RN Per Diem Registered Nurse - Ortho PCU -Nights

Overview

RN per-diem position in Orthopedic Progressive Care Unit (PCU) at UC San Diego Health. Night shifts, 12-hour shifts, Sundays through Saturdays. Per Diem appointment at 20% with 4 openings. Pay scale: $91.16/hour. Worksite:
Jacobs Medical Center. Union: NX Contract. Filing deadline:
Thu 1/29/2026.

UC San Diego Health is Magnet designated and maintains a focus on nursing excellence. This per-diem RN position is in the Orthopedic PCU. Ideal candidates have experience in ICU/CCU/Step-down ICU or IMU environments. Autonomous nursing care is expected to be practiced in line with ANA Standards; independent judgment is required within interdisciplinary care teams.

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

• 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 obtain ART within six (6) months of hire date.
• Minimum one (1) year acute care RN experience in ICU, PCU, or IMU.
• Demonstrates an understanding of nursing-sensitive indicators relevant to ICU/PCU/IMU and integrates these measures into daily practice to promote quality and safety outcomes.
• Demonstrates critical thinking and clinical skills to identify and implement nursing interventions and evaluate results for evolving patient conditions within a stepdown setting.
• Ability to handle unexpected challenges with a patient-centered approach.
• Ability to function in a fast-paced environment with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and demonstrate empathy and kindness to all staff and patients.
• Excellent communication and influence with all disciplines of staff, including technologists, physicians, advanced practice providers, and patients, both verbally and in writing.

• BSN.
• Ortho certification.
• Previous PCU RN experience or completion of PCU training.
• Orthopedics experience.

• Must be able to work various hours, days, 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 and Benefits

Pay Transparency Act:
Annual Full Pay Range: $190,342 - $190,342 (will be prorated if appointment percentage is less than 100%). Hourly Equivalent: $91.16 - $91.16.

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

Apply

Apply now to be considered for this role.

Vaccination and safety reminders: If employed by the University of California, compliance with the Policy on Vaccination Programs may be required. Additional public health directives may apply. Life-support certifications (BLS, NRP, ACLS, etc.) must include hands-on practice and in-person skills assessment; online-only certification is not acceptable.

Further information about UC San Diego Health policies and environment is provided in the description. Applications/resumes are accepted for current openings only. For full consideration, apply before the initial closing date. If a job has an extended deadline, applications will be considered during extension but may be filled earlier.

UC San Diego Health promotes a diverse environment and inclusive culture. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community. UC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status. For the Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit the UC policy page.

UC San Diego is a smoke- and tobacco-free environment. Marijuana and drug-free environment policies apply; drug screening may be required. Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: final candidates must disclose prior misconduct findings within the last seven years.

a. Misconduct includes violations of policies governing employee conduct; examples include sexual harassment or discrimination. Related policy resources can be found under UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy, UC Anti-Discrimination Policy, and Abusive Conduct in the Workplace.