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Step Down Rn Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

JL4 Staffing

Registered Nurse - Chicago

Chicago, IL · On-site

Per Week: 36 Hours 30 bed neuro stroke/surgical step down unit work at least every other weekend ... RN Step Down Travel RN Traveler Step Down RN Work Authorization * Green Card * US Citizen ...

Precision Scans INC

RN Step Down

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85 - $88/hr

PHS-8153/52 Position: RN Step Down Shift Notes: 18:30 - 06:30/06:30 - 18:30 Location: CHICAGO, IL, 60622 Job Type: Per Diem - Nights/Days Start date: 09/03/2026 - 12/02/2026 Pay: $85-$88 Per hour Job ...

Precision Scans Inc

RN Step Down

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85 - $88/hr

PHS-8153/52 Position: RN Step Down Shift Notes: 18:30 - 06:30/06:30 - 18:30 Location: CHICAGO, IL, 60622 Job Type: Per Diem - Nights/Days Start date: 09/03/2026 - 12/02/2026 Pay: $85-$88 Per hour Job ...

GQR Global Markets

RN Step Down Unit

Chicago, IL · On-site

$1.4K/wk

Step Down Unit RN Job Location: Profession: Registered Nurse Estimated Pay: $1461.60 Duration (weeks): Specialty: Step Down Unit Shift Details: Night Estimated weekly pay includes projected hourly ...

GLC On-The-Go

Travel Pediatric Stepdown RN

Chicago, IL · On-site

$1.8K - $1.9K/wk

Duration: 13 weeks GLC is hiring: RN IMC/IMU/PCU/STEPDOWN, Progressive Care Unit (PCU)/Step Down - Chicago, IL - 13-week contract GLC - Named Best Nurse Agency 2024-2025 We connect nurses, nursing ...

GLC On-The-Go

Travel Pediatric Stepdown RN

Chicago, IL · On-site

$1.8K - $1.9K/day

Duration: 13 weeks GLC is hiring: RN IMC/IMU/PCU/STEPDOWN, Progressive Care Unit (PCU)/Step Down - Chicago, IL - 13-week contract. GLC - Named Best Nurse Agency 2024-2025. We connect nurses, nursing ...

GLC On-The-Go

Travel Pediatric Stepdown RN

Chicago, IL · On-site

$2.6K - $2.8K/wk

Duration: 13 weeks GLC is hiring: RN IMC/IMU/PCU/STEPDOWN, Progressive Care Unit (PCU)/Step Down - Chicago, IL - 13-week contract GLC - Named Best Nurse Agency 2024-2025. We connect nurses, nursing ...

Macpower Digital Assets Edge

RN Step Down

Chicago, IL · On-site

Notes and carries out physician and nursing orders. * ssesses and coordinates patient's discharge planning needs with members of the healthcare team. * Within scope of job, requires critical thinking ...

Precision Scans INC

PHS-8153 RN Step Down

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85 - $88/hr

PHS-8153/52 Position: RN Step Down Shift Notes: 18:30 - 06:30/06:30 - 18:30 Location: CHICAGO, IL, 60622 Job Type: Per Diem - Nights/Days Start date: 09/03/2026 - 12/02/2026 Pay: $85-$88 Per hour Job ...

Precision Scans Inc

PHS-8153 RN Step Down

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85 - $88/hr

PHS-8153/52 Position: RN Step Down Shift Notes: 18:30 - 06:30/06:30 - 18:30 Location: CHICAGO, IL, 60622 Job Type: Per Diem - Nights/Days Start date: 09/03/2026 - 12/02/2026 Pay: $85-$88 Per hour Job ...

Sinai Chicago

MEDICAL STEP DOWN REGISTRY RN

Chicago, IL · On-site

... by registered nurses, CNAs, Unit Secretaries, and Telemetry Techs. Imbedded within 5 North is a four-bed Medical Step-down Unit (MSU), to which patients requiring a higher level of monitoring and ...

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All JobsStep Down Rn JobsStep Down Rn Jobs in Chicago, IL

Step Down Rn information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$33

$49

$63

How much do step down rn jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for step down rn in Chicago, IL is $49.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.70 and $58.48 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.
Step Down Rn jobs near you
Infographic showing various Step Down Rn job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,745 per year, or $49.9 per hour.

Registered Nurse - Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

JL4 Staffing
See more jobs at JL4 Staffingexternal

Contractor

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Summary

​Department: RMC 3 NW Surgical Stepdown

Shift Timings: 19:00 - 07:30 Hours, Monday to Friday 3 days 12 hours shift.

Per Week: 36 Hours

30 bed neuro stroke/surgical step down unit work at least every other weekend-weekend sick calls will be made up the following weekend

​
Roles & Responsibilities
  • Implements and monitors patient care plans.
  • Monitors, records and communicates patient condition as appropriate.
  • Serves as a primary coordinator of all disciplines for well-coordinated patient care.
  • Notes and carries out physician and nursing orders.
  • Assesses and coordinates patient's discharge planning needs with members of the healthcare team. 
  • Within scope of job, requires critical thinking skills, decisive judgment and the ability to work with minimal supervision.
  • Must be able to work in a stressful environment.
  • Follows Standard Precautions using personal protective equipment as required.

Minimum Qualifications

BLS, ACLS, flu EKG trach/vent experience a must

Chest tube experience a must

Dialysis experience preferred step down ratio-1:3, 1:4, tele ratio 1:5

​
Required Skills
RN Step Down
Travel RN
Traveler Step Down RN
Work Authorization
  • Green Card
  • US Citizen

Certifications & Clearance Requirements
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification
  • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
  • The National Institutes of Health (NIH)