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Step Down Unit Rn Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Details Client Name Adventist Health Sierra Vista Job Type Travel Offering Nursing Profession RN Specialty Step Down Job ID 37679045 Job Title RN - Step Down Weekly Pay $2470.8 Shift Details Shift 12 ...

RN Trauma ICU

Redding, CA · On-site

$54.43 - $73.98/hr

May consider training with 1 year continuous, recent (within 1 year)experience in telemetry or step down unit if operational considerations exist. * Registered Nurse: CA, upon hire and * Basic Life ...

Showing results 41-60

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:
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.

Registered Nurse (RN) - PCU

Adventist Health

San Luis Obispo, CA • On-site

$2.3K/wk

Other

Posted 12 days ago


Adventist Health rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 243 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

160th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Details
Client Name
Adventist Health Sierra Vista - Westways
Job Type
Travel
Offering
Nursing
Profession
Registered Nurse (RN)
Specialty
PCU
Job ID
37604174
Job Title
Registered Nurse (RN) - PCU
Weekly Pay
$2312.8
Shift Details
Shift
Nights - 3 x 12
Scheduled Hours
36
Job Order Details
Start Date
08/03/2026
End Date
11/02/2026
Duration
13 Week(s)
Job Description
Title: Registered Nurse - Step Down Unit
Schedule: Night Shift 7:00 PM - 7:30 AM
Assignment Details:
- Contract Length: 13 weeks
- Guaranteed Hours: 36.00
Requirements:
- Current RN license in state of practice
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from approved vendor
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification from approved vendor
- NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification required within 6 months of hire
- At least 6 months of cardiac step-down or telemetry experience in last 2 years preferred
- Successful completion of Basic Dysrhythmia Course preferred
- Completion of Critical Care Course preferred
Roles & Responsibilities:
- Provide appropriate nursing interventions in stable and emergent patient situations.
- Competent in routine nursing skills including medication administration, intravenous therapy, and care of indwelling catheters and drains.
- Accurately interpret ECG rhythm and manage the care of patients during life-threatening emergencies.
- Verify alarm settings with Monitor Technician according to policy.
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills in the management of patients post intervention and those admitted with stable acute coronary syndrome.
Client Details
Address
1010 Murray Ave
City
San Luis Obispo
State
CA
Zip Code
93401
Job Board Disclaimer
TLC Nursing Associates, Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer and fully complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under the law.
Accuracy of Information: All job listings are subject to change, and while we strive to ensure that all job information, including job descriptions, pay packages, and shift details, is accurate and up-to-date, we cannot guarantee the availability or specifics of any position at the time of application. Pay packages and shift availability may vary based on facility needs and may be subject to changes before or after hire.

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