JobForProf
UCSD

(RN) Registered Nurse Per Diem - Surgical PCU

The University of California, San Diego

HC 11 PCUPosted June 26, 2026Job ID: 140261

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 Surgical PCU at UC San Diego Health's Hillcrest Medical Center is at the forefront of high-quality patient care and service. It is a unique unit that advocates for patient safety and satisfaction through transformational leadership, innovation, and empowerment of the professional nurse. 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 or BART and ACLS certifications at time of hire with commitment to get UCSD ART within six (6) months of hire date. Must have a minimum of two (2) year of recent acute care RN experience at the PCU, IMU, or step-down level of care or higher acuity. Demonstrates a solid understanding of nursing-sensitive indicators relevant to Progressive Care and integrates these measures into daily practice to promote quality and safety outcomes. Demonstrates critical thinking and clinical skills to identify and implement nursing interventions and evaluate results for complex, evolving patient conditions within a PCU setting. Ability to critically handle unexpected challenges and create solutions with a patient-centered approach. 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. Must have excellent skills to communicate and influence effectively with all disciplines of staff, including technologists, physicians, advanced practice providers, and patients, both verbally and in writing.