ICU Registered Nurse Jobs in California
ICU 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 cardiothoracic and neurocritical care units, with openings from new-graduate residents through experienced charge nurses. The heaviest hiring is in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where systems like Cedars-Sinai, UCSF Health, and Kaiser Permanente maintain large critical care departments. The most in-demand specialties are cardiac ICU, neuro ICU, and medical-surgical intensive care. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Responsibilities:
1. Current and valid state RN License.
2. Current BLS certificate upon hire and maintain current.
3. Completion of Critical Care Course preferred.
4. Basic Arrythmia Interpretation within 30 days of hire.
5. Current ACLS certificate 30 days upon hire and maintain current.
6. Minimum of one year as a staff RN in acute care hospital, critical care preferred.
7. Critical Care RN (CCRN) Certification preferred.
8. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.
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See All 220+ ICU Registered Nurse Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find ICU Registered Nurse JobsICU Registered Nurse Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
ICU Registered Nurse Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- American Traveler26

- HiredFirst22H
- Voyage Health18V
- Kindred Hospitals12

- Talented Medical Solutions11

Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Non-Profit & Social Services
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in ICU registered nurse jobs across California.
- Active California Registered Nurse license issued by the California Board of Registered Nursing
- Current BLS and ACLS certification required by most California ICU employers
- Minimum one to two years of recent acute care or intensive care experience preferred
- CCRN certification valued and often required for senior ICU positions in California
- Proficiency with ventilator management, hemodynamic monitoring, and vasoactive drip titration
- Ability to work rotating shifts including nights and weekends in a high-acuity environment
ICU Registered Nurse Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a icu registered nurse in California?
You become an icu registered nurse in California by first earning an Associate Degree in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, passing the NCLEX-RN, and obtaining an active California RN license through the California Board of Registered Nursing. Most California ICUs require at least one year of acute care experience before hiring into the unit, so starting in a medical-surgical or step-down role is a common path into critical care.
How much do ICU registered nurses make in California?
ICU 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 icu registered nurses in California?
Employers hiring icu registered nurses in California right now include American Traveler, HiredFirst, and Voyage Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's large integrated health systems and county hospital networks maintain consistent ICU staffing needs throughout the year, particularly in high-volume trauma and academic medical centers.
Which California cities have the most icu registered nurse jobs?
San Diego, Los Angeles, and Bakersfield have the most icu registered nurse openings in California. Los Angeles drives the largest share due to its density of Level I trauma centers and academic hospitals, while San Francisco and San Diego benefit from major university health systems and established regional medical centers that maintain large, specialized critical care departments.
Are there remote icu registered nurse jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. About 0% of icu registered nurse openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting that bedside critical care is an inherently hands-on role requiring in-person patient management. The portions most likely to be remote are tele-ICU monitoring and case management roles that support but don't replace bedside nursing.
How can I get hired as a icu registered nurse in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic path is applying to a new-graduate nursing residency program, which California hospital systems including Cedars-Sinai, Kaiser Permanente, and UCSF Health run specifically to place new RNs into critical care tracks with structured mentorship. Starting in a medical-surgical, progressive care, or step-down unit is also a well-established lateral route into the ICU. Holding a California RN license and completing ACLS certification before applying gives candidates a clear edge.
Where can I find and apply to icu registered nurse jobs in California?
You can find and apply to icu registered nurse jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across hospitals, health systems, and specialty care facilities. Find roles that fit your experience and location and apply directly.
See All 220+ ICU Registered Nurse Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find ICU Registered Nurse Jobs