Intro
Discover the top 10 high-paying registered nurse jobs in San Diego, with salaries ranging from $120,000 to over $200,000. From pediatrics to gerontology, explore the most lucrative RN careers in San Diegos top hospitals and healthcare facilities, and learn how to advance your nursing career in this thriving city.
San Diego, known for its beautiful beaches and pleasant weather, is also home to numerous top-notch medical facilities and hospitals, making it an excellent location for registered nurses (RNs) to pursue their careers. With a high demand for skilled nurses and a wide range of specializations to choose from, RNs in San Diego can enjoy competitive salaries and benefits. Here are 10 high-paying registered nurse jobs in San Diego, along with their average salaries and job descriptions.
1. Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) Nurse
PICU nurses care for critically ill infants, children, and adolescents in pediatric intensive care units. They require specialized training and expertise to handle the unique needs of young patients.
Average salary: $120,000 - $140,000 per year
Responsibilities:
- Assess and manage the care of critically ill pediatric patients
- Develop and implement individualized care plans
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care
- Provide education and support to families
2. Operating Room (OR) Nurse
OR nurses work in surgical settings, preparing patients for surgery, maintaining a sterile environment, and assisting surgeons during procedures.
Average salary: $110,000 - $130,000 per year
Responsibilities:
- Prepare patients for surgery and maintain a safe environment
- Assist surgeons and anesthesiologists during procedures
- Monitor patients' vital signs and respond to emergencies
- Develop and implement care plans for post-operative patients
3. Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Nurse
NICU nurses care for newborns who are critically ill or premature, requiring specialized training and expertise to handle the unique needs of these patients.
Average salary: $115,000 - $135,000 per year
Responsibilities:
- Assess and manage the care of critically ill newborns
- Develop and implement individualized care plans
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care
- Provide education and support to families
4. Informatics Nurse
Informatics nurses design, implement, and evaluate healthcare information systems, ensuring that technology supports high-quality patient care.
Average salary: $105,000 - $125,000 per year
Responsibilities:
- Analyze healthcare data to inform system design and improvement
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement healthcare information systems
- Evaluate system effectiveness and identify areas for improvement
- Provide education and support to healthcare staff on system use
5. Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Nurse
Cardiac catheterization laboratory nurses care for patients undergoing cardiac procedures, such as angiograms and stent placements.
Average salary: $100,000 - $120,000 per year
Responsibilities:
- Prepare patients for cardiac procedures
- Assist cardiologists and radiologists during procedures
- Monitor patients' vital signs and respond to emergencies
- Develop and implement care plans for post-procedure patients
6. Orthopedic Nurse
Orthopedic nurses care for patients with musculoskeletal disorders, such as fractures, joint replacements, and osteoporosis.
Average salary: $95,000 - $115,000 per year
Responsibilities:
- Assess and manage the care of patients with musculoskeletal disorders
- Develop and implement individualized care plans
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care
- Provide education and support to patients and families
7. Labor and Delivery Nurse
Labor and delivery nurses care for pregnant women during labor, delivery, and postpartum.
Average salary: $90,000 - $110,000 per year
Responsibilities:
- Assess and manage the care of pregnant women during labor and delivery
- Develop and implement individualized care plans
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care
- Provide education and support to patients and families
8. ER Nurse
ER nurses care for patients in emergency situations, such as trauma, acute illnesses, and injuries.
Average salary: $85,000 - $105,000 per year
Responsibilities:
- Assess and manage the care of patients in emergency situations
- Develop and implement individualized care plans
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care
- Provide education and support to patients and families
9. Nurse Educator
Nurse educators teach nursing students in academic settings, preparing them for careers in nursing.
Average salary: $80,000 - $100,000 per year
Responsibilities:
- Develop and teach nursing curricula
- Evaluate student learning and progress
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive education
- Provide mentorship and support to nursing students
10. Case Management Nurse
Case management nurses coordinate patient care across healthcare settings, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive and cost-effective care.
Average salary: $75,000 - $95,000 per year
Responsibilities:
- Assess and manage the care of patients across healthcare settings
- Develop and implement individualized care plans
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care
- Provide education and support to patients and families
In conclusion, San Diego offers a range of high-paying registered nurse jobs, each with its unique responsibilities and requirements. Whether you're interested in pediatrics, surgery, or education, there's a high-paying nursing job in San Diego that's right for you.
What is the average salary for a registered nurse in San Diego?
+The average salary for a registered nurse in San Diego varies depending on the specialty and employer, but it ranges from $80,000 to over $140,000 per year.
What are the most in-demand nursing specialties in San Diego?
+The most in-demand nursing specialties in San Diego include pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) nursing, operating room (OR) nursing, and informatics nursing.
What are the requirements for becoming a registered nurse in San Diego?
+To become a registered nurse in San Diego, you must earn an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in nursing, pass the NCLEX-RN exam, and obtain a California RN license.