RN Registered Nurse - Per Diem - SICU

#140485 (RN) Registered Nurse - Per Diem - SICU Filing Deadline:
Tue 7/21/2026 Description

UC San Diego Health is proud to be a four-time Magnet-designated organization and has now earned Magnet with Distinction from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Magnet is the gold standard for nursing excellence, achieved by only about 10% of hospitals worldwide. Magnet with Distinction is awarded to the highest‑performing Magnet organizations, with only a select few earning this prestigious honor.

This recognition reflects our commitment to transformational leadership, professional nursing excellence, innovation, exceptional patient outcomes, and an empowering practice environment where nurses thrive.

Our Surgical ICU at UC San Diego Medical Center serves a designated Level 1 Trauma Center, treating approximately 3,000 Neuro, Ortho, Spine, and General Surgery patients a year. The physicians, nurses, pharmacists, respiratory therapists, and trauma techs work as a compassionate team that places the greatest value on bedside care, driven by evidence‑based practice.

Under general supervision, the SICU Nurse identifies and implements nursing interventions and evaluates results for a wide variety of patient populations. Directs and acts as a resource to other members of the nursing team as assigned. Promotes compliance and support of policies. Achieves trust in professional collegial relationships.

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

• Must be a graduate from an accredited school of Nursing.
• Registered Nurse (RN) license issued by the State of California.
• BLS/CPR and ACLS certifications at time of hire with commitment to obtain ART within six (6) months of hire date.
• Current PALS certification, or must obtain within six (6) months of hire date.
• Must have two (2) years of recent acute care adult Surgical, Trauma, or Neuro ICU RN experience. If insufficient applicant pool, the department may consider two (2+) or more years of other adult ICU specialty experience.
• Must be able to function in a fast‑paced team environment, have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and consistently demonstrate empathy and kindness to all staff and patients.
• Ability to perform under pressure and handle urgent situations with accuracy, expediency, and tact.

• BSN or MSN.
• CCRN certification.
• Two (2+) or more years of recent Surgical/Trauma ICU (trauma, neurosurgery and general surgery) experience in a Level 1 trauma hospital.
• Experience in the care of traumatically injured patients with psychiatric illness, primary brain injury, and/or substance abuse comorbidities.

• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.
• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and a pre‑employment physical.
• Per diem shift requirement is an average of one shift per week. Must be available one weekend shift every four weeks and one major holiday. This is subject to change based on department needs.

Annual Full Pay Range: $190,342 - $190,342 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $91.16 - $91.16

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).

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

If applicable, life-support certifications (BLS, NRP, ACLS, etc.) must include hands‑on practice and in‑person skills…