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Step Down Nurse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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

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 ...

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

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 ...

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

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

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 ...

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 ...

Focus Staff

Travel Step Down Unit RN

Henderson, KY · On-site

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 ...

Focus Staff

Travel RN Step Down Unit

Evansville, IN · On-site

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

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Step Down Nurse information

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$17

$38

$65

How much do step down nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 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 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a step down nurse?

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 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.

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.

Do step down nurses get paid more?

Step down nurses typically earn higher salaries than staff nurses due to their advanced skills, specialized training, and the critical care environment they work in. Their compensation can also increase with experience, certifications, and additional responsibilities such as patient monitoring and complex care management.
More about Step Down Nurse jobs

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For Step Down Nurse jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Step Down Nurse jobs near you
Infographic showing various Step Down Nurse 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 $80,321 per year, or $38.6 per hour.

Travel Step Down RN

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

Focus Staff
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Focus Staffexternal

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Focus Staff is seeking a travel nurse RN Stepdown for a travel nursing job in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: Stepdown
  • Discipline: RN
  • Start Date: 10/12/2026
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 48 hours per week
  • Shift: 12 hours, days
  • Employment Type: 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 Length: 13 Weeks

Start Date: 10/12/2026

Shift: 4x12 Days

Benefits for Travel Step Down RNs:

  • Health insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Licensure reimbursement
  • Travel reimbursement
  • Relocation assistance
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Competitive pay
  • Referral bonus
  • Holiday bonus

Requirements:

  • 1 Year of Experience, 2 Preferred
  • Valid VA RN License
  • BLS (Basic Life Support)
  • ACLS
  • Eligible to work in the United States

About Focus Staff:

Focus Staff is a traveler-first nurse and healthcare staffing agency! We prioritize the needs of our travelers, giving you complete control over your journey. Our mission is to help you create the life you love, explore the country and do what you do best, help others.

Interested in becoming a traveler with Focus Staff? Discover why travelers choose us, apply today!

All-Star Status:

  • Dallas 100 (Multiple Years in a Row)
  • Inc. 5000
  • Middle Market 50
  • Certified by The Joint Commission
  • Best of Staffing Talent Satisfaction 2022
  • Best of Staffing Client Satisfaction 2022
  • Fastest-Growing US Staffing Firms 2017

If you’re seeking a Travel Step Down Nurse position in CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA and are looking to work with an agency that will listen to your needs and career goals, then Focus Staff is the right place to be. We are proud of our ability to build relationships with all our healthcare professionals, whether you’re seeking travel assignments, PR or permanent positions.

We Offer:

  • Immediate Openings
  • Weekly Pay through Direct Deposits
  • Flexible Schedules
  • Day and Night Shifts Available
  • Competitive Compensation
  • Guaranteed Hours (based on employer)
  • Travel Assistance
  • Dedicated/Responsive Recruiters
  • Day One Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
  • Generous Housing Stipend
  • 24/7 Support
  • Company Provided Housing Options
  • Referral Bonus ($600)
  • Loyalty Bonus ($1,200)
  • Discounts/Coupons to Hotels
  • Access to Jobs in all 50 States
  • Painless Credentialing Process
  • U.S.A.-based Company
  • Equal Opportunity Employer
  • Joint Commission Certified
  • Licensure Reimbursement
  • Pet-Friendly
  • Access to Discounts, Rewards, and more

Other Information:

Job Title: Travel Step Down Nurse

Employment Time: Contract/Travel

Date Posted: 09/04/2026 12:30:27 AM

Valid Through: 01/11/2027

Job City: CHARLOTTESVILLE

Job State: VA

Job Country: USA

Shift: 4x12 Days

Job ID: a0xVt00000UUBHhIAP

Hiring Organization: Focus Staff

Focus Staff is an EEO/AA (Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action) Employer.

Estimated pay package based on bill rate at time job was posted. Bill rates can change frequently and without notice. Exact pay package may vary based on several factors, including, but not limited to, guaranteed hours, travel distance, demand, experience, etc.

Traveling Registered Nurse, Travel, Step Down, RN – Step Down, Contract, Travel, Traveling Nursing, Assignment, Registered Step Down, Step Down Nurse, Step Down RN, Step Down Nurse, Step Down Travel Nurse, Healthcare RN, Step Down Nursing, Nurse RN, RN Nurse, Contract RN

Focus Staff Job ID #a0xVt00000UUBHhIAP. Pay package is based on 12 hour shifts and 48.0 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: Travel STEP RN - Step Down Registered Nurse

About Focus Staff

Your Journey, Our Focus. Travel Confidently, Care Boldly with Focus Staff.

At Focus Staff, we’re here to make your travel healthcare career rewarding, seamless, and stress-free.

Whether you’re a travel nurse, therapist, or allied health professional, we take care of the details so you can focus on what you do best — caring for others. Our mission is simple: to help healthcare heroes like you thrive, no matter where your journey takes you.

With thousands of job opportunities across all 50 states, our dedicated recruiters work closely with you to match you to the right assignment, based on what matters most to you — pay, location, benefits, or career growth.

From day one, you’ll enjoy premium benefits like medical coverage that bridges between assignments, 401K matching, travel and licensing reimbursements, and personalized housing support. Plus, our team is here for you 24/7, with clinical support available whenever you need guidance or backup.

At Focus Staff, we believe in making every assignment a smooth, comfortable, and empowering experience. Let’s make your next adventure your best one yet.


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About Focus Staff

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Focus Staff is a travel healthcare professional staffing agency. We place awesome people in awesome places across every state in the U.S. and the Virgin Islands. If you're an adventurer or a facility that needs high-quality staff, give us a shot. One promise we can unequivocally make: we'll always be totally honest and transparent. Period.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Dallas, TX, US

Year founded

2008

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