Registered Nurse (RN) - Critical Care (PICU), San Diego, CA

San Diego, California

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Job ID: R-342176
Date posted: 09/22/2026

Work Location

San Diego, California

Work Shift

Night – 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.

Who we are:

• Our 24 bed PICU receives the highest acuity patients from San Diego, Southern Riverside and Imperial counties.

• Our nurses collaborate with a team of physicians, nurse practitioners, respiratory therapists, social work, child life, and pharmacists to provide excellent care to our patients.

• Diagnoses we care for include, but are not limited to: complex medical conditions (respiratory failure, sepsis, and multisystem organ dysfunction), pre and post-operative conditions, multiple trauma, and children needing acute management of chronic illnesses.

• Our PICU has received the Gold level Beacon Award of Excellence in 2019. Only three PICUs in California and 12 across the United States earned gold-level accolades. The three-year award acknowledges "caregivers in stellar units whose consistent and systematic approach to evidence-based care optimizes patient outcomes."

• Rady Children's Hospital is ranked in all 10 specialties surveyed by the U.S. News & World Report in its Best Children's Hospitals ranking for 2020-20121.

• Rady Children's Hospital is a Magnet designated teaching facility.

• The region's only designated Level 1 pediatric trauma center.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) seeks motivated individuals with a passion for caring for critically ill children and their families. As a PICU nurse you will experience a compassionate, fast-paced environment, where you can grow your career and learn something new every day. The PICU nurse is responsible for independently applying the nursing process through assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation, and documentation of care based on patient specific age and/or developmental needs. The ideal candidates demonstrate critical thinking, ability to adapt in a rapidly changing patient population, and exceptional communication with patients, families, and colleagues from all disciplines.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Associate's Degree in Nursing

1 year of experience

Current California RN License

BLS for Healthcare Providers, issued by AHA

Active American Heart Association PALS certification - within 3 months of hire

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's Degree in Nursing

3 years of experience

2 years of recent nursing experience in a PICU

Critical Care Registered Nurse Certification (CCRN)

Bilingual

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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