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Registered Nurse Step Down Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Focus Staff

Travel Step Down RN

Columbus, OH · On-site

Travel Focus Staff is seeking a Step Down Registered Nurse for a travel contract in Columbus, OH. The ideal candidate will have at least 1 year of experience in a Step Down setting. Contract Length ...

New

Focus Staff

Travel Step Down RN

Beaufort, SC · On-site

Travel Focus Staff is seeking a Step Down Registered Nurse for a travel contract in Beaufort, SC. The ideal candidate will have at least 1 year of experience in a Step Down setting. Contract Length ...

Focus Staff

Travel Step Down RN

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

Travel Focus Staff is seeking a Step Down Registered Nurse for a travel contract in CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA. The ideal candidate will have at least 1 year of experience in a Step Down setting. Contract ...

New

Focus Staff

Travel Step Down RN

Dayton, OH · On-site

Travel Focus Staff is seeking a Step Down Registered Nurse for a travel contract in Dayton, OH. The ideal candidate will have at least 1 year of experience in a Step Down setting. Contract Length: 13 ...

Focus Staff

Travel Step Down RN

Cleveland, OH · On-site

Travel Focus Staff is seeking a Step Down Registered Nurse for a travel contract in Cleveland, OH. The ideal candidate will have at least 1 year of experience in a Step Down setting. Contract Length ...

Focus Staff

Travel Step Down RN

Powell, TN · On-site

Travel Focus Staff is seeking a Step Down Registered Nurse for a travel contract in Powell, TN. The ideal candidate will have at least 1 year of experience in a Step Down setting. Contract Length: 13 ...

Focus Staff

Travel Step Down RN

Natchez, MS · On-site

Travel Focus Staff is seeking a Step Down Registered Nurse for a travel contract in Natchez, MS. The ideal candidate will have at least 1 year of experience in a Step Down setting. Contract Length ...

Focus Staff

Travel Step Down RN

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

Travel Focus Staff is seeking a Step Down Registered Nurse for a travel contract in Milwaukee, WI. The ideal candidate will have at least 1 year of experience in a Step Down setting. Contract Length ...

Focus Staff

Travel Step Down RN

Columbus, OH · On-site

Travel Focus Staff is seeking a Step Down Registered Nurse for a travel contract in Columbus, OH. The ideal candidate will have at least 1 year of experience in a Step Down setting. Contract Length ...

New

Focus Staff

Travel Step Down RN

Columbus, OH · On-site

Travel Focus Staff is seeking a Step Down Registered Nurse for a travel contract in Columbus, OH. The ideal candidate will have at least 1 year of experience in a Step Down setting. Contract Length ...

New

Focus Staff

Travel RN Step Down

Cleveland, OH · On-site

Travel Focus Staff is seeking a Step Down Registered Nurse for a travel contract in Cleveland, OH. The ideal candidate will have at least 1 year of experience in a Step Down setting. Contract Length ...

Focus Staff

Travel Step Down RN

Beaufort, SC · On-site

Travel Focus Staff is seeking a Step Down Registered Nurse for a travel contract in Beaufort, SC. The ideal candidate will have at least 1 year of experience in a Step Down setting. Contract Length ...

Focus Staff

Travel Step Down RN

Columbus, OH · On-site

Travel Focus Staff is seeking a Step Down Registered Nurse for a travel contract in Columbus, OH. The ideal candidate will have at least 1 year of experience in a Step Down setting. Contract Length ...

New

Focus Staff

Travel Step Down RN

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

Travel Focus Staff is seeking a Step Down Registered Nurse for a travel contract in SAINT LOUIS, MO. The ideal candidate will have at least 1 year of experience in a Step Down setting. Contract ...

Focus Staff

Travel Step Down RN

Columbus, OH · On-site

Travel Focus Staff is seeking a Step Down Registered Nurse for a travel contract in Columbus, OH. The ideal candidate will have at least 1 year of experience in a Step Down setting. Contract Length ...

New

Focus Staff

Travel Step Down RN

Saint Joseph, MO · On-site

Travel Focus Staff is seeking a Step Down Registered Nurse for a travel contract in Saint Joseph, MO. The ideal candidate will have at least 1 year of experience in a Step Down setting. Contract ...

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Registered Nurse Step Down information

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$24

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$80

How much do registered nurse step down jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for registered nurse step down in the United States is $51.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.02 and $63.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a registered nurse step down?

Registered Nurse Step Down nurses are specialized RNs who care for patients who are too ill for a general medical-surgical unit but not critical enough for intensive care. They monitor patients with complex conditions, administer medications, and provide advanced cardiac and respiratory care. Step down nurses play a key role in helping patients transition from intensive care to lower acuity settings, ensuring safety and close observation during recovery. This role requires strong clinical judgment and the ability to respond quickly to changes in a patient's condition.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a registered nurse step down?

To thrive as a Registered Nurse Step Down, you need advanced clinical knowledge in cardiac and critical care, strong patient assessment skills, and an active RN license, often with ACLS certification. Familiarity with telemetry monitoring, ventilators, and electronic health record (EHR) systems is typically required. Exceptional critical thinking, effective communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies are essential to provide safe, high-quality care to patients transitioning from intensive care, ensuring optimal outcomes during a vulnerable phase of recovery.

What are some common challenges faced by registered nurses working in step down units, and how can they be managed?

Registered Nurses in Step Down units often care for patients who require close monitoring but are not critical enough for the ICU, which can present unique challenges such as managing higher patient acuity, time-sensitive interventions, and frequent changes in patient status. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and the ability to prioritize tasks are essential in this fast-paced environment. Collaborating closely with physicians, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare professionals is key to providing comprehensive care and ensuring patient safety. Support from experienced colleagues and ongoing training can help new nurses adjust and thrive in this dynamic setting.

What is the difference between Registered Nurse Step Down vs Registered Nurse ICU?

AspectRegistered Nurse Step DownRegistered Nurse ICU
CertificationsBasic RN license, possibly CCRNBasic RN license, CCRN often preferred
Work EnvironmentProgressive care units, intermediate level of careIntensive care units, high-acuity patients
Patient CarePatients recovering from critical illness, closer monitoringCritically ill patients requiring intensive interventions
Employer & IndustryHospitals, specialized unitsHospitals, critical care units

Registered Nurse Step Down and Registered Nurse ICU roles both require RN licensure and may involve CCRN certification. While both work in hospital settings, RN Step Down nurses care for patients transitioning from ICU to less intensive care, whereas ICU nurses handle the most critically ill patients requiring advanced interventions. The roles differ mainly in patient acuity and care complexity, but share similar certifications and work environments.

Do registered nurse step down nurses get paid more?

Registered nurse step down nurses typically earn higher wages than standard staff nurses due to the specialized skills, increased responsibilities, and the critical care environment they work in. Their compensation can also be influenced by factors such as experience, certifications, and shift differentials, especially when working in intensive or high-acuity units.

What other jobs can a registered nurse do?

Registered nurses can transition into roles such as nurse manager, clinical educator, healthcare administrator, or case manager, often leveraging their clinical skills and patient care experience. They may also work in specialized areas like occupational health, research, or health informatics, sometimes requiring additional certifications or training. These positions typically involve leadership, education, or administrative responsibilities within healthcare settings.
More about Registered Nurse Step Down jobs

What cities are hiring for Registered Nurse Step Down jobs?

Cities with the most Registered Nurse Step Down job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Registered Nurse Step Down jobs?

The top employers for Registered Nurse Step Down jobs are:

What states have the most Registered Nurse Step Down jobs?

States with the most job openings for Registered Nurse Step Down jobs include:

Registered Nurse Step Down jobs near you
Infographic showing various Registered Nurse Step Down job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 56% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 27% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,708 per year, or $51.3 per hour.

Registered Nurse (RN) / Step Down

Birmingham, AL • On-site

Talented Medical Solutions
Outpatient Health Care • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Talented Medical Solutionsexternal

$1.5K - $1.6K/wk

Contractor

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Job Summary

Registered Nurse (RN) / Step Down

Talented Medical Solutions

Contract

In-Office | Birmingham, AL, United States


Position Description

Grandview Travel Stepdown RN

Start: ASAP

Duration: 13 weeks

Shift: Nights 6:30p-7a

Requirements: BLS, ACLS, 2yrs experience; perm address +50mi from facility. Stepdown unit 1:4 ratio

Submissions lacking all certs in hand will be declined.

Position Title

Travel: Registered Nurse (RN) / Step Down NIGHTS

Position Type

Travel

Specialty

RN - Step Down

Schedule

Years Experience

2

Duration

13 Week(s)

Projected Start Date

6/23/2026

Start Time

6:30 PM

End Time

7:00 AM

Recruiter Contact

Reach out to Recruiter BISI – Fast-track submission for qualified RN STEP DOWN
520-800-6045
✉️ Abisi@talentedmedicalsolutions.com