(RN) Registered Nurse - Neuro ICU - 141840

University of California - San Diego Medical Centers; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 138,000 - 194,000; Full time

Job summary

UC San Diego Health is seeking a registered nurse for the Neuroscience ICU at JMC 3F in San Diego. This Magnet-designated hospital delivers advanced stroke care, aneurysm, tumor, and spine procedures.

The role emphasizes autonomous nursing practice, critical thinking, and collaboration with physicians and staff in a fast-paced ICU. California RN license and BLS/ACLS are required or to be obtained within six months.

Qualifications

• Graduate from an accredited school of Nursing.
• RN license issued by the State of California.
• BART or BLS and ACLS certifications at time of hire with commitment to UCSD ART within six (6) months of hire date.
• Minimum one (1) year of recent inpatient, acute care adult ICU RN experience.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills to manage multiple levels of information and responsibilities, and to quickly assess moderately-complex problems to develop potential solutions.
• Must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and consistently demonstrate empathy and kindness to all staff and patients.
• Demonstrates critical thinking and clinical skills to identify and implement nursing interventions and evaluate results.
• Must be able to communicate and influence effectively with all levels of staff, physicians, patients and external constituents.

Responsibilities

• Provide autonomous nursing care consistent with ANA Standards of Practice.
• Assess patient needs and implement nursing interventions.
• Communicate effectively with staff, physicians, patients, and external constituents.
• Function in a fast-paced neuroscience ICU environment.

Skills

Critical thinking

Communication skills

Empathy and kindness

Education

RN nursing degree

Tools

BART

BLS

ACLS

UCSD ART

NIH Stroke Scale

CCR N

SCRN

CNRN

PCCN

Job description

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 10/15/2026 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 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.

JMC 3F is a 12 bed Neuroscience ICU specializing in Advanced Neurosurgical Procedures, comprehensive Stroke care, Aneurysm, tumor and complex orthopedic and Neurosurgical spine procedures.

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.

• BART or BLS and ACLS certifications at time of hire with commitment to get UCSD ART within six (6) months of hire date.

• Minimum one (1) year of recent inpatient, acute care adult ICU RN experience.

• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills to manage multiple levels of information and responsibilities, and to quickly assess moderately-complex problems to develop potential solutions.

• Must be able to function in a fast-paced environment, have excellent interpersonal andcommunication skills, and consistently demonstrate empathy and kindness to all staff and patients.

• Demonstrates critical thinking and clinical skills to identify and implement nursing interventions andevaluate results.

• Must have excellent skills to communicate and influence effectively with all levels of staff,physicians, patients and external constituents, both verbally and in writing.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• BSN.
• One (1+) or more years of RN experience in Neuro ICU (Neuro Surgery, Neuro Oncology, Stroke).
• Prior experience with stroke patients and/or working with the NIH Stroke Scale.
• Completion of stroke training.
• CCRN, SCRN, CNRN, NIH or PCCN Certifications.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• 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.
• Selected candidate may be hired at the CNIII level pending review and approval by the Nurse Executive Council.

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).