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Head Rn Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Nightingale's List

Registered Nurse ER

Lake Isabella, CA · On-site

$67.70/hr

This position offers an attractive hourly rate of $67.70 , along with the chance to work in a dynamic and growing healthcare environment. \n \n \n \n \n \n Shift Information: \n \n \n RN Charge Night ...

Cranial Technologies

Registered Nurse

Sacramento, CA

$95K - $105K/yr

As a Clinician, you will treat infants to reshape head shapes with the DOC Band ® and correct ear ... Registered Nurses are a great fit with their experience in hands-on patient care and compassion for ...

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Cranial Technologies

Registered Nurse

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

As a Clinician, you will treat infants to reshape head shapes with the DOC Band ® and correct ear ... Registered Nurses are a great fit with their experience in hands-on patient care and compassion for ...

Cranial Technologies

Registered Nurse

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

As a Clinician, you will treat infants to reshape head shapes with the DOC Band and correct ear ... Registered Nurses are a great fit with their experience in hands-on patient care and compassion for ...

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All JobsHead Rn JobsHead Rn Jobs in California

Head Rn information

See California salary details

$33.1K

$83.5K

$115.5K

How much do head rn jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for head rn in California is $83,467.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,100.00 and $98,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Head Rn vs Registered Nurse?

AspectHead RnRegistered Nurse
CredentialsRN license, additional leadership or management certificationsRN license, possibly specialty certifications
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles, administrative settings, hospital managementPatient care, clinical settings, hospitals, clinics
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, healthcare organizations, clinics with leadership responsibilitiesHospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities
Search & Comparison IntentLeadership, management, healthcare administrationPatient care, clinical nursing roles

The Head Rn typically holds leadership and administrative responsibilities within healthcare settings, requiring additional certifications and experience. In contrast, a Registered Nurse focuses primarily on direct patient care. While both roles require an RN license, the Head Rn's role emphasizes management, policy implementation, and team oversight, making it suitable for those seeking leadership positions in healthcare.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Head RN, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Head RN, you need advanced clinical expertise, leadership skills, and a BSN or higher degree along with an active RN license. Familiarity with hospital management systems, EHRs, and compliance protocols is typically required, and certification in nursing leadership or administration is often preferred. Strong communication, conflict resolution, and team management skills set exceptional Head RNs apart. These competencies are crucial for ensuring high standards of patient care, effective staff coordination, and regulatory compliance in healthcare environments.

How to make $300,000 as a nurse?

To earn $300,000 as a Head RN, professionals often work in high-paying settings such as specialty units, travel nursing, or administrative roles, and may take on additional shifts or overtime. Gaining advanced certifications, such as Nurse Executive or Nurse Manager, and accumulating extensive experience can also increase earning potential. Leadership skills and a strong understanding of healthcare management are essential for reaching higher salary levels.

What does a Head RN do?

A Head RN, or Head Registered Nurse, is responsible for overseeing the nursing staff within a healthcare facility, such as a hospital or clinic. They manage daily operations, coordinate patient care, and ensure that nursing protocols and standards are followed. Head RNs also handle administrative tasks, mentor junior nurses, and act as a liaison between staff, patients, and other healthcare professionals. Their leadership ensures high-quality patient care and efficient nursing team performance.

What is a head RN called?

A head RN is commonly called a Nurse Manager or Nursing Supervisor. They oversee nursing staff, coordinate patient care, and ensure compliance with healthcare regulations, often requiring leadership skills and relevant certifications such as a registered nurse license and management experience.

What are some common challenges faced by a Head RN when managing a nursing team, and how can they be addressed?

As a Head RN, one of the most common challenges is balancing administrative responsibilities with direct patient care and team management. Ensuring clear communication, addressing staff concerns promptly, and fostering a supportive environment are crucial for team cohesion. Additionally, managing shift schedules, handling conflicts, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations require strong organizational and leadership skills. Many successful Head RNs regularly hold team meetings and prioritize ongoing training to keep staff engaged and aligned with best practices.

How to make 200,000 a year as a nurse?

To earn $200,000 annually as a Head RN, professionals often work in high-demand specialties such as critical care or anesthesia, gain advanced certifications, and take on leadership roles with increased responsibilities. Working in settings like hospitals, clinics, or private practices with overtime, shift differentials, or administrative duties can also boost income. Developing strong clinical skills and pursuing additional education can further enhance earning potential.

What is the highest paid RN position?

The highest paid registered nurse (RN) positions are typically in specialized fields such as nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, and nurse midwives, with nurse anesthetists often earning the highest salaries due to advanced training and certification. These roles usually require a master's degree or higher, along with certification and clinical experience, and they often work in hospital or surgical settings with demanding schedules.
What are the most commonly searched types of Rn jobs in California? The most popular types of Rn jobs in California are:
Head Rn jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Rn job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $83,467 per year, or $40.1 per hour.
RN Lead - Surgery (OR) - Mercy SD

RN Lead - Surgery (OR) - Mercy SD

Scripps Health

San Diego, CA

Other

Posted 3 days ago

Scripps Health rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 137 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 877 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Bonus incentive of $8,000 and relocation assistance is available to eligible new hires.

This is a Full time, benefited position as a Lead OR RN at Scripps Mercy San Diego. The shift is 4 days per week with a 10 hour day shift. This individual will need to have OR circulating experience specifically with ENT, Head and Neck surgery, maxillofacial surgery and plastic surgery service lines. 

At Scripps Health, your ambition is empowered and your abilities are appreciated:

  • Nearly a quarter of our employees have been with Scripps Health for over 10 years.
  • Scripps is a Great Place to Work Certified company for 2026.
  • Scripps Health has been consistently ranked as a top employer for women, millennials, diversity, and as an overall workplace by various national publications.
  • Beckers Healthcare ranked Scripps Health on its 2026 list of 165 top places to work in health care.
  • We have transitional and professional development programs to create a learning environment that enables you to thrive in your specific field as well as in your overall career.
  • Our specialties have been nationally recognized for quality in areas such as cardiovascular care, oncology, orthopedics, geriatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and gastroenterology.

The Lead RN is responsible for the following:

  • Management and coordination of patient care within the Care Unit on a per shift basis. This is accomplished through implementation and integration of the nursing process, through assignment and supervision of appropriate staff and in coordination and collaboration with physicians. 

  • The Lead RN functions as the Care Unit expert and provides functional direction to members of the OR Patient Care team. 

  • Communicate with our supply chain coordinators, vendors, surgeons, and charge RNs

  • Review the OR schedule and order necessary products and supplies

  • Cover breaks, support staff in the room for their services, at times may staff a room 

  • May help our other Leads on projects

#LI-JS1

***The following are not eligible for hiring incentives:

     Internal candidates

     Rehires that left Scripps less than 3 years ago

In order to remain eligible for your retention incentive the following criteria must be met:

     Must remain in original hired FTE Status and Shift (if specified in offer letter)

     Must remain in original department/specialty

     Must remain in original Job Title

Transfers to other locations will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may result in forfeiting remaining incentive bonus unless specifically noted in your offer letter.

Required Education/Experience/Specialized Skills:

  • Registered nursing degree from an accredited school of nursing.
  • California Registered Nurse License
  • One (1) year of recent surgery or operating room RN experience in an acute care setting
  • ENT- Head and neck, maxillofacial surgery and plastic surgery experience
  • Current American Heart Association BLS provider certification
  • Must be able to speak, read and follow instructions in English
  • Must be able to demonstrate positive behaviors.

Preferred Education/Experience/Specialized Skills/Certification:

  • Bachelor's degree in nursing
  • 3 years or more experience in Nursing experience is preferred
  • 2 years or more of related experience
  • CNOR certificate
  • Leadership experience

What Scripps Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Scripps Health logo

About Scripps Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As a nationally recognized health system, Scripps Health is committed to providing the highest quality care to our patients. Through collaboration and innovation, our healthcare professionals lead the frontier in caring for our community. With a culture centered around teamwork, each laboratory site serves as a resource of support for each other, setting our laboratories as the benchmark for standardization.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1924

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