cardiac Step Down Unit job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,233 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Registered Nurse - Cardiac Step Down

Nemours Children's Hospital Orlando

Wilmington, DE • On-site

Other

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Cardiac Step-Down Registered Nurse

Nemours Children's Health is looking for an experienced RN to join our Cardiac Step-Down team in Wilmington, DE. Position is 60 hrs every 2 wks, rotating 12-hr shifts, including every third weekend and every third holiday.

The Nemours Cardiac Center (NCC) provides comprehensive care for infants, children, and adolescents with cardiac, thoracic, and vascular disease. The Cardiac Center provides patient care, performs research, and educates and trains health care professionals in various settings, including the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit and the Cardiac Step-Down Unit. Essential Responsibilities: 1. Assesses and documents initial and ongoing patient needs and problems. 2. Formulates nursing plan based on patient needs and problems and indicates plan on the patient care plan. 3. Develops realistic and appropriate long- and short-term goals based on patient/family needs. 4. Implements patient plan of care 5. Evaluates the patient's and family's response to care and modified care plan accordingly. 6. Assists patient and family in discharge planning so that problems and care needs are anticipated and met. 7. Serves as an advocate for patient and family in working with other members of the health care team. 8. Provides safe and appropriate nursing care through adherence to Nursing Department standards.

Additional Requirements

A registered nurse responsible and accountable for assessing, planning, and providing care to assigned patients. Graduate of accredited school of nursing, BSN preferred Previous experience in pediatric/cardiac and or critical care nursing DE or compact RN license AHA BLS

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