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

Nextaff Healthcare

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RNs Needed Urgently

Olympia Fields, IL · On-site

$70 - $100/hr

Step-Down / Progressive Care * Behavioral Health / Psych * Long-Term Care / Skilled Nursing ... Active RN license * Current required BLS and ACLS certifications * Relevant clinical experience in ...

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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 13, 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.

RN - Cardiac Tele 7/Neuro Step down - Nights

Naperville, IL • On-site

NorthShore
Health Care and Social Assistance • 10K+ employees
Learn more about NorthShoreexternal

$36 - $55.80/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Endeavor Health rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 403 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Hourly Pay Range:
$36.00 - $55.80 - The hourly pay rate offered is determined by a candidate's expertise and years of experience, among other factors.
Endeavor Health is currently conducting a comprehensive review of our compensation structure. The new minimum for this role will be adjusted to $37.25 base pay hourly rate beginning with the second paycheck in October.
Position Highlights:
  • Position: RN - Cardiac Telemetry 7 - Neuro Step Down
  • Location: Edward Main Hospital - Naperville
  • Full Time: 36 hours/week
  • Hours: Nights 7:00pm-7:30am with rotating weekends and holidays

What you will need:
Preferred Education, Skills and/or Experience:
  • Bachelor's Degree or higher in Nursing

Required Education, Skills and/or Experience:
  • Requires 1+ years' of RN experience in an inpatient unit setting
  • Associate Degree or higher in Nursing
    • If Associate Degree in Nursing is the highest degree held, must graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing within five years of position start date.

Required License and/or Certification:
  • Current State of Illinois Registered Nurse licensure
  • Current CPR Certification issued by either American Heart Association or Basic Life Support
  • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) within one year of start date into position
  • Stroke Scale Certification (NIHSS) within one year of start date into position

Benefits (full-time or part-time positions):
  • Premium pay for eligible employees
  • Career Pathways to Promote Professional Growth and Development
  • Various Medical, Dental, and Vision options
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Free Parking at designated locations
  • Wellness Program Savings Plan
  • Health Savings Account Options
  • Retirement Options with Company Match
  • Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay
  • Community Involvement Opportunities

Endeavor Health is a fully integrated healthcare delivery system committed to providing access to quality, vibrant, community-connected care, serving an area of more than 4.2 million residents across six northeast Illinois counties. Our more than 25,000 team members and more than 6,000 physicians aim to deliver transformative patient experiences and expert care close to home across more than 300 ambulatory locations and eight acute care hospitals - Edward (Naperville), Elmhurst, Evanston, Glenbrook (Glenview), Highland Park, Northwest Community (Arlington Heights) Skokie and Swedish (Chicago) - all recognized as Magnet hospitals for nursing excellence. For more information, visit www.endeavorhealth.org.
When you work for Endeavor Health, you will be part of an organization that encourages its employees to achieve career goals and maximize their professional potential.
Please explore our website (www.endeavorhealth.org) to better understand how Endeavor Health delivers on its mission to "help everyone in our communities be their best".
Endeavor Health is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please refer to the main career page for more information.
At Endeavor Health, we are united by a shared commitment to working together to create a culture of connection and belonging-each of us bringing different skills and experiences as we deliver safe, seamless, and personal care. Every person, every time. We are committed to fostering an environment where all team members can be their best, learn, and pursue excellence together.
EOE: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets, VEVRRA Federal Contractor.

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