Registered nurse (rn) - general medicine / progressive care unit

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.

About Duke University Hospital

Pursue your passion for caring with Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, which is consistently ranked among the best in the United States. The largest of the four Duke Health hospitals with 1062 patient beds, it features comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.

Duke Nursing Highlights:

• Duke University Health System is designated as a Magnet organization
• Nurses from each hospital are consistently recognized each year as North Carolina's Great 100 Nurses.
• Duke University Health System was awarded the American Board of Nursing Specialties Award for Nursing Certification Advocacy for being strong advocates of specialty nursing certification.
• Duke University Health System has 6000 + registered nurses
• Quality of Life: Living in the Triangle!
• Relocation Assistance (based on eligibility)

General Medicine Stepdown/PCU - 8E - Duke University Hospital

December 2026 New Graduate RNs

• *Relocation eligible for RNs located greater than 50 miles from Durham, NC
• *Up to $25,000 nursing loan forgiveness towards first nursing degree

Unit Profile:

The General Medicine Stepdown/PCU 8 East comprises 24 beds, 9 of which are in the Pulmonary Care Unit. Our patient population includes COVID/Respiratory with continuous Bipap and Optiflow, Trauma, Transplant, Neuro, Cardiac, OB, and Oncology, GIP Hospice team. Wound Care, Med-Psych, GI. This unit sees a diverse patient population, including COVID and respiratory cases requiring continuous BiPAP and Optiflow, trauma, transplants, neuro, cardiac, OB, oncology, and even GIP hospice care.

Shift:

Rotating shift for 3-6 months then day or night shift, 3/12 hour shifts

Responsibilities

As a Registered Nurse on our Cardiothoracic Stepdown Unit, you will:

• Provide and document professional nursing care using the nursing process
• Collaborate with physicians and multidisciplinary teams
• Delegate tasks and supervise licensed and unlicensed care providers
• Assist in maintaining a safe, clean, and resource‑ready environment
• Participate in ongoing professional development and competency training
• Teach patients and families in alignment with the care plan
• Support performance improvement initiatives and unit‑based projects
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support excellent patient care

Required Qualifications

Education

Graduation from an accredited Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Nursing Diploma program. RNs without a BSN are encouraged to enroll in a BSN program within 2 years; completion required within 7 years of start date.

Experience

No prior nursing experience required—new graduates encouraged to apply! All Clinical Nurse I (CNI) hires must complete the DUHS Nurse Residency Program within 12 months. Eligibility for promotion to CNII within 18 months based on residency program criteria.

Licensure & Certifications

Current RN licensure in North Carolina or compact state license (NC licensure required within 60 days of start date). BLS certification (may be renewed during orientation).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of the nursing process and professional nursing practices
• Ability to assess and meet the needs of acute and chronically ill patients
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to remain organized, focused, and adaptable in a high-acuity environment
• Competency with computer systems and electronic documentation
• Ability to meet physical requirements, including prolonged standing and walking
• Working knowledge of infection control, safety protocols, and regulatory standards
• Joint Commission compliance familiarity
• Pre‑employment Physical Capacity Testing required

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status. Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.