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Step Down Unit Rn Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Forhyre

Travel RN-ICU

Los Angeles, CA

$40 - $65/hr

Travel RN - ICU Location: San Luis Obispo, California Department/Unit: Intensive Care Unit (ICU) ... Night Shift (7:00 PM - 7:30 AM) Hours: 36 or 48 hours per week; may float to step-down unit as ...

Forhyre

Travel RN-ICU

Los Angeles, CA

$40 - $55/hr

Travel RN - ICU Location: San Luis Obispo, California Department/Unit: Intensive Care Unit (ICU) ... Night Shift (7:00 PM - 7:30 AM) Hours: 36 or 48 hours per week; may float to step-down unit as ...

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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 Jun 25, 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.

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 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.

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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,453 per year, or $34.4 per hour.

Nurse Practitioner / Physician Assistant Cardiac Step Down

Palm Careers LLC

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$145K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Palm Health Resources is hiring an Experienced Cardiac Surgery Advanced Practice Provider for a major academic facility in Beautiful Los Angeles, CA!

This would be an integral part of our dept specializing in the Cardiac Surgery Step Down Unit. Our Hospital System is hiring Board Certified Acute Care Nurse Practitioners to manage the care of the Cardiac Step Down Unit within a very busy Cardiothoracic Department!

We are looking for someone with Cardiac Surgery stepdown experience. 3 12 hours shifts per week! Includes rotating Weekends, nights and Holidays. EXCELLENT QUALITY OF LIFE SCHEDULE!

Educational Requirements:

MSN/ Board Certified Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification.

License/Certification/Registration Requirements:

Current State of California Registered Nurse and Nurse Practitioner or Eligible to Obtain the licenses.

Experience:

Minimum of 1 year of cardiothoracic nurse practitioner /physician assistant experience in pre-op or post-op experience

Comprehensive Salary Range $145,000- 225,000 and Benefits! Health, Dental, Matching 403B, Relocation Assistance and MUCH MORE!

Apply