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

Ehmct

ICU Experienced Registered Nurse

Baytown, TX · On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Support safe transitions between ED, OR, ICU, step-down, and transfer destinations. Scheduling and ... Active RN license in the State of Texas or compact RN license in good standing. * ICU experience ...

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel ICU RN

Sugar Land, TX · On-site

TNAA TotalMed RN is seeking a travel nurse RN ICU - Intensive Care Unit for a travel nursing job in Sugar Land, Texas. & Requirements * Specialty: ICU - Intensive Care Unit * Discipline: RN * Start ...

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel NICU RN

Pasadena, TX · On-site

TNAA TotalMed RN is seeking a travel nurse RN NICU - Neonatal Intensive Care for a travel nursing job in Pasadena, Texas. & Requirements * Specialty: NICU - Neonatal Intensive Care * Discipline: RN * ...

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel CVICU RN

Houston, TX · On-site

Travel We're looking for Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit RNs for an immediate travel nurse opening in Houston, TX. The right RN should have 1-2 years' recent acute care experience. Read below for ...

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Step Down Unit Rn information

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$37.2K

$69.1K

$97.4K

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

As of Sep 6, 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, 74% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,141 per year, or $33.2 per hour.

Registered Nurse - Progressive Care / Medical Step-Down - 26-09211

Compu-Vision - South

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Registered Nurse – Progressive Care / Medical Step-Down

Location - Atlanta, GA

Duration - 13 Weeks

Unit: Medical Step-Down / Progressive Care Unit
Experience Required: Minimum 2 Years

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Registered Nurse (RN) – Progressive Care / Medical Step-Down to provide high-quality nursing care to patients requiring close monitoring and advanced medical management.

The Progressive Care Unit is a 16–20 bed medical step-down unit with an approximate 1:4 nurse-to-patient ratio. The ideal candidate will have at least 2 years of Progressive Care, Step-Down, Telemetry, or closely related acute-care nursing experience and be comfortable caring for medically complex patients.

Patient Population

The RN will provide care for patients with a variety of acute and chronic conditions, including:

  • Sepsis
  • Heart Failure
  • Hypertensive Emergencies
  • Respiratory Failure
  • COPD
  • Chronic Kidney Disease
  • Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)
  • Substance Abuse
  • Status Epilepticus
  • Encephalopathy
Key Responsibilities
  • Provide comprehensive nursing care to Progressive Care and Medical Step-Down patients.
  • Perform thorough initial and ongoing patient assessments.
  • Closely monitor patients for changes in clinical condition.
  • Recognize signs of deterioration and initiate appropriate interventions.
  • Monitor vital signs, cardiac status, oxygenation, neurological status, and other relevant clinical parameters.
  • Administer medications, IV therapies, and treatments according to physician orders and facility protocols.
  • Provide care for patients with complex medical and respiratory conditions.
  • Monitor and manage patients with sepsis, heart failure, respiratory failure, COPD, and hypertensive emergencies.
  • Provide appropriate nursing care for patients with neurological conditions, including status epilepticus and encephalopathy.
  • Monitor patients with chronic kidney disease and diabetes.
  • Assess patients for complications and promptly communicate changes to the healthcare team.
  • Collaborate with physicians and interdisciplinary healthcare professionals.
  • Provide patient and family education regarding treatment plans, medications, and disease management.
  • Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation.
  • Follow infection-control, patient-safety, medication-administration, and hospital policies.
  • Participate in patient handoffs and ensure continuity of care.
  • Respond appropriately to emergencies and rapidly changing patient conditions.
Required Qualifications
  • Current, active Registered Nurse (RN) license.
  • Minimum 2 years of relevant Progressive Care / Medical Step-Down nursing experience.
  • Strong acute-care nursing experience.
  • Experience caring for medically complex and high-acuity patients.
  • Strong assessment and clinical judgment skills.
  • Ability to recognize and respond to patient deterioration.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced hospital environment.
Required Certifications
  • BLS – Basic Life Support
  • ACLS – Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support