New Grad or Experienced Registered Nurse (RN) - Cardiology Stepdown 7700

Duke Careers; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Nursing loan forgiveness

Job summary

Duke University Health System - Duke University Hospital is looking for a New Grad or Experienced Registered Nurse to join the 7700 Cardiology Stepdown Unit in Durham, NC. The team delivers care for adults post-cardiothoracic procedures with a fast-paced environment.

We offer 7am-7pm or 7pm-7am rotating shifts, relocation support, and up to $25,000 nursing loan forgiveness for new hires after orientation.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited ADN or Nursing Diploma program.
• BSN encouraged within two years; complete BSN within seven years.
• Must have current RN licensure in NC or a compact state.
• BLS required, may be renewed during orientation.

Responsibilities

• Plan, provide and document professional nursing care per physician orders and policies.
• Delegate tasks and supervise licensed and unlicensed staff.
• Assist other healthcare personnel in patient care delivery.
• Maintain environment of care including equipment and materials; prioritize tasks.

Skills

Nursing assessment

Vital signs & patient monitoring

Clinical documentation

Communication

Team collaboration

Critical thinking

BLS proficiency

Education

Associate degree in Nursing or Nursing Diploma

BSN encouraged within 2 years; complete within 7 years

Job description

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New Grad or Experienced Registered Nurse (RN) - Cardiology Stepdown 7700

Work Arrangement:

Requisition Number: 274634

Regular or Temporary: Regular

Location:

Durham, NC, US, 27710

Date: Sep 8, 2026

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 Healthhospitals 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)

Clinical Nurse RN – Duke University Hospital 7700 Cardiothoracic Stepdown Unit

Duke University Health System -Duke University Hospitalseeks to hire aNew Graduate or Experienced Registered Nursewho will embrace our mission ofAdvancing Health Together.

Work Hours & Shifts:
7am-7pm/7pm-7am 3,12-hour days and nights rotating shifts
Straight shift option available after orientation for experienced nurses based on unit availability
*Relocation support is available
*Newly hired RNs are eligible for up to $25,000 in nursing loan forgiveness from their first nursing degree

Department Profile:The7700 Cardiology Stepdown UnitatDuke University Hospitalis comprised of17 beds. Cardiology Stepdown provides care for adult patients who are transitioning from the Cardiology ICU. In this role, you will care for adult patients recovering from a broad range of cardiothoracic procedures—including CABG, heart and lung transplants, valve repair/replacement, aortic and aneurysm repairs, lobectomies, VAD therapy, and other high-acuity conditions. If you’re looking for an environment that challenges your clinical skills and supports your professional growth, this is the place.The environment is fast paced where you will develop critical thinking skills while surrounded by opportunities for professional growth. Our team is active in delivering exemplary care for each patient to ensure an excellent patient experience, every time.

Duties and Responsibilities of this Level

• Plan, provide and document professional nursing care, utilizing the nursing process, in accordance with physician orders and established policies and procedures under the supervision of the team leader or charge nurse.
• Delegate tasks and supervise the activities of other licensed and unlicensed care providers.
• Assist other healthcare personnel in the delivery of patient care.
• Participate in maintaining the environment of care including equipment and material resources. Prioritize work organization and identify resources available to assist in completing components of care in a timely manner.
• Participate in own professional development by maintaining required competencies, identifying learning needs and seeking appropriate assistance or educational offerings.
• Support the development of other staff and formal learners.
• Participate in the identification of clinical or operational performance improvement opportunities and assist in performance improvement activities.
• Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

Required Qualifications at this Level

Education

• Work requires graduation from an accredited Associate's Degree in Nursing or Nursing Diploma program.
• All registered nurses without a Bachelor's degree in Nursing (or higher) are encouraged to enroll in an appropriate BSN program within two years of their start date but must complete the BSN program within seven years of their start date.

Experience
Required at least 1 Year of experience as RN for experienced RNs.
No experience required for new grad RNs.

Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification
Must have current or compact RN licensure in the state of North Carolina or compact license in participating state.
BLS required, but may be renewed during orientation if not current

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of scope of the registered nurse, licensed practical nurse and unlicensed staff
• Knowledge of and appropriate application of the nursing process
• Knowledge of professional theory, practice and procedure
• Ability to assess nursing needs of acute and chronically ill patients and their families
• Ability to independently seek out resources and work collaboratively
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to communicate clearly with patients, families, visitors, healthcare team, physicians, administrators, leadership and others
• Ability to teach patients and families in accordance with the nursing plan of care
• Ability to use sensory and cognitive functions to process and prioritize information, treatment, and follow-up
• Ability to use fine motor skills
• Competent in BLS and/or other specialized life support requirements designated by work area or organization
• Ability to record activities, document assessments, plan of care, interventions, evaluation and re-evaluation of patient status
• Ability to use computer and learn new software programs
• Ability to document and communicate pertinent information using computer and/or paper documentation tools
• Ability to navigate the entity to provide clinical care for patients
• Ability to withstand prolonged standing and walking
• Ability to remain focused and organized
• Working knowledge of procedures and techniques involved in administering routine and special treatments to patients
• Working knowledge of infection control procedures and safety precautions
• Working knowledge and completion of appropriate The Joint Commission (TJC) and other regulatory requirements
• 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.

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.

Nearest Major Market: Durham
Nearest Secondary Market: Raleigh

Read more about Duke’s commitment to affirmative action and nondiscrimination at hr.duke.edu/eeo.