RN Surgical ICU
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : San Bernardino, CA, 92404
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : 52.23-68.16 HOUR
Date Posted : 3 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
As a Clinical Nurse, you will be a central figure in our patient care team, delivering exceptional, compassionate care that truly makes a difference in our patients' lives.
Every day you will collaborate on comprehensive screenings, conduct critical risk assessments, provide vital preventative health education, and expertly coordinate care for diverse patient populations, leveraging technology to streamline processes. You'll ensure patients feel informed and at ease, patiently guiding them through instructions and addressing their concerns.
To be successful in this role, you will combine robust clinical knowledge and technological proficiency with genuine compassion, strong communication skills, and an adaptable approach to learning and patient-centered care.
- Patient Satisfaction: Is a role model for the Hospital's Patient Satisfaction effort, i.e. demonstrates AIDET principles when interacting with customers, subordinates and colleagues.
- Orients patient/family members to patient room, to include: placement of personal belongings, use of bed, call light system, and other equipment as appropriate to patient's age.
- Completes Nursing Assessment and consistently utilizes/develops initial care plan for patient by utilizing all available sources of information; patient, family, old records, etc., and develops plan of care that is specific to patient's health and age related needs. Recognizes patient's/family's capabilities and assists them to function at their optimal level. Makes appropriate adjustments for each individual, respecting their capabilities and age needs, and allowing for optimal independence.
- Demonstrates knowledge of patient population needs, utilizing knowledge of growth and development throughout the lifespan, including: Physiology and Pathology Use of generic and unit-specific protocols and procedures Use of standards/critical pathways Ability to provide direct patient care
- Consistently communicates with other team members, each assigned patient's individual and age specific needs, and documents this in the Nursing Plan of Care. Reviews Nursing Plan of Care on each assigned patient and modifies as needed, according toUnit/Hospital Policy. Consistently modifies Nursing Plan of Care as required by changing patient needs, as determined by evaluation of care administered and continuing patient assessment.
- Develops a teaching/discharge plan for individual patients; utilizes assessment data and includes the patient and family whenever possible and appropriate, and their activity is documented. Evaluates patient education with clients/family and involves other caregivers in teaching process, to ensure needed education is provided. Documentation reflects patient/family understanding, feedback, or return demonstration.
- One (1) year experience in area of specialty.
- Registered Nurse: CA, upon hire
- Basic Life Support - CPR, upon hire
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support, within 6 - months
Founded as a faith-based hospital in 1931 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, Dignity Health – St. Bernardine Medical Center is a 342-bed, acute care, nonprofit hospital located in San Bernardino, California. The hospital offers a full complement of services, including the Inland Empire Heart and Vascular Institute, an award-winning orthopedics program, surgical weight loss, and is an official Neurovascular Stroke Center, as designated by ICEMA. The hospital shares a legacy of humankindness with Dignity Health, one of the nation’s five largest health care systems. Visit here https://www.dignityhealth.org/socal/locations/stbernardinemedical for more information.
One Community. One Mission. One California
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Frequently asked questions
RN Surgical ICU roles in San Bernardino often emphasize hands-on surgical patient care alongside critical assessments, contrasting with some medical ICU positions focused more on non-surgical cases. The Inland Empire's healthcare demand means nurses here may encounter diverse surgical cases, fostering specialized skills unique to this region’s clinical environment.
Working as a Surgical ICU nurse here hones expertise in post-operative monitoring, advanced cardiac life support, and tailored patient education. The role demands agility in using clinical technology and creating individualized care plans, especially for surgical trauma patients, enhancing critical thinking and interdisciplinary communication.
While RN licensure and BLS are mandatory, securing Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) within six months is crucial. Certifications like Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) or trauma nursing credentials can further distinguish applicants, reflecting readiness to manage complex surgical ICU cases in a high-acuity, faith-based hospital setting.
Catholic Health Initiatives integrates a faith-driven approach emphasizing compassionate, patient-centered care in their Surgical ICU. Nurses here not only manage clinical complexities but also engage deeply with patients and families, aligning with the hospital’s humankindness legacy, which shapes a distinctive, supportive work culture.
Yes, the organization supports ongoing education and skill advancement, encouraging Surgical ICU nurses to pursue specialty certifications and leadership roles. Their commitment to combining clinical excellence with compassionate care provides a platform for nurses to grow professionally within a large, respected health system.
The average RN Surgical ICU salary in San Bernardino ranges from $95,000 to $115,000 annually. This reflects regional cost-of-living adjustments and specialty demand, with Catholic Health Initiatives generally offering competitive compensation aligned with Inland Empire market standards for acute care nursing roles.
San Bernardino has a growing demand for ICU nurses due to expanding healthcare services like those at St. Bernardine Medical Center. Surgical ICU positions are particularly sought after, driven by the hospital’s comprehensive surgical programs, meaning qualified candidates often face moderate competition but strong opportunities for placement.
San Bernardino’s traffic patterns and public transit options should be considered when commuting to surgical ICU positions. Nurses often benefit from proximity to the hospital or flexible shift scheduling to avoid peak congestion, which can impact work-life balance and punctuality in this busy Inland Empire locale.
A frequent misunderstanding is that Surgical ICU nursing is solely technical; however, it equally demands emotional resilience and patient-family communication skills. Another myth is that only extensive ICU experience qualifies one, but many hospitals, including Catholic Health Initiatives, support skilled nurses transitioning with focused training.
While Surgical ICU roles typically require prior ICU experience, some facilities in San Bernardino provide residency programs or mentoring for new grads showing strong clinical aptitude. Candidates with relevant certifications and a passion for critical care may find entry pathways, though competition remains high.