Nurse Manager Jobs in California
Nurse manager jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in hospital systems, integrated health networks, and large academic medical centers, with openings at every level from first-time managers stepping up from staff nursing through senior nurse executives overseeing multiple units. The biggest hiring activity is in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where systems like Kaiser Permanente, Dignity Health, and UCLA Health have a deep and lasting presence. Med-surg, ICU, and emergency departments generate the most consistent demand for nurse managers statewide. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 270+ Nurse Manager jobs
Driven by our commitment to health care as a human right, SCCH is a leading non-profit provider offering comprehensive health services to our patients, regardless of their ability to pay. We have been recognized in the community as a leader in delivering high-quality, innovative care, and we are active in local, state, and national advocacy work that empowers our patients and community to be healthy, happy, and successful.
SCCH has a diverse patient population and an engaging and friendly work environment. Our caring and committed staff works as a team to fulfill our mission so that all our patients have access to quality, whole-person health care.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Enhanced Case Management (ECM) Nurse is a vital member of Santa Cruz Community Health’s integrated delivery model that takes a whole-person, team-based approach to serving patients. Case Manager Nurse’s undertake a collaborative process of assessment, treatment-planning, facilitation, care coordination, evaluation, and advocacy for options and services to meet an individual’s and family’s comprehensive health needs.
Reports to: Director of BH Programs and/or Case Management Supervisor
Classification: Full-Time, Salary, Exempt
Hours: Varies, Monday-Friday; (one evening shift)
Location: Hybrid; On site, In Community, and Remote
Pay Range: $79,040 - $98,072 per year, DOE; Plus $1.50/hr Spanish Bilingual Differential
Language Requirements: Bilingual in English & Spanish Required
BENEFITS:
We offer a remarkable benefits package designed to support your well-being and work-life balance! Enjoy competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits suite for those working 20+ hours per week, including employer-subsidized health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans, plus optional pet insurance and supplemental coverage; coverage kicks in the first of the month after 30 days of employment. From day one, you'll accrue paid time off, have paid holidays, and a 2% automatic 401K enrollment with a 2% company match. You'll also benefit from access to a wellness reimbursement program, a telecommuting stipend when applicable, Plus, we cover license and certification fees. Celebrate with us at monthly staff events and bi-annual company-wide celebrations and take advantage of ongoing training opportunities.
QUALIFICATIONS
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- LVN from an accredited school or another nursing degree (such as RN)
- Experience in case management
- Excellent communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a primary care setting
- Ability to complete all documentation in accordance with organizational requirements
- Strong Computer Literacy in Microsoft Office and Excel
- Reliable transportation and ability to travel within a 50-mile radius for meetings, trainings and patient appointments (mileage reimbursement is provided – your own vehicle)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Case management/patient navigation experience within a community-based health center
- Bilingual in English/Spanish Required
- Knowledge of evidence-based practices including: Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction and Trauma-Informed Care
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with quickly shifting priorities
- Experience with Electronic Health Records
CORE JOB RESPONSIBILITES:
Essential functions include but are not limited to:
- Supports the entire Enhanced Case Management (ECM) team with the varied complex medical needs of our ECM patient population.
- In concert with patients’ Care Teams, especially with the Care Team RNs, and in keeping with established post-hospital discharge policies and procedures, follows up with all patients open to CM who have recently been hospitalized. Collaborate with hospital and skilled nursing facility staff on discharge planning. Advocates for in-home services such as visiting nurses, physical therapy, etc.
- Manages a small panel of assigned patients who have complex medical needs and meet criteria for ECM services. Please see below for a description of patient populations served. These are subject to change as rules and regulations change.
- Helps Central California Alliance for Health (CCAH) members with complex needs get assistance by coordinating and helping to manage their care for a designated period of time.
- Pulls outside records, checks the health information exchange (HIE), provides updates to medical care team/PCP in alignment with post-hospital discharge and medical records policies and procedures.
- Acts as the primary point of contact for other medical specialists who are involved in the ECM patient’s care.
- May attend specialist and medical appointments as needed.
- Utilizes screening tools and evidence-based practices to support patient-centered care and mutual goal development and communicates findings to the appropriate licensed Care Team member.
- Collaborates with Care Team members to co-design and implement care plans that improve the patient experience, improve health outcomes, and reduce barriers to care. Provides relevant input into care plans for other ECM patients who may not be assigned to the ECM Nurse.
- Provides risk assessment and crisis intervention services as needed and communicates findings to the appropriate licensed Care Team member.
- Consults and collaborates with members of the patient’s care team on developing shared treatment plans, goals, and interventions.
- Consults and coordinates with community systems to facilitate linkage, manage referrals and advocate for patient needs, with a focus on supporting identified treatment goals.
- Maintains patient and program documentation according to HIPAA and SCCH standards and regulations.
- Utilizes Health Information Technology such as Serving Communities Health Information Organization (SCHIO), the CCAH portal, and Unite Us to better serve patients and improve communication with outside agencies.
- Uses critical thinking and common sense to analyze situations, make timely and valid decisions, and take appropriate actions. Must be prepared to adapt to rapidly shifting priorities with grace.
- Expands the interdisciplinary team to include patients, their identified support system, health care providers and community-based professionals with whom the client interacts (e.g. nurses, substance use counselors, behavioral health providers, pharmacy, etc.)
- Works within scope of practice and maintains a high level of ethical standards regarding confidentiality, dual-relationships and professional stature.
- Practices cultural humility in working with diverse patient populations.
- Attends community meetings as assigned and represents the organization professionally and capably.
The ECM Nurse will provide support to all our identified case management populations (subject to change):
- Adults over 18 and youth, patients with multiple chronic health conditions, behavioral health diagnoses, barriers to care, limited access to resources, unstable housing and other complex factors.
- Children and youth with a California Children’s Services (CCS) diagnosis; children and youth with Child Welfare (CWS) involvement; children and youth with housing instability
- Adults, children and youth with substance use disorder either active or in recovery, motivation toward treatment.
- Adults and youth in their perinatal period or pregnancy who meet other ECM criteria (e.g. housing instability, substance use disorder, etc.)
COMPETENCIES:
Customer Service
- Provides patient-centered customer service at all times
- Demonstrates the ability to anticipate patients' needs and deliver services and respond to patients in a timely, accurate, courteous, respectful and friendly manner
- Demonstrates ownership, initiative, attention to detail, and follow-through
- Approaches problem-solving by focusing on patients first
- Advocates for care that best serves the patient
- Addresses customer complaints/problems in a timely manner
Communication Skills
- Oral and written communication is clear, concise, accurate, positive and respectful
- Demonstrates comprehension of oral and written questions, instructions, and information rapidly, thoroughly, and accurately
- Response to oral and written questions, instructions, and information is timely and appropriate
- Written communication is well-organized, legible, concise, neat, and in proper grammatical form
- Checks work related email and mailbox on a daily basis
Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills
- Dealings with others are characterized by fairness, courtesy, diplomacy, honesty, firmness, empathy and confidence
- Effective in offering support and assistance to others, in obtaining information from others, and in supplying information to others
- Demonstrates a positive attitude, flexibility and ability to develop effective relationships by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills
Judgment and Problem Solving
- Uses critical thinking and common sense to analyze situations, make timely and valid decisions, and take appropriate actions
- Demonstrates good judgment in making decisions
- Resolves issues independently and only seeks assistance as needed
Reliability
- Completes assigned duties & responsibilities in an accurate, timely and efficient manner
- Arrives to work on time and maintains consistent attendance
- Follow instructions and appropriate attendance
- Maintains patients confidentiality as required by HIPAA
SANTA CRUZ COMMUNITY HEALTH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER (W/M/V/S)
Driven by our commitment to health care as a human right, SCCH is a leading non-profit provider offering comprehensive health services to our patients, regardless of their ability to pay. We have been recognized in the community as a leader in delivering high-quality, innovative care, and we are active in local, state, and national advocacy work that empowers our patients and community to be healthy, happy, and successful.
SCCH has a diverse patient population and an engaging and friendly work environment. Our caring and committed staff works as a team to fulfill our mission so that all our patients have access to quality, whole-person health care.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Enhanced Case Management (ECM) Nurse is a vital member of Santa Cruz Community Health’s integrated delivery model that takes a whole-person, team-based approach to serving patients. Case Manager Nurse’s undertake a collaborative process of assessment, treatment-planning, facilitation, care coordination, evaluation, and advocacy for options and services to meet an individual’s and family’s comprehensive health needs.
Reports to: Director of BH Programs and/or Case Management Supervisor
Classification: Full-Time, Salary, Exempt
Hours: Varies, Monday-Friday; (one evening shift)
Location: Hybrid; On site, In Community, and Remote
Pay Range: $79,040 - $98,072 per year, DOE; Plus $1.50/hr Spanish Bilingual Differential
Language Requirements: Bilingual in English & Spanish Required
BENEFITS:
We offer a remarkable benefits package designed to support your well-being and work-life balance! Enjoy competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits suite for those working 20+ hours per week, including employer-subsidized health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans, plus optional pet insurance and supplemental coverage; coverage kicks in the first of the month after 30 days of employment. From day one, you'll accrue paid time off, have paid holidays, and a 2% automatic 401K enrollment with a 2% company match. You'll also benefit from access to a wellness reimbursement program, a telecommuting stipend when applicable, Plus, we cover license and certification fees. Celebrate with us at monthly staff events and bi-annual company-wide celebrations and take advantage of ongoing training opportunities.
QUALIFICATIONS
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- LVN from an accredited school or another nursing degree (such as RN)
- Experience in case management
- Excellent communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a primary care setting
- Ability to complete all documentation in accordance with organizational requirements
- Strong Computer Literacy in Microsoft Office and Excel
- Reliable transportation and ability to travel within a 50-mile radius for meetings, trainings and patient appointments (mileage reimbursement is provided – your own vehicle)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Case management/patient navigation experience within a community-based health center
- Bilingual in English/Spanish Required
- Knowledge of evidence-based practices including: Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction and Trauma-Informed Care
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with quickly shifting priorities
- Experience with Electronic Health Records
CORE JOB RESPONSIBILITES:
Essential functions include but are not limited to:
- Supports the entire Enhanced Case Management (ECM) team with the varied complex medical needs of our ECM patient population.
- In concert with patients’ Care Teams, especially with the Care Team RNs, and in keeping with established post-hospital discharge policies and procedures, follows up with all patients open to CM who have recently been hospitalized. Collaborate with hospital and skilled nursing facility staff on discharge planning. Advocates for in-home services such as visiting nurses, physical therapy, etc.
- Manages a small panel of assigned patients who have complex medical needs and meet criteria for ECM services. Please see below for a description of patient populations served. These are subject to change as rules and regulations change.
- Helps Central California Alliance for Health (CCAH) members with complex needs get assistance by coordinating and helping to manage their care for a designated period of time.
- Pulls outside records, checks the health information exchange (HIE), provides updates to medical care team/PCP in alignment with post-hospital discharge and medical records policies and procedures.
- Acts as the primary point of contact for other medical specialists who are involved in the ECM patient’s care.
- May attend specialist and medical appointments as needed.
- Utilizes screening tools and evidence-based practices to support patient-centered care and mutual goal development and communicates findings to the appropriate licensed Care Team member.
- Collaborates with Care Team members to co-design and implement care plans that improve the patient experience, improve health outcomes, and reduce barriers to care. Provides relevant input into care plans for other ECM patients who may not be assigned to the ECM Nurse.
- Provides risk assessment and crisis intervention services as needed and communicates findings to the appropriate licensed Care Team member.
- Consults and collaborates with members of the patient’s care team on developing shared treatment plans, goals, and interventions.
- Consults and coordinates with community systems to facilitate linkage, manage referrals and advocate for patient needs, with a focus on supporting identified treatment goals.
- Maintains patient and program documentation according to HIPAA and SCCH standards and regulations.
- Utilizes Health Information Technology such as Serving Communities Health Information Organization (SCHIO), the CCAH portal, and Unite Us to better serve patients and improve communication with outside agencies.
- Uses critical thinking and common sense to analyze situations, make timely and valid decisions, and take appropriate actions. Must be prepared to adapt to rapidly shifting priorities with grace.
- Expands the interdisciplinary team to include patients, their identified support system, health care providers and community-based professionals with whom the client interacts (e.g. nurses, substance use counselors, behavioral health providers, pharmacy, etc.)
- Works within scope of practice and maintains a high level of ethical standards regarding confidentiality, dual-relationships and professional stature.
- Practices cultural humility in working with diverse patient populations.
- Attends community meetings as assigned and represents the organization professionally and capably.
The ECM Nurse will provide support to all our identified case management populations (subject to change):
- Adults over 18 and youth, patients with multiple chronic health conditions, behavioral health diagnoses, barriers to care, limited access to resources, unstable housing and other complex factors.
- Children and youth with a California Children’s Services (CCS) diagnosis; children and youth with Child Welfare (CWS) involvement; children and youth with housing instability
- Adults, children and youth with substance use disorder either active or in recovery, motivation toward treatment.
- Adults and youth in their perinatal period or pregnancy who meet other ECM criteria (e.g. housing instability, substance use disorder, etc.)
COMPETENCIES:
Customer Service
- Provides patient-centered customer service at all times
- Demonstrates the ability to anticipate patients' needs and deliver services and respond to patients in a timely, accurate, courteous, respectful and friendly manner
- Demonstrates ownership, initiative, attention to detail, and follow-through
- Approaches problem-solving by focusing on patients first
- Advocates for care that best serves the patient
- Addresses customer complaints/problems in a timely manner
Communication Skills
- Oral and written communication is clear, concise, accurate, positive and respectful
- Demonstrates comprehension of oral and written questions, instructions, and information rapidly, thoroughly, and accurately
- Response to oral and written questions, instructions, and information is timely and appropriate
- Written communication is well-organized, legible, concise, neat, and in proper grammatical form
- Checks work related email and mailbox on a daily basis
Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills
- Dealings with others are characterized by fairness, courtesy, diplomacy, honesty, firmness, empathy and confidence
- Effective in offering support and assistance to others, in obtaining information from others, and in supplying information to others
- Demonstrates a positive attitude, flexibility and ability to develop effective relationships by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills
Judgment and Problem Solving
- Uses critical thinking and common sense to analyze situations, make timely and valid decisions, and take appropriate actions
- Demonstrates good judgment in making decisions
- Resolves issues independently and only seeks assistance as needed
Reliability
- Completes assigned duties & responsibilities in an accurate, timely and efficient manner
- Arrives to work on time and maintains consistent attendance
- Follow instructions and appropriate attendance
- Maintains patients confidentiality as required by HIPAA
SANTA CRUZ COMMUNITY HEALTH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER (W/M/V/S)
See All 270+ Nurse Manager Jobs in California
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Find Nurse Manager JobsNurse Manager Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Nurse Manager Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Kaiser Permanente31
- Sutter Health23
- Providence10
- 21st Century Home Health Services10
- CommonSpirit Health9
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services41
- Technology & Software4
- Non-Profit & Social Services4
- Education2
- Insurance1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in nurse manager jobs across California.
- Active Registered Nurse license issued or recognized by the California Board of Registered Nursing
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing required, Master of Science in Nursing preferred by most systems
- Prior clinical experience in the specialty area the unit serves, such as ICU or med-surg
- Demonstrated experience leading or precepting nursing staff in a hospital or clinical setting
- Current BLS certification and unit-specific credentials such as ACLS or PALS where applicable
- Familiarity with California nurse-to-patient staffing ratios and related compliance requirements
Nurse Manager Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a nurse manager in California?
To become a nurse manager in California, you need an active Registered Nurse license issued by the California Board of Registered Nursing, which requires passing the NCLEX-RN. Most California health systems also require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at minimum, with a Master of Science in Nursing increasingly preferred for manager-level roles. Beyond licensure, employers look for clinical experience in the relevant unit and some supervisory or charge nurse experience before moving into a formal management position.
Which companies hire nurse managers in California?
Employers hiring nurse managers in California right now include Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Health, and Providence, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's size and density of major integrated health systems, academic medical centers, and county hospital networks means nurse manager openings are distributed across a wide range of institutional employers throughout the state.
Which California cities have the most nurse manager jobs?
Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego have the most nurse manager openings in California. Los Angeles dominates by volume because of its concentration of large hospital systems, county facilities, and academic medical centers, while San Francisco and San Diego draw consistent demand from major integrated networks and research-affiliated hospitals that maintain nurse manager pipelines year-round.
Are there remote nurse manager jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. About 44% of nurse manager openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting that most nurse manager work is tied to direct unit oversight, staff supervision, and on-floor clinical accountability. The portions of the role most suited to remote work are administrative tasks such as scheduling, reporting, and policy review, which some employers accommodate through hybrid arrangements.
How can I get hired as a nurse manager in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic path is moving into a charge nurse or assistant nurse manager role first, which large California systems like Kaiser Permanente, Dignity Health, and UCSF Health use as a formal pipeline into management. Many California academic medical centers and county hospital systems also run nurse leadership development programs designed for experienced staff nurses ready to step up. Building your case with a completed Bachelor of Science in Nursing, California BRN licensure in good standing, and documented charge or preceptor experience will give you a measurable edge in competitive markets like Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Where can I find and apply to nurse manager jobs in California?
You can find and apply to nurse manager jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search the listings to find roles that match your specialty, experience level, and preferred location, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 270+ Nurse Manager Jobs in California
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