ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Step Down Unit Rn Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Amergis Healthcare Staffing

Oncology IMU

Houston, TX · On-site

The Progressive Care Unit RN is sometimes also called a step-down nurse, cardiac stepdown, neuro stepdown, surgical stepdown and in some medical centers, the PCU is also known as a transition or ...

Protouch Staffing

RN PACU - Contract

Houston, TX · On-site

$1.9K/wk

RN - PACU (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit) Houston, TX | Competitive Weekly Pay | 40 Hours/Week Protouch ... Apply today and let Protouch Staffing help you take the next step in your nursing career!

HCS 247

Travel NICU RN

Webster, TX · On-site

Our clinical coverage includes Registered Nurse specialties such as ER, ICU, Med-Surg, Telemetry, Step-Down, OR, PACU, L&D, Mother/Baby, NICU, Cath Lab, Endoscopy, and more along with a full range of ...

USPI, INC.

RN PACU FT

Houston, TX · On-site

RN PACU FT Houston, Texas Memorial Hermann Surgical Hospital Kingwood is seeking a motivated PACU RN to join our team. Memorial Hermann Surgical Hospital Kingwood is a fast-paced ASC environment ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsStep Down Unit Rn JobsStep Down Unit Rn Jobs in Houston, TX

Step Down Unit Rn information

See Houston, TX salary details

$37.2K

$69.1K

$97.4K

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

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for step down unit rn in Houston, TX is $69,141.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,900.00 and $66,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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 are popular job titles related to Step Down Unit Rn jobs in Houston, TX?

For Step Down Unit Rn jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Step Down Unit Rn jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Step Down Unit Rn jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Step Down Unit Rn jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX 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 Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,141 per year, or $33.2 per hour.

Registered Nurse - Progressive Care - 26-09211

Compu-Vision - South

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Registered Nurse – Progressive Care

Position Type: Contract
Location: Atlanta, GA
Duration: 13 weeks
Schedule: 12-hour shifts | 4 shifts per week | Days/Nights

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Registered Nurse (RN) to provide care in a Progressive Care/Medical Step-Down Unit. The RN will care for patients with complex medical conditions requiring close monitoring, timely assessment, and specialized nursing interventions.

Unit Details:

  • Unit: Progressive Care / Medical Step-Down
  • Unit Size: 16–20 beds
  • Typical Patient Ratio: 1 RN : 4 patients
  • Experience: Minimum 2 years of relevant RN experience
Patient Population

The RN may care for patients experiencing a variety of complex medical conditions, including:

  • Sepsis
  • Heart failure
  • Hypertensive emergencies
  • Respiratory failure
  • COPD
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus
  • Substance abuse
  • Status epilepticus
  • Encephalopathy
Key Responsibilities
  • Provide direct nursing care to patients in a progressive care/step-down environment.
  • Perform comprehensive patient assessments and monitor changes in patient condition.
  • Closely monitor patients with complex and potentially unstable medical conditions.
  • Recognize changes in patient status and initiate appropriate interventions.
  • Administer medications and treatments according to physician orders and established protocols.
  • Collaborate with physicians and interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
  • Maintain accurate and timely electronic patient documentation.
  • Develop and implement individualized nursing care plans.
  • Monitor patient responses to treatments and medications.
  • Provide patient and family education regarding treatment plans, medications, and ongoing care.
  • Follow infection control, patient safety, and hospital policies.
  • Communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
Required Qualifications
  • Active Registered Nurse (RN) license.
  • Minimum 2 years of relevant RN experience.
  • Progressive Care, Step-Down, Medical-Surgical, or comparable acute-care experience preferred.
  • Strong assessment, critical-thinking, communication, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple patients and prioritize care in a fast-paced environment.
Required Certifications
  • BLS – Basic Life Support
  • ACLS – Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support