Emergency Department Registered Nurse Jobs in California
Emergency Department Registered Nurse jobs in California represent one of the most active and competitive markets in the country, concentrated across Level I trauma centers, large academic medical systems, and high-volume urban hospitals, with openings from new graduate residents through senior charge and clinical lead nurses. The heaviest hiring is in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where systems like Kaiser Permanente, Dignity Health, and Cedars-Sinai maintain large emergency departments with consistent staffing needs. Trauma nursing, critical care triage, and pediatric emergency are among the most in-demand specializations. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Job Summary
The CN identifies and implements nursing interventions and evaluates results for a wide variety of patient populations, directs and acts as resource to other members of the nursing team as assigned and promotes compliance and support for policies. The primary responsibilities for this position consist of providing total, comprehensive, continuous and patient centered care which includes: assessing, documenting, planning, implementing, teaching, developing, and evaluating a comprehensive nursing plan of care; delivering direct patient care; ensuring patient satisfaction; training and delegating duties; and adhering to University policies and procedures as well as federal, state and local regulations.
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.
Provides direct patient care to a diversified patient population. Applies knowledge, experience and judgment to determine the importance of a situation, set priorities, and use abstract thought to evaluate clinical situations. Participates in patient and staff education. Demonstrates leadership skills. Demonstrates accountability for own practices as defined by the Nurse Practice Act.
Apply By Date: 6/25/2026 at 11:59 p.m. PST
Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position
- Valid California Registered Nurse License without restriction
- American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS), or UC Davis Health CPR
- American Heart Association (AHA) Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- American Heart Association (AHA) Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
- Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC)
- Graduation from an accredited school of nursing.
- Minimum one (1) year of recent Adult ED RN experience or two (2) years of recent clinical nursing experience in acute in-patient care (med/surg or telemetry) or critical care.
- Ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
- Ability to utilize medical terminology appropriately.
- Knowledge of current trends in nursing.
- Commitment to excellence in patient care.
- Effective interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrates accountability and professionalism.
- Adapts to change in a positive, professional and productive manner.
- Knowledge of legal implications in clinical practice and documentation.
- Knowledge of performance improvement and evidence-based practice.
- Basic computer skills.
- Ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care, taking into consideration protective interventions, development (behavioral and physical) and physiological characteristics specific to the patients.
Preferred Qualifications
- MICN
- Sedation class
- CEN
- CPEN
- CCRN
- TCRN
- BSN
Key Responsibilities
- 70% - Nursing Process and Practice
- 15% - Quality and Evidence-Based Practice
- 5% - Leadership
- 5% - Professional Development
- 5% - Research
Department Overview
Registered Nurses in the Emergency Department at UC Davis Medical Center provide care to adult and pediatric patients with a variety of emergent (medical surgical, critical care, emergent, perioperative) needs. Patient conditions include: acute, chronic medical/surgical, trauma, critical or behavior.
Department Specific Job Scope
Emergency Medicine provide Level 1 adult and pediatric trauma care for more than 33 of California's 58 counties. UC Davis Health System is home to state-of-the-art emergency care for children. Our Pediatric Emergency Department features the only Level 1 pediatric trauma center in inland Northern California (verified by the American College of Surgeons). From Portland to Fresno, from outside the Bay Area to Reno, no other hospital in inland Northern California has a Level 1 adult and pediatric trauma center servicing approximately 70,000 patients each year.
The Department of Emergency Medicine at UC Davis provides a dedicated team of physicians, nurses, 42 residents, and a total of 26 specialists of every medical and surgical specialty to treat critically ill and injured adults and children. Our team provides an extraordinary level of knowledge, skill and compassion to every patient we serve at our Level 1 Surgery and Emergency Services Pavilion. The Emergency Department is prepared and equipped to provide comprehensive and efficient emergency care to patients in need of medical and surgical specialty physicians to treat critical and acute illnesses and injuries 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
POSITION INFORMATION
- Salary or Pay Range: $77.41 - $104.16
- Salary Frequency: Hourly
- Salary Grade: 114
- UC Job Title: CLIN NURSE 2
- UC Job Code: 009139
- Number of Positions: 1
- Appointment Type: Staff: Career
- Percentage of Time: 90%
- Shift (Work Schedule): 6:45 p.m - 7:15 a.m (12 hour shifts, 3 shifts per week)
- Location: Surgery & Emergency Serv PAV (HSP010) – Sacramento, CA
- Union Representation: NX-Nurses
- Benefits Eligible: Yes
- This position is 100% on-site
Benefits
Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.
If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html
- High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
- UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
- Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
- Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
- Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
- Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
- Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
- WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
- On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
- Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
- Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here.
Physical Demands
- Standing - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Walking - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Bending/Stooping - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Twisting - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Environmental Demands
- Loud noise levels - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Mental Demands
- Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Complex problem solving/reasoning - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Numerical skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Constant Interaction - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
Work Environment
UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space. Works overtime as defined by the collective bargaining agreements; floats to other areas; and works weekends, holidays and call as required. References reflect an overall meets or exceeds.
Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position
This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment. This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging
At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.
As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.
To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role - or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere
To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks
See All 5 Emergency Department Registered Nurse Jobs in California
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Find JobsEmergency Department Registered Nurse Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Emergency Department Registered Nurse Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- CENTSTONE SERVICES2

- CHOC Children's1

- UC Davis Health1

- UC Irvine Health1

Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services2
- Education2
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals1
- Healthcare & Medical Services1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in emergency department registered nurse jobs across California.
- Active California Registered Nurse license issued by the California Board of Registered Nursing
- Current BLS and ACLS certification required for emergency department patient care
- One or more years of acute care or emergency department nursing experience preferred
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree or enrollment in a BSN completion program
- Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course or PALS certification often required for pediatric emergency units
- Strong triage assessment skills and experience with electronic health record systems like Epic
Emergency Department Registered Nurse Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a emergency department registered nurse in California?
You become an emergency department registered nurse in California by earning an Associate Degree in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, passing the NCLEX-RN exam, and obtaining a license from the California Board of Registered Nursing. Once licensed, most candidates pursue emergency-specific certifications such as BLS, ACLS, and the Trauma Nursing Core Course to strengthen their candidacy for ED roles at California hospitals and trauma centers.
How much do emergency department registered nurses make in California?
Emergency department registered nurses in California earn a median of about $140,270 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $101,260 for the lowest 10% to over $213,320 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire emergency department registered nurses in California?
Employers hiring emergency department registered nurses in California right now include CENTSTONE SERVICES, CHOC Children's, and UC Davis Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's large integrated health systems and county hospital networks tend to post the most consistent volume of emergency department openings across the state.
Which California cities have the most emergency department registered nurse jobs?
Fall River Mills, Los Alamitos, and Orange have the most emergency department registered nurse openings in California right now. Los Angeles drives the largest share of listings due to its density of Level I trauma centers and county health facilities, while San Francisco and San Diego anchor the Northern California and Southern California markets respectively, each home to major academic medical centers and regional hospital systems that staff large emergency departments year-round.
Are there remote emergency department registered nurse jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Emergency department nursing is hands-on bedside care by nature, so most roles require on-site presence at a hospital or urgent care facility. About 0% of emergency department registered nurse openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those tend to be in adjacent functions like triage telephone nursing, case management, or utilization review rather than direct ED floor work.
How can I get hired as a emergency department registered nurse in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic path is applying to a nurse residency or new graduate program offered by large California health systems such as Kaiser Permanente, Dignity Health, and UC Health, which run structured ED-track residencies designed specifically for newly licensed RNs. Candidates who hold an active California Board of Registered Nursing license, current BLS and ACLS certifications, and clinical hours completed in an emergency or critical care setting during nursing school are consistently prioritized. Starting in a medical-surgical or urgent care role at a California hospital is also a common bridge to an ED position.
Where can I find and apply to emergency department registered nurse jobs in California?
You can find and apply to emergency department registered nurse jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings from employers actively hiring right now. Search the available roles, find the ones that fit your experience and preferred location, and apply directly to each employer through the listing.
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