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Step Down Unit Rn Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

UnitiMed

RN Step Down Unit

Inglewood, CA · On-site

... step of the way to ensure you start on time and have an exceptional experience * * Referral bonus up to $700 Registered Nurse (RN),Progressive Care Unit (PCU), About the Company: Uniti Med is an ...

UnitiMed

RN Step Down Unit

Palm Springs, CA · On-site

... step of the way to ensure you start on time and have an exceptional experience * * Referral bonus up to $700 Registered Nurse (RN),Cardiac Stepdown (PCU/IMC), About the Company: Uniti Med is an award ...

UnitiMed

RN Step Down Unit

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

Uniti Med is looking for a Registered Nurse (RN) in San Luis Obispo, California. This assignment ... Continuing Education Unit (CEU) reimbursement after 750 hours worked * * Employee Assistance ...

GQR

RN - Step Down Unit

Inglewood, CA · On-site

GQR Healthcare is representing a well-known health system seeking experienced Step Down Unit providers to add to their team. If you are passionate about providing exceptional care and looking to ...

Slate Healthcare

RN - PCU

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$2.2K - $3.1K/wk

Overview As a PCU/SCU RN II, you will provide nursing care to patients in the step-down unit, managing their care during emergencies and supervising ancillary personnel. This role requires ...

GQR

RN - Step Down Unit

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$2.2K - $2.3K/wk

Registered Nurse (RN) Facility: Estimated Pay: $2262.6 - $2357.6 Duration:13 weeks Specialty ... A dedicated recruiter and support team that will help you every step of the way to sure you start ...

Adventist Sierra Vista

RN - PCU

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$2.2K - $3.1K/wk

Job Title RN II-SDU (CNA),RN,PCU City/State: San Luis Obispo, California Shift: Nights 12 hours 36 ... step down unit. Accurately interprets ECG rhythm and manages care of patients during life ...

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All JobsStep Down Unit Rn JobsStep Down Unit Rn Jobs in California

Step Down Unit Rn information

See California salary details

$38.5K

$71.5K

$100.7K

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

As of Aug 6, 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.

Do step down unit RNs get paid more?

Step Down Unit RNs typically earn higher salaries than those working in general medical-surgical units due to the increased complexity of patient care and the specialized skills required. Their advanced training, certifications, and experience in critical care contribute to higher compensation levels.

What is a step down unit RN?

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.

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 skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a step down unit RN?

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.

What are 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.
What are popular job titles related to Step Down Unit Rn jobs in California? For Step Down Unit Rn jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Step Down Unit Rn jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Step Down Unit Rn jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Step Down Unit Rn jobs? Cities in California with the most Step Down Unit Rn job openings:
Step Down Unit Rn jobs near you
Infographic showing various Step Down Unit Rn job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 40% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $71,453 per year, or $34.4 per hour.

RN Step Down Unit (with $7,500 Completion Bonus)

ATC Healthcare

Panorama City, CA

$2.6K/wk

Full-time, Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Registered Nurse - Step Down Unit (Travel)
Location: Panorama City, CA
Job Type: Travel Contract
Duration: 13 weeks
Shift: 3×12 Nights
Pay: $2,658.60/week
Completion Bonus: $2,500 per contract (up to $7,500 after three contracts)
Position Overview
ATC Healthcare is seeking an experienced Step Down Registered Nurse (RN) for a 13-week travel assignment in Panorama City, California. This role provides care to clinically complex patients requiring close monitoring, cardiac rhythm interpretation, and timely interventions.
The RN will work within a dynamic team environment, collaborating with physicians, respiratory therapists, and ancillary staff to deliver high-quality patient care. Candidates must meet recent experience requirements and hold required certifications upon submission.
Key Responsibilities
  • Provide comprehensive nursing care to step-down/telemetry patients requiring frequent assessments and cardiac monitoring.
  • Interpret cardiac rhythms, respond to changes in patient condition, and initiate appropriate interventions.
  • Perform medication administration, IV therapy, central line care, and other step-down-level nursing procedures.
  • Monitor vital signs, symptoms, and patterns to identify early deterioration or arrhythmias.
  • Assist with rapid response and code blue situations as needed.
  • Document all patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes accurately and promptly.
  • Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to support individualized patient care plans.
  • Provide patient and family education regarding diagnoses, medications, procedures, and discharge instructions.
  • Maintain a safe, supportive environment and follow all infection prevention and safety policies.
  • Participate in winter surge planning as needed per seasonal workload requirements.

Qualifications
  • Active RN license in the state of California (required).
  • Graduate of an accredited nursing program (required).
  • Minimum 1 year of recent full-time Step Down or Telemetry experience within the last 3 years (required).
  • Certifications: BLS and ACLS (required).
  • Experience in cardiac rhythm recognition (required).
  • BSN preferred.
  • Ability to work 12-hour night shifts on a busy, high-acuity unit.
  • Must be able to meet submission limits and winter staffing requirements.
  • Proof of COVID-19 vaccination and recent tuberculosis test required.

Benefits
  • Weekly pay with competitive rates
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match
  • Referral bonuses for referring talented professionals into our network
  • Flexible schedules and dedicated recruiter support

About ATC Healthcare
ATC Healthcare has been a leader in healthcare staffing for nearly 40 years, offering personalized placement and support to healthcare professionals nationwide. With over 60 locations, we are committed to connecting skilled nurses, therapists, and clinicians with rewarding career opportunities.
Other Duties: Please note this job summary is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may vary by assignment and may change at any time with or without notice.
Equal Opportunity Employer: ATC Healthcare Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any other category protected by Federal, State, or local law.
ID: KAISJP00243629

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