Registered Nurse (RN) - Cardio Thoracic Intensive Care Unit (CTICU), San Diego, CA

San Diego, California

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Job ID: R-342146
Date posted: 09/22/2026

Work Location

San Diego, California

Work Shift

Variable – 08hrs (United States of America)

Why CHOC?

At CHOC, we strive to be the leading destination of children’s health by providing exceptional and innovative care. We are responsible for the overall health of our community’s pediatric population in our hospitals, clinics, and practices. And because of our breadth of care, your career at CHOC can be as diverse and fulfilling as you determine. CHOC’s compensation structure, benefits offerings, and career development programs are geared to helping you achieve your professional and personal goals. Apply now to see where your career at CHOC can take you.

Job Summary

Functions at the Standard Level of nursing practice. Responsible for independently applying the nursing process through the assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation, and documentation of pediatric patient care. Selects and administers the appropriate care, taking into consideration the age, developmental level, and size of the patient. Provides a caring relationship that facilitates health and healing. Should be able to identify own limitations and seek resources as needed.

Pay Range

Minimum $58.40 Midpoint $73.00 Maximum $91.25

Rate of pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to knowledge, skills, competencies, experience, education, as well as position requirements.

Note: Sign on and Relocation bonus available for eligible external candidates.

CTICU (Cardio Thoracic Intensive Care Unit). Very few heart centers around the world offer dedicated pediatric intensive care services and our program is unmatched in the region which stretches across the Pacific Rim to the U.S. southwest. Our 30-bed unit, situated in space solely devoted to cardiac care, provides all levels of inpatient care for congenital or acquired heart disease and can flex to 37 beds when needed. Patients remain in the CTICU from admission to discharge, providing continuity and stream-lined care. Our work stations are within steps of the patient rooms offering reassurance and comfort to both patients and families of being in visual contact with members of the healthcare team. Advanced care modalities include extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and a heart transplantation program that is thriving and demonstrates excellent outcomes.

We offer an extensive training program for nurses with adult critical care experience or pediatric medical/surgical experience wishing to transition into the CTICU. For the first year, you will be working a rotating schedule consisting of 2 months on the day shift, followed by 2 months on the night shift. After your first year, you will transition to fulltime night shifts. The shifts are 12 hour shifts.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Clinical Nurse II collaborates with physicians and multidisciplinary team members. Responsible for independently applying the nursing process through the assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation and documentation of pediatric patient care. Resolves patient problems and needs by applying multidisciplinary team strategies. Selects and coordinates the appropriate care, taking into consideration the age, developmental level and size of the patient. Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols, medication administration, storage procedures and controlled substance regulations. Should be able to identify own limitations and seek resources as needed. Maintains a collaborative relationship among health care teams by communicating information and participating in team problem-solving methods.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Associate's Degree in Nursing

One year of experience

Current California RN license

Current BLS for Healthcare Providers, issued by AHA

PALS (AHA) - within 3 months of hire

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's Degree in Nursing

Three years of experience

Professional nursing certification

Bilingual Spanish

Pediatric nursing experience in a comparable, high-acuity department

The current salary range for this position is $61.91 to $88.55

A candidate's placement in the range will be determined based on the terms and conditions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement. Rady Children's Hospital is committed to being externally competitive and internally equitable. We demonstrate this commitment by reviewing market data to remain competitive within the nonprofit, healthcare sector. This posting will remain open from the "date posted" until the hiring manager has determined there is a sufficient applicant pool or until the position is filled.

Work Environments - Functional Demand:

Physical Activity Requirements:

Physical Activity Lifting

Sensory Requirements:

Environment Requirements:

Non-Discrimination Statement:

CHOC does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, genetic information, disability, sex, gender (including pregnancy, breastfeeding, childbirth, lactation or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, medical condition, sexual orientation, veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or other protected characteristics in accordance with state and federal laws.

We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply for positions at CHOC, even if your experience doesn’t align perfectly with the listed qualifications for a particular role, as your unique experience may be a great addition to our culture for another one of our opportunities.

If you desire support or accommodations throughout the Talent Acquisition process, please inform your Talent Acquisition Partner.

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