(RN) Registered Nurse - La Jolla Rapid Recovery

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment : Apply by 6/3/2026 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Reassignment Applicants : Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

Current UC San Diego Health CNA (NX) represented RN/NP applicants will be considered after the first 7 days of job posting. All additional applicants will be considered after 14 days of job posting, pending the status of the initial internal CNA (NX) represented applicant pool.

DESCRIPTION

UC San Diego Health is a Magnet designated organization, which is a prestigious recognition that applies to only 10% of all U.S. hospitals. Magnet is the "gold standard" for nursing excellence and is based on strengths in five key areas which include transformational leadership, structural empowerment, exemplary professional practice, new knowledge, innovation and improvements and empirical outcomes. UC San Diego Health has held its Magnet status since 2011.

The Rapid Recovery Unit (RRU) on the 2nd floor of Jacobs Medical Center is a dynamic 14-bed Post-Surgical Care Unit, providing a range of care levels from Med-Surg to ICU. We specialize in the post-operative care of patients undergoing advanced surgical procedures, including but not limited to: oncology surgeries, vascular and plastic surgeries, urology procedures, and more. Our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional care across a spectrum of patient needs, ensuring optimal recovery in a supportive, high-acuity environment.

The Registered Nurse provides skilled nursing care to patients undergoing surgical procedures. Primarily working out of Jacobs Medical Center, the Clinical Nurse II may need to float to PreOp/PACU at both La Jolla and Hillcrest campuses. La Jolla and Hillcrest perform surgical services in Neurology, Orthopedics, Urology, Plastics, general, Oncology, Head and Neck, Vascular and Open Heart, Gynecology, additional services at Hillcrest include trauma and burn surgeries. Additionally, the Clinical Nurse II may need to float to Shiley Eye Center, Koman Outpatient Pavilion pre-op/PACU and La Jolla Procedural Treatment Unit.

Ideal candidates will have a strong background in critical care, with experience in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), or both. As part of our dedicated team, you will play a pivotal role in providing exceptional care to patients recovering from complex surgeries, ensuring their safety and comfort during the immediate post-operative period and beyond.

Autonomous nursing care is the ability of a nurse to assess and provide nursing actions as appropriate for patient care populations based on competence, professional expertise, and knowledge. The nurse is expected to practice autonomously consistent with ANA Standards of Practice and Professional Performance. Independent judgment is expected to be exercised within the context of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches to patient care.

While not required, a cover letter is highly recommended when applying to this position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be a graduate from an accredited school of Nursing.
• RN License issued by the State of California.
• BLS/CPR and ACLS certifications at time of hire with commitment to get ART within six (6) months of hire date.
• Current PALS, or must be obtained during 1st year of employment.
• Must have at least two (2) years of current acute care PACU, ICU, PICU, NICU or ER RN experience.
• Demonstrated strong competency in the care and management of post-surgical patients.
• Demonstrated ability to manage time and competing priorities in a fast-paced acute care environment while maintaining patient safety.
• Demonstrated strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with surgeons, interdisciplinary team members, and patients.
• Demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify issues in the perioperative care process and implement effective solutions.
• Must be able to function in a fast-paced environment, have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and consistently demonstrate empathy and kindness to all staff and patients.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• BSN
• CPAN and/or CAPA
• Adult ICU experience

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Must be able to work various hours, nights, shifts, on-call and various locations based on the 24-hour Medical Center's business needs.
• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $138,330 - $193,892 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $66.25 - $92.86

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).