ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Step Down Rn Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Focus Staff

Travel Step Down RN

San Francisco, CA · On-site

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

TotalMed RN

Travel Step Down RN

San Francisco, CA · On-site

The PCU RN is sometimes also called a step-down nurse, and the PCU is also known as cardiac stepdown, medical stepdown, neuro stepdown, surgical stepdown and ER holding. As a PCU Travel Nurse, you ...

Adventist Health

RN - Step Down

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$2.2K/wk

Details Client Name Adventist Health Sierra Vista Job Type Travel Offering Nursing Profession RN Specialty Step Down Job ID 37991729 Job Title RN - Step Down Weekly Pay $2226.36 Shift Details Shift ...

New

GQR Healthcare

Travel Step Down RN

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$2.2K - $2.3K/wk

GQR Healthcare is seeking a travel nurse RN Stepdown for a travel nursing job in San Francisco ... A dedicated recruiter and support team that will help you every step of the way to sure you start ...

GQR Healthcare

Travel Step Down RN

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$2.2K - $2.3K/wk

GQR Healthcare is seeking a travel nurse RN Stepdown for a travel nursing job in San Francisco ... A dedicated recruiter and support team that will help you every step of the way to sure you start ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsStep Down Rn JobsStep Down Rn Jobs in California

Step Down Rn information

See California salary details

$31

$47

$60

How much do step down rn jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for step down rn in California is $47.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.78 and $55.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Step Down RN?

Step Down RNs are registered nurses who work in step-down units, which are transitional care areas between the intensive care unit (ICU) and general medical-surgical floors. These nurses care for patients who require close monitoring and specialized care but are not as critically ill as those in the ICU. Step Down RNs monitor vital signs, administer medications, manage care plans, and respond to changes in patient conditions. Their role is crucial in helping patients recover and transition to lower levels of care safely.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a Step Down RN?

To thrive as a Step Down RN, you need a strong clinical background in acute and progressive care, typically supported by an active RN license and experience in critical or intermediate care settings. Familiarity with cardiac monitors, electronic health records (EHRs), and advanced life support certifications (such as ACLS) is often required. Excellent critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills help nurses respond to rapidly changing patient conditions and coordinate with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are vital to ensure patient safety, timely interventions, and optimal recovery in this high-acuity care environment.

How does a Step Down RN collaborate with other healthcare professionals?

Step Down RNs work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including physicians, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, and case managers, to coordinate patient care. They play a vital role in monitoring patients who require more intensive observation than a general medical-surgical floor but not as much as in the ICU. Effective communication and detailed handoffs are essential, as Step Down RNs often advocate for their patients during care plan meetings and rounds. This collaboration helps ensure that changes in patient status are addressed promptly and that each patient's transition to a lower level of care is safe and well-managed.

What is the difference between Step Down Rn vs Med-Surg Nurse?

AspectStep Down RnMed-Surg Nurse
CertificationsRN license, possibly CCRN or specialty certificationsRN license, often no specialty certification required
Work EnvironmentIntermediate to high-acuity units, closer patient monitoringGeneral medical-surgical units, lower acuity
Patient Care FocusPatients with complex, unstable conditionsPatients with less critical, stable conditions
Typical EmployerHospitals with step-down or progressive care unitsGeneral hospitals, medical-surgical wards

Step Down Rns and Med-Surg Nurses both provide vital patient care but differ mainly in patient acuity and required certifications. Step Down Rns handle more complex cases in intermediate care units, requiring specialized skills and certifications, while Med-Surg Nurses work in general wards with less critical patients. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job opportunity.

Do step down RNs get paid more?

Step down RNs typically earn higher salaries than staff RNs due to the specialized skills, increased responsibilities, and critical care environment involved. Their compensation may also reflect additional certifications such as CCRN and experience in intensive care settings.

What cities in California are hiring for Step Down Rn jobs?

Cities in California with the most Step Down Rn job openings:

Step Down Rn jobs near you
Infographic showing various Step Down Rn job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,975 per year, or $47.6 per hour.

Travel Step Down RN

San Francisco, CA • On-site

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

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Focus Staff is seeking a travel nurse RN Stepdown for a travel nursing job in San Francisco, California.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: Stepdown
  • Discipline: RN
  • Start Date: 10/06/2026
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 36 hours per week
  • Shift: 12 hours
  • Employment Type: Travel

Focus Staff is seeking a Step Down Registered Nurse for a travel contract in San Francisco, CA. The ideal candidate will have at least 1 year of experience in a Step Down setting.

Contract Length: 13 Weeks

Start Date: 10/06/2026

Shift: 3x12 Rotating

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 CA 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 San Francisco, CA 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: 09/03/2026 12:34:05 PM

Valid Through: 01/05/2027

Job City: San Francisco

Job State: CA

Job Country: USA

Shift: 3x12 Rotating

Job ID: a0xVt00000UQSaTIAX

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 #a0xVt00000UQSaTIAX. Pay package is based on 12 hour shifts and 36.0 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.


Focus Staff logo

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

View All Focus Staff Jobs

Apply