RN Per Diem Registered Nurse - SICU - Nights

Work Schedule

Nights, 12 hour shifts, Sunday - Saturday

NURSE PD

SICU

$86.55 / Hour

Hillcrest

Per Diem

20%

NX Contract

1

Fri 1/23/2026

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.

Our Surgical ICU at UC San Diego Medical Center serves a designated Level 1 Trauma Center, and treats 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 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 get 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, 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.
• Must have the ability to perform under pressure and handle urgent situations with accuracy and expediency and tact.

• BSN or MSN.
• CCRN certification.
• Two (2+) or more years of recent Surgical/Trauma ICU (trauma, neurosurgery, neuro critical care 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 pre‑employment physical.
• Per diem shift requirement is an average of 1 shift per week. Must be available 1 weekend shift every 4 weeks and 1 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…