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RN - Trauma Stepdown - La Jolla

Scripps Health

La Jolla, California

Health system employer

$59.16/hr

About $123k–$178k/yr

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Scripps Health workplace
RNSign-on bonus

Posted Aug 29, 2026 · Last seen active Aug 30, 2026

What this means for you

The posted pay pencils out to roughly $123k–$178k a year, and there's a sign-on bonus on top. It's a day shift — the busiest hours, the fullest crew, and your evenings back. Twelve-hour shifts compress the week — three days on, four days yours.

What the listing says

Shift
Days · 12-hour
Facility
Level I trauma center · Magnet designated

About this role

Show full description
Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla has served the greater San Diego community since 1924. For more than a century, we continue to provide distinguished care, including several nationally ranked specialty programs. Scripps La Jolla was the first in San Diego to be designated a Magnet Hospital by the American Nursing Association. Scripps La Jolla shares a campus with the Barbey Family Emergency and Trauma Center, a Level I Trauma Center, and the renowned Prebys Cardiovascular Institute. We’re also home to notable specialty programs, including cancer care, heart surgery, orthopedic surgery, labor and delivery services (including a Level III neonatal intensive care unit) and a nationally designated Comprehensive Stroke Center. Registered Nurse (RN) – Full Time Schedule: 72 hours per 2-week pay period | 12-hour Day Shift Location: Scripps Memorial La Jolla This position is eligible for New Hire and Relocation Incentives up to $7K . The Stepdown Unit (also known as Trauma Stepdown) provides patients with a Care Team of medical professionals specializing in providing patient centered care. Patients and families can be rest assured that Scripps provides acute care in a hospital context offering a comprehensive range of specialties. This ensures that our expertise is there when patients need it most. Our team remains committed to professional development, dedication to their team members and best care practices and making patients feel comfortable with and informed about their treatment. Join our 21 Bed Stepdown Unit where you will provide direct patient care including assessment, planning and implementing care; and evaluating patients' progress towards expected outcomes. With primary responsibility for the patients' care, you will be amongst a team that is dedicated to creating an environment that is focused on restoring function and optimizing care, while maintaining the respect, autonomy and individuality of every patient. You will have the support of your team to ensure optimal patient care and success in your role. New Hire and Relocation Incentive eligible. Ask your Talent Advisor for details. The Following Are Not Eligible For Hiring Incentives Internal candidates Rehires that left Scripps less than 3 years ago In order to remain eligible for your retention incentive the following criteria must be met: Must remain in original hired FTE Status and Shift (if specified in offer letter) Must remain in original department/specialty Must remain in original Job Title Transfers to other locations will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may result in forfeiting remaining incentive bonus unless specifically noted in your offer letter. Required Qualifications One (1) year of recent RN experience (6 months in PCU, DOU or Stepdown) California Registered Nurse License Current American Heart Association BLS & ACLS Certification Must be able to speak, read and follow instructions in English Must be able to demonstrate positive behaviors Preferred Qualifications Bachelor's Degree in Nursing One (1) year of recent RN experience in Trauma and orthopedic care. At Scripps Health, you will experience the pride, support and respect of an organization that has been repeatedly recognized as one of the nation’s Top 100 Places to Work. You’ll be surrounded by people committed to making a difference in the lives of their patients and their teammates. So if you’re open to change, go ahead and unlock your potential. Position Pay Range: $59.16-$85.68/hour

Skills for this role

AssessmentPlanning and Implementing CareEvaluating Patient ProgressTrauma CareOrthopedic Care

Certifications

BLSACLS

Requirements

  • RN
  • California Registered Nurse License
  • recent RN experience (6 months in PCU, DOU or Stepdown)

About the employer

Scripps Health
Health system employer

Scripps Health is a nonprofit health care system based in San Diego, California, operating five hospital campuses, 30 outpatient centers and clinics, and hundreds of affiliated physician offices. Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas has served North County's coastal communities since 1978.…

3.5 Google rating
Scripps Health photo

What reviewers appreciate

  • Recognized among Fortune's Top 100 US Employers
  • Collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment including surgeons, PAs, NPs, and charge nurses
  • New Hire Retention Incentive up to $7K for eligible positions

What reviewers flag

  • Complex patient mix on units like Medical Acute 2 South may create high acuity and demanding workload
  • Night shift positions (12-hour shifts) may be required for certain roles
  • No specific salary data publicly available in provided research, making compensation transparency limited for prospective nurses
compassionatecollaborativecohesivecommunity-focusedquality-drivenmultidisciplinary

Living in La Jolla, CA

La Jolla is a coastal San Diego enclave known for rugged shorelines, tide pools, and the renowned Scripps institution complex. Nurses drawn to seaside living will find a relaxed, upscale community with quick Pacific access and marine wildlife sightings along the cliffs.

Map showing the location of La Jolla, CA
La Jolla, CA on the map · © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap· Open the live map
State price level · California
11% above the national average
State index 110.7 (100 = national)

U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis · 2024 Regional Price Parities

Browse open roles in La Jolla

On your path

Telemetry is open from year one. One of the most open front doors in acute care; ACLS and rhythm.

Worth asking

The posting doesn’t answer these. Good ones to ask a recruiter or in the interview.

  • Can you walk me through the base pay range, differentials, and sign-on bonus repayment terms?
  • What should I expect for weekend, holiday, call, and rotation?
  • What orientation, preceptor time, and ongoing unit support are included?
  • How are patient load, floating, and staffing support handled day to day?
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