ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Step Down Nurse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Focus Staff

Travel Step-Down RN

Waco, TX · On-site

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

Focus Staff

Travel RN Step Down

Waco, TX · On-site

Travel Focus Staff is seeking a Step Down Registered Nurse for a travel contract in Waco, TX. 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

Fort Smith, AR · On-site

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

Focus Staff

Travel Step-Down RN

Port Huron, MI · On-site

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

Focus Staff

Travel Step-Down RN

Brookfield, WI · On-site

Travel Focus Staff is seeking a Step Down Registered Nurse for a travel contract in Brookfield, 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

Waco, TX · On-site

Travel Focus Staff is seeking a Step Down Registered Nurse for a travel contract in Waco, TX. 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

Waco, TX · On-site

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

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

Mequon, WI · On-site

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

Focus Staff

Travel Step-Down Registered Nurse

Waco, TX · On-site

Travel Focus Staff is seeking a Step Down Registered Nurse for a travel contract in Waco, TX. 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

Waco, TX · On-site

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

Focus Staff

Travel RN Step Down/Telemetry

Henderson, KY · On-site

$1.6K - $2.2K/wk

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

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsStep Down Nurse Jobs

Step Down Nurse information

See salary details

$17

$38

$65

How much do step down nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for step down nurse in the United States is $38.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.57 and $43.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Step Down Nurse vs Medical-Surgical Nurse?

AspectStep Down NurseMedical-Surgical Nurse
CertificationsRN license, possibly CCRN or similarRN license, basic certifications
Work EnvironmentSpecialized units for patients needing close monitoring but not ICU levelGeneral medical-surgical units caring for diverse patient conditions
Employer & IndustryHospitals, specialized unitsHospitals, general medical facilities
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Step Down Nurse and a Medical-Surgical Nurse lies in patient acuity and monitoring requirements. Step Down Nurses work in units caring for patients who need more intensive observation than general medical-surgical units but do not require ICU care. Medical-Surgical Nurses provide care for a broad range of patients with various conditions in general hospital units. Both roles require RN licensure, but Step Down Nurses often have additional certifications and specialized training.

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

To thrive as a Step Down Nurse, you need strong clinical assessment skills, advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) certification, and experience in managing patients who require a higher level of monitoring than general med-surg but less than intensive care. Familiarity with telemetry, electronic health records (EHRs), and specialized monitoring equipment is typically required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure safe, effective care for patients in transitional or high-acuity settings while supporting smooth collaboration across healthcare teams.

What is a Step Down Nurse?

A Step Down Nurse is a registered nurse who cares for patients who are transitioning from the intensive care unit (ICU) but still require close monitoring and specialized care. These patients are not stable enough for a general medical-surgical floor but do not need the intensive support provided in the ICU. Step Down Nurses monitor vital signs, administer medication, provide post-operative care, and respond quickly to changes in patient condition. They work in settings such as progressive care units (PCUs) and intermediate care units, ensuring a safe transition for patients as they recover.

What are some common challenges faced by Step Down Nurses when caring for patients transitioning from critical care?

Step Down Nurses often encounter the challenge of monitoring patients who are stable but still require close observation after leaving intensive care. These patients may have complex needs and can deteriorate quickly, so nurses must be vigilant and skilled in early detection of changes. Balancing a higher patient-to-nurse ratio compared to ICU, while ensuring thorough assessments and timely interventions, can be demanding. Effective communication with the healthcare team and strong organizational skills are crucial to manage these challenges and provide safe, high-quality care.
More about Step Down Nurse jobs
What cities are hiring for Step Down Nurse jobs? Cities with the most Step Down Nurse job openings:
What states have the most Step Down Nurse jobs? States with the most job openings for Step Down Nurse jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Step Down Nurse jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Step Down Nurse jobs are:
Step Down Nurse jobs near you
Infographic showing various Step Down Nurse job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,321 per year, or $38.6 per hour.

RN Intermediate Step Down

GENIEPRO TECHNOLOGIES INC

Atlanta, GA • On-site

$50/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • Bonus based on performance
  • Competitive salary
  • Flexible schedule
  • Wellness resources

Job Opportunity: RN Intermediate / Step Down
Location: Atlanta, Georgia, 30342
Contract Duration: 12 Weeks
Start Date: 06/15/2026 – 09/05/2026
Shift: Varies | Night Shift | 3x12 | 07:00 PM – 07:00 AM Guaranteed 36 Hours Per Week
Candidate Requirements:
Minimum 2 years of RN Intermediate / Step Down experience within specialty required
No local candidates within 50 miles
Active Georgia RN State License or Compact License Required
AHA BLS & ACLS Required
NIHSS Preferred
Experience with respiratory and high-acuity patient populations preferred
Position Overview:
The RN Intermediate / Step Down Nurse will provide specialized patient care in a fast-paced intermediate care environment treating a wide variety of complex medical and surgical patients.
Patient population may include:
Intermediate medical patients
High-risk respiratory patients
Cardiac thoracic surgery patients
Hepatobiliary surgery patients
Head & neck surgery patients
Patients requiring respiratory support from Room Air (RA) to BiPAP or Optiflow
The ideal candidate will:
Deliver exceptional patient-centered care
Monitor and assess complex patient conditions
Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams
Thrive in a high-acuity step-down environment
Unfeigned Regards,
Saikumar Thathari | Health Care Recruiter
Phone No:- 404 - 844 - 5073 Ext No : 1003
Email: saikumar.t@genieprohealthcare.com
GeniePro Healthcare Inc | Alpharetta GA 30022| www.genieprohealthcare.com
GeniePro Tech Inc is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to diversity in our workforce