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Senior Rn Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Mental Health Nurse

Ventura, CA · On-site

$129.40K - $154.73K/yr

The Senior Registered Nurse-Mental Health is distinguished from Senior Registered Nurse-Mental Health Acute Care in that the latter is responsible for the clinical supervision of mental health ...

Senior Nurse Informaticist

Ventura, CA · On-site

$124.66K - $149.06K/yr

Senior Registered Nurse - Hospital AGENCY/DEPARTMENT: Health Care Agency - Information Technology Senior Registered Nurse-Hospital is represented by the California Nurses' Association (CNA) and is ...

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Senior Rn information

See California salary details

$24.7K

$79.2K

$161.4K

How much do senior rn jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior rn in California is $79,236.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,000.00 and $101,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

A Senior RN needs advanced clinical expertise, strong leadership abilities, and a current RN license, often supplemented by a BSN or higher degree and several years of nursing experience. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems, patient care technologies, and certifications such as ACLS or BLS is typically required. Outstanding communication, mentorship, and critical thinking skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies are vital for ensuring high-quality patient care, guiding nursing teams, and effectively managing complex healthcare situations.

What opportunities for leadership and mentorship are available to Senior RNs within a typical healthcare team?

Senior RNs often serve as informal leaders on their units, providing guidance and mentorship to junior nurses, new graduates, and nursing students. They may be tasked with precepting new hires, leading shift huddles, and participating in quality improvement initiatives. Additionally, Senior RNs are frequently involved in interdisciplinary team meetings, contributing their expertise to care planning and patient advocacy. These roles not only enhance the overall quality of care but also offer valuable experience for those considering future advancement into formal leadership or clinical educator positions.

What are Senior RNs?

Senior Registered Nurses (Senior RNs) are experienced nursing professionals who have advanced clinical skills, leadership abilities, and often supervise or mentor other nurses. They typically handle more complex patient care, assist in developing care plans, and may be involved in staff training or management tasks. Senior RNs often serve as a bridge between staff nurses and management, ensuring high standards of patient care and supporting the nursing team.

What is the difference between Senior Rn vs Registered Nurse?

AspectSenior RnRegistered Nurse
CredentialsRN license, additional experience, possibly certifications in specialty areasRN license, basic nursing certifications
Work EnvironmentAdvanced clinical settings, leadership roles, specialized unitsHospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare facilities seeking experienced nursing staff with leadership skillsBroadly used across healthcare settings for general nursing roles
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for experienced nursing roles with leadership or specializationGeneral nursing positions, entry to mid-level roles

The main difference between a Senior Rn and a Registered Nurse is experience level and responsibilities. Senior Rns typically have more clinical experience, may hold specialized certifications, and often take on leadership or mentorship roles within healthcare settings. Registered Nurses are qualified to provide patient care across various environments but may not have the same level of experience or advanced responsibilities as Senior Rns.

What are the most commonly searched types of Rn jobs in California? The most popular types of Rn jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Senior Rn jobs? Cities in California with the most Senior Rn job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Rn job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,236 per year, or $38.1 per hour.

Senior Registered Nurse - PACU Recovery - Santa Paula Hospital

Ventura County

Ventura, CA

$124.66K - $149.06K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 21 days ago


Ventura County rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

272nd of 638 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Senior Registered Nurse - PACU Recovery - Santa Paula Hospital

Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/ventura/jobs/newprint/5110125)

Apply

Senior Registered Nurse - PACU Recovery - Santa Paula Hospital

Salary

$124,664.15 - $149,057.66 Annually

Location

Santa Paula, CA

Job Type

Full-Time Regular

Job Number

0307HCA-25AS (ECA)

Department

Health Care Agency

Division

Ventura County Medical Center and/or Santa Paula Hospital

Opening Date

10/30/2025

Closing Date

Continuous

  • Description

  • Benefits

  • Questions

Description

Under general direction and following established medically-approved policies and procedures, the incumbent will implement specialized skilled nursing processes in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit of the Santa Paula Hospital.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

The Senior Registered Nurse-Hospital is distinguished from other staff nursing classifications in that incumbents demonstrate advanced competency skills reflecting specialized knowledge specific to the assigned hospital unit; participate in performance improvement processes; and provide technical direction. Incumbents are expected to work at the full scope of their licensure/specialty area with a decreasing amount of supervision commensurate with their experience.

WHAT WE OFFER:

The County of Ventura offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, subject to eligibility requirements, that includes:

  • Educational Incentive - An educational incentive of 2.5% for completion of an associate's degree, 3.5% for completion of a bachelor's degree, OR 5% for completion of a graduate's degree.

  • Bilingual Incentive - Incumbents may also be eligible for bilingual incentive depending upon operational need and certification of skill. Proficiency levels by exam are $.69 per hour (Level I), $1.00 per hour (Level II), or $1.32 per hour (Level III).

  • Certification Pay - $0.813 per hour based on scheduled work week hours for each qualified certification up to a maximum of five (5) certifications. One of the five certifications in Exhibit 9 of the CNA Memorandum of Agreement (https://vcportal.ventura.org/CEO/HR/MOA/docs/CNA_MOA_2023-2028.pdf) may be paid at $2.00 per hour for a National Certification.

  • Evening Shift Differential -7.5%

  • Night Shift Differential – 15%

  • Weekend Shift Differential - $ 2.00 per hour

  • Continuous County Service Incentive Pay -1% for 7 years, 1.25% for 12 years and 1.5% for 17 years

  • Preceptor Pay – $2.50 per hour

  • House Supervisor Pay - $4.00 per hour

  • Charge Nurse Premium Pay - $2.50 per hour

  • Float Nurse Premium Pay - $3.50 per hour

  • Standby Premium Pay – ¼ of regular hourly wage or Federal minimum wage (whichever is greater)

  • Health Plans - Biweekly contribution towards medical, dental, and/or vision insurance from authorized plans.

  • Flexible Spending Accounts - Pre-tax benefit towards eligible medical, dental, and vision care expenses.

  • Pension Plan: Participation in the County's defined benefit plan.

  • Additional Benefits - Tuition Reimbursement, Disability Plans, Employee Assistance Program, Wellness Program.

  • To learn more about the benefits, please follow the link: https://vcportal.ventura.org/CEO/HR/MOA/docs/CNA_MOA_2023-2028.pdf

AGENCY/DEPARTMENT: Health Care Agency – Santa Paula Hospital

Senior Registered Nurse is represented by the California Nurses Association (CNA) and is eligible for overtime compensation.

NOTE: Salary placement will be determined according to the current CNA memorandum of agreement.

The eligible list established from this recruitment will be used to fill current and future Regular (including Temporary and Fixed-term), Intermittent, and Extra-help vacancies within the Health Care Agency. There is currently one (1) Regular, Full-time vacancy within Santa Paula Hospital.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

OPENING DATE: October 30, 2025

CLOSING DATE: Continuous and may close at any time.

Examples Of Duties

Duties include but are not limited to the following:

  • Implements nursing processes (assessment, planning, implementation of care plan, evaluation of patient response) and revises the nursing plan as needed.

  • Administers basic and advanced competency nursing care in accordance with VCMC/SPH policies and procedures and Patient Bill of Rights.

  • Monitors patients’ airway, breathing, and circulation immediately post-op.

  • Performs frequent assessments of vital signs, neurological status, and pain levels.

  • Administers prescribed medications for pain, nausea, and other post-anesthesia symptoms.

  • Monitors surgical sites for bleeding, drainage, or complications.

  • Provides safe, compassionate care tailored to each patient's physical and emotional needs.

  • Ensures timely and accurate documentation in the electronic health record (EHR).

  • Communicate effectively with anesthesiologists, surgeons, and interdisciplinary teams.

  • Provides a complete and concise hand-off to the next level of care.

  • Educates and reassure patients and families during the recovery process.

  • Maintains readiness to respond to emergencies and adhere to ACLS protocols.

  • Provides direction to others regarding complex health and patient problems.

  • Provides patient and staff education including the coordination of educational programs.

  • Participates in hospital and/or nursing administration care committee.

  • Reviews, identifies, reports, and corrects deficiencies in practices, products, or equipment as necessary.

  • Performs other related duties as required.

Typical Qualifications

These are entrance requirements to the exam process and assure neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE

Requires two (2) years of full-time professional registered nursing experience in Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU).

Necessary Special Requirements:

  • Must possess and maintain a current, valid license as a Registered Nurse issued by the State of California

  • Must have a current, valid Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) certification by first day of employment

  • Must have a current and valid Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) by the first day of employment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Comprehensive knowledge of: the principles, practices, and techniques used in advanced nursing care of specialized units (PACU).

Working knowledge of: performance improvement processes, hospital based/nursing committee practices, and patient and staff education methods.

Working ability to: provide direction to others; self-direct continuing education needs, provide a positive role model and public image; work proficiently in emergency and/or stressful situations; maintain confidentiality of patient/client information; effectively establish and maintain working relationships with medical staff, co-workers, patients and the public; and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Recruitment Process

FINAL FILING DATE: This is a continuous recruitment and may close at any time; therefore, apply as soon as possible if you are interested in it. Your application must be received by the County of Ventura Human Resources, Health Care Agency in Ventura, California, no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date.

To apply on-line, please refer to our website at www.venturacounty.gov/jobs. If you prefer to fill out a paper application form, please call (805) 677-5184 for application materials. Our address is: County of Ventura, Human Resources – Health Care Agency, 646 County Square Drive, Ventura, CA 93003.

Note to Applicants: It is essential that you complete all sections of your application and supplemental questionnaire thoroughly and accurately to demonstrate your qualifications. A resume and/or other related documents may be attached to supplement the information in your application and supplemental questionnaire; however, it/they may not be submitted in lieu of the application.

LATERAL TRANSFER OPTION: If presently permanently employed in another "merit" or "civil service" public agency/entity in the same or substantively similar position as is advertised, and if appointed to that position by successful performance in a "merit" or "civil service" style examination, then appointment by "Lateral Transfer" may be possible. If interested, please click here (http://vcportal.ventura.org/CEO/HR/docs/Lateral_Transfer.pdf) for additional information.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE – qualifying: All applicants are required to complete and submit the questionnaire for this exam at the time of filing. The supplemental questionnaire may be used throughout the exam process to assist in determining each applicant's qualifications and acceptability for the position. Failure to complete and submit the questionnaire may result in the application being removed from consideration.

APPLICATION EVALUATION – Pass/Fail: An application evaluation will be conducted to determine whether or not each applicant possesses the required licensure and certification for this recruitment. Those candidates who do will be placed on the eligible list

Applicants successfully completing the exam process may be placed on an eligible list for a period of one (1) year.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A thorough pre-employment, post offer background investigation which may include inquiry into past employment, education, and driving record may be required for this position.

For further information about this recruitment, please contact Rhiannon Flores by e-mail at Rhiannon.Flores@venturacounty.gov or by telephone at (805) 677-5138.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The County of Ventura is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

YOUR BENEFITS AS A COUNTY OF VENTURA EMPLOYEE

California Nurses Association

(CNA)

To learn more about Benefits, Retirement, and the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), see links below.

  • Benefits website (https://hr.ventura.org/benefits) or you may call (805) 654-2570.

  • Retirement FAQ's (https://vcportal.ventura.org/CEO/benefits/docs/RETIREMENT%20-%20FAQs.pdf)

  • Memorandum of Agreement

Union Code: NCN

01

Do you possess a current valid license as a Registered Nurse issued by the State of California?

If yes, you MUST include your date of license and a current valid license number in the Certificates and Licenses section of your application. Failure to do so will result in your application being disqualified.

  • Yes

  • No

02

Are you willing and able to obtain a Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS/CPR) certification by the first day of employment?

  • Yes

  • No

03

Are you willing and able to obtain valid Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) by the first day of employment?

  • Yes

  • No

04

Do you have at least two (2) years of full-time professional registered nursing experience in Post-Anesthesia Care Unit PACU? You MUST list this experience and enter all the details in the Work Experience section of your application in order to receive credit for it. Failure to do so will result in your application being disqualified. Note: Full-time is defined as 40 hours per week. Anything less than that must be prorated.

  • Yes

  • No

Required Question

Employer

Ventura County

Address

800 S. Victoria Avenue LOC. #1970 Ventura, California, 93009

Phone

(805) 654-5129

Website

http://hr.venturacounty.gov

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