New Grad or Experienced RN - Cardiothoracic Stepdown

Duke Careers; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 76,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation Assistance

Job summary

Duke University Health System – Duke University Hospital in Durham, NC is seeking a Clinical Nurse (RN) for the 6100 Cardiothoracic Stepdown Unit. New grads are encouraged to apply and complete the Nurse Residency Program within 12 months.

The role involves caring for adults post-cardiothoracic procedures in a high‑acuity unit, offering opportunities for clinical advancement and collaboration within a Magnet organization.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited BSN/ADN/Nursing Diploma program.
• RNs without a BSN must enroll in a BSN program within 2 years and complete it within 7 years of their start date.
• Current RN licensure with NC Board of Nursing, or compact RN license (NC licensure required within 60 days).
• BLS certification required (higher certifications preferred).
• New grads encouraged to apply; Nurse Residency Program within 12 months for CNI hires.

Responsibilities

• Provide and supervise direct and indirect nursing care using the nursing process.
• Deliver advanced and specialized care aligned with the DUHS Professional Practice Model.
• Serve as a resource and role model to other staff.
• Participate in departmental committees, professional development, and quality improvement activities.
• Promote a patient-centered environment prioritizing safety, respect, and exceptional service.
• Deliver care in compliance with NC Board of Nursing scope and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Nursing process understanding

Communication skills

Collaboration

Clinical assessment

Education

BSN

ADN

Nursing Diploma

Job description

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New Grad or Experienced RN - Cardiothoracic Stepdown

Work Arrangement: On-Site

Requisition Number: 268544

Regular or Temporary: Regular

Location: Durham, NC, US, 27710

Date: Aug 20, 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)

New Grad or Experienced Registered Nurse (RN) – Cardiothoracic Stepdown Unit (6100)

New Grads for DECEMBER 2026 - For starts in 2027

Duke University Health System – Duke University Hospital
Location:Durham, NC
Schedule:Full Time | Rotating 12‑hour Shifts

Join a High‑Performing Cardiothoracic Care Team at Duke Health

Duke University Hospital is seeking an experiencedClinical Nurse (RN) to join our renowned6100 Cardiothoracic Stepdown Unit. As part of our top‑ranked health system, you will provide exemplary nursing care, support complex patient populations, and contribute to a strong culture of collaboration, excellence, and patient‑centered service.

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.

Job Summary

As a Clinical Nurse (RN) at Duke University Health System, you will:

• Provide and supervise both direct and indirect nursing care using the nursing process (assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation)
• Deliver advanced and specialized care aligned with theDUHS Professional Practice Model
• Serve as a resource and role model to other staff
• Participate in departmental committees, professional development, the Clinical Ladder Program, research initiatives, and quality improvement activities
• Promote and maintain a patient‑centered environment that prioritizes safety, respect, and exceptional service
• Deliver care consistent with the North Carolina Board of Nursing scope and regulatory requirements

What You’ll Bring

Knowledge, Skills & Experience Required

• No prior nursing experience required—new graduates encouraged to apply!
  • All Clinical Nurse I (CNI) hires must complete theDUHS Nurse Residency Program within 12 months
  • Eligibility for promotion to CNII within 18 months based on residency program criteria
• Graduation from an accredited:
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or
  • Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), or
  • Nursing Diploma program
• RNs without a BSN must enroll in a BSN program within2 yearsand complete it within7 yearsof their start date

Licensure & Certifications

• CurrentRN licensurewith the North Carolina Board of Nursing, or compact RN license (NC licensure required within 60 days of start)
• BLS certificationrequired (higher certifications preferred)
• Professional nursing specialty certificationpreferred

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

Why Duke Health?

• Work alongside nationally recognized cardiothoracic specialists
• Opportunities for clinical advancement through Duke’sClinical Ladder Program
• A collaborative, supportive team culture that values professional development
• Access to continuing education, certification support, and evidence‑based practice initiatives
• Commitment to excellence, innovation, and whole‑person patient care

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.

Nearest Major Market: Durham
Nearest Secondary Market: Raleigh

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