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Step Down Unit Rn Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Adventist Health

RN - PCU/Step Down

Marysville, CA · On-site

$2.1K/wk

Details Client Name Adventist - Rideout Job Type Travel Offering Nursing Profession RN Specialty PCU/Step Down Job ID 37168828 Job Title RN - PCU/Step Down Weekly Pay $2149.0 Shift Details Shift 7p ...

TLC NURSING SERVICES

RN - Step Down

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$2.4K/wk

Details Client Name Adventist Health Sierra Vista Job Type Travel Offering Nursing Profession RN Specialty Step Down Job ID 37479135 Job Title RN - Step Down Weekly Pay $2408.16 Shift Details Shift ...

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Step Down Unit Rn information

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$38.5K

$71.5K

$100.7K

How much do step down unit rn jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for step down unit rn in California is $71,453.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,100.00 and $68,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Step Down Unit RNs?

Step Down Unit RNs are registered nurses who care for patients who require more attention than those on a general medical-surgical floor but are not critical enough for the intensive care unit (ICU). They monitor patients closely, administer medications, and respond quickly to changes in condition. Step Down Unit RNs often work with patients recovering from surgery, cardiac events, or severe illnesses, providing advanced monitoring and support to help them transition to lower levels of care.

How to make 200,000 a year as a nurse?

To earn $200,000 annually as a Step Down Unit RN, gaining extensive experience, pursuing advanced certifications, and working in high-demand or high-paying regions can help increase income. Specializing in critical care, taking on leadership roles, or working overtime and per diem shifts also contribute to higher earnings.

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

AspectStep Down Unit RnMedical-Surgical Nurse
CredentialsRN license, possibly CCRN or specialty certificationsRN license, often same certifications
Work EnvironmentIntermediate care units, closer patient monitoringGeneral hospital floors, broader patient care
Patient AcuityHigher acuity, more complex casesModerate acuity, routine cases
Job FocusMonitoring critical signs, managing unstable patientsProviding basic nursing care, patient education

The main difference between a Step Down Unit Rn and a Medical-Surgical Nurse lies in patient acuity and care complexity. Step Down Unit Rns handle higher acuity patients requiring closer monitoring, while Medical-Surgical Nurses care for patients with moderate needs. Both roles require an RN license and similar certifications, but the work environment and patient care focus differ significantly.

What does a stepdown RN do?

A stepdown RN provides care to patients who require more monitoring than in a general ward but less than intensive care. They assess patient conditions, administer medications, monitor vital signs, and collaborate with healthcare teams to ensure safe recovery. This role often involves using specialized equipment and requires strong clinical skills and critical thinking.

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

To thrive as a Step Down Unit RN, you need strong clinical assessment skills, acute care experience, and an active RN license, often with ACLS certification. Familiarity with telemetry monitoring, electronic health records (EHRs), and advanced life support protocols is essential. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and resilience help you manage complex patient needs and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring patient safety and optimal outcomes in a high-acuity, fast-paced environment.

How to make $300,000 as a nurse?

Step Down Unit RNs can increase their earnings by gaining specialized certifications, working overtime or extra shifts, and pursuing higher-paying roles such as charge nurse or nurse manager. Working in high-demand areas, gaining experience, and obtaining advanced degrees like a BSN or MSN can also lead to higher salaries, especially in regions with higher pay scales.

How to make an extra 2000 a month as a nurse?

Step Down Unit RNs can increase their income by taking on per diem or overtime shifts, which often pay higher rates, or by working in travel nursing assignments that offer additional stipends. Developing specialized skills or certifications, such as in critical care or advanced cardiac life support, can also qualify for higher-paying roles or bonuses. Additionally, some nurses supplement income through side jobs like telehealth or teaching nursing courses.

What are some common challenges faced by Step Down Unit RNs, and how can they be addressed?

Step Down Unit RNs often manage patients who are too ill for general medical-surgical floors but do not require intensive care, which means rapidly changing patient conditions can present significant challenges. Balancing a higher patient-to-nurse ratio than in the ICU while still providing vigilant monitoring requires strong organizational and prioritization skills. Effective communication with multidisciplinary teams and quick decision-making are essential to ensure patient safety. Many RNs find that actively seeking mentorship, participating in continuing education, and using available support resources can help manage these challenges and support professional growth.
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Step Down Unit Rn jobs near you
Infographic showing various Step Down Unit Rn job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,453 per year, or $34.4 per hour.
Registered Nurse (RN), Step Down Unit Float - FT/Nights (12Hrs) Long Beach

Registered Nurse (RN), Step Down Unit Float - FT/Nights (12Hrs) Long Beach

memorial care

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$50 - $73/hr

Full-time

Medical

Re-posted 3 days ago

MemorialCare rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 886 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Title: Registered Nurse - SDU float

Location: Long Beach, CA

Department: Float Unit

Status: Full Time

Shift: Nights (12 Hours)

Pay Range*: $50 - $73/hour

[$10,000] signing bonus available to external hires new to MHS employment, contingent upon satisfaction of employment requirements.

At MemorialCare Health System, we believe in providing extraordinary healthcare to our communities and an exceptional working environment for our employees. Memorial Care stands for excellence in Healthcare. Across our family of medical centers, we support each one of our bright, talented employees in reaching the highest levels of professional development, contribution, collaboration and accountability. Whatever your role and whatever expertise you bring, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your full potential in an environment of respect, innovation and teamwork.

Position Summary:


The RN, Registered Nurse 12-Hr provides safe, cost-effective patient care through the health experience, according to established standards utilizing the nursing process, within the scope of practice of Registered Nursing, for the (department name) at MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities of the Job

  • Safety and risk management
  • Assess patients
  • Develops a written plan of care using assessment database
  • Implements patient care
  • Evaluates and revises patient care
  • Staff development
  • Collaboration and working with others
  • Interpersonal relationships and communication
  • Unit, department, and hospital contributions
  • Performance appraisal
  • Working responsibilities
  • Customer services
  • Skills Roster

Placement in the pay range is based on multiple factors including, but not limited to, relevant years of experience and qualifications. In addition to base pay, there may be additional compensation available for this role, including but not limited to, shift differentials, extra shift incentives, and bonus opportunities. Health and wellness is our passion at MemorialCare-that includes taking good care of employees and their dependents. We offer high quality health insurance plan options, so you can select the best choice for your family. And there's more...Check out our MemorialCare Benefits for more information about our Benefits and Rewards.

Minimum Requirements/Work Experience

         Minimum Requirements:
Minimum of 1 year Critical Care Acute Care hospital experience in a Step-Down Unit, or 3 years ICU experience in a Long-Term Acute Care facility

         A current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in California is required.

         A current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (CPR & AED) certification is also required.

         A bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) is also required unless waived by Nurse Executive Council review.

         Graduated from an accredited nursing program unless otherwise approved by the Nursing Executive Council (NEC). Approved accrediting bodies include ACEN and CCNE others must be approved by NEC

         Additional certifications required within 6 months of hire or transfer into the department

         Successful completion of:

o    Pre-employment drug screening

o    Criminal background check and reference verification

o    Pre-employment health evaluation, including TB screening, with ongoing re-evaluation as required by Employee Health

         The ideal candidate will have nursing experience in Step Down Unit in an acute care hospital.

Education / Licensure / Certification - Required Prior to Patient Care Assignment

         BSN required unless waived by nurse executive council review.

         Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in California.

         Basic Life Support (BLS) and ACLS from the AHA required.

         Completion of unit orientation and clinical competency validation.

         Additional Certifications - required within 6 months of hire (or transfer into)department

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