JobForProf
UCSD

(RN) Registered Nurse - La Jolla Rapid Recovery

The University of California, San Diego

LA JOLLA RAPID RECOVERYPosted May 30, 2026Job ID: 139890

About this position

Position Description

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. The Rapid Recovery Unit (RRU) on the 2nd floor of Jacobs Medical Center is a dynamic 14-bed Post-Surgical Care Unit, providing a range of care levels from Med-Surg to ICU. We specialize in the post-operative care of patients undergoing advanced surgical procedures, including but not limited to: oncology surgeries, vascular and plastic surgeries, urology procedures, and more. Our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional care across a spectrum of patient needs, ensuring optimal recovery in a supportive, high-acuity environment. The Registered Nurse provides skilled nursing care to patients undergoing surgical procedures. Primarily working out of Jacobs Medical Center, the Clinical Nurse II may need to float to PreOp/PACU at both La Jolla and Hillcrest campuses. La Jolla and Hillcrest perform surgical services in Neurology, Orthopedics, Urology, Plastics, general, Oncology, Head and Neck, Vascular and Open Heart, Gynecology, additional services at Hillcrest include trauma and burn surgeries. Additionally, the Clinical Nurse II may need to float to Shiley Eye Center, Koman Outpatient Pavilion pre-op/PACU and La Jolla Procedural Treatment Unit. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in critical care, with experience in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), or both. As part of our dedicated team, you will play a pivotal role in providing exceptional care to patients recovering from complex surgeries, ensuring their safety and comfort during the immediate post-operative period and beyond. 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.

Qualifications

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 get ART within six (6) months of hire date. Current PALS, or must be obtained during 1st year of employment. Must have at least two (2) years of current acute care PACU, ICU, PICU, NICU or ER RN experience. Demonstrated strong competency in the care and management of post-surgical patients. Demonstrated ability to manage time and competing priorities in a fast-paced acute care environment while maintaining patient safety. Demonstrated strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with surgeons, interdisciplinary team members, and patients. Demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify issues in the perioperative care process and implement effective solutions. Must be able to function in a fast-paced environment, have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and consistently demonstrate empathy and kindness to all staff and patients.