Registered Nurse (New Grad RN) - Cardiothoracic Stepdown

Duke University Health System

Durham (NC)

On-site

USD 60,000 - 70,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Relocation Assistance

Job summary

A leading health care provider in Durham, North Carolina, is seeking a New Graduate Registered Nurse for the Cardiothoracic Stepdown Unit. The full-time role requires providing high-acuity care to adult patients transitioning from the ICU. The ideal candidate will have completed an accredited nursing program and possess/obtain an RN license. This position offers opportunities for professional growth, relocation assistance, and competitive salary in a collaborative environment focused on advancing health together.

Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited nursing program required.
No experience required for New Grad RNs.
Current RN licensure in North Carolina is mandatory.

Responsibilities

Plan, provide, and document professional nursing care.
Delegate tasks and supervise licensed and unlicensed staff.
Participate in maintaining the environment of care.

Skills

Knowledge of nursing process

Communication skills

Ability to work collaboratively

BLS Certification

Education

Associate's Degree in Nursing or Nursing Diploma

Job description

Registered Nurse (New Grad RN) - Cardiothoracic Stepdown

Join Duke University Health System as a Registered Nurse (New Grad RN) in the Cardiothoracic Stepdown Unit. This full‑time position provides high‑acuity care for adult patients transitioning from the Cardiothoracic ICU.

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 Duke Health's four hospitals with 1,062 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 6,000+ registered nurses
Quality of Life: Living in the Triangle!
Relocation Assistance (based on eligibility)

Clinical Nurse RN – Duke University Hospital 6 East Cardiothoracic Stepdown Unit

Duke University Health System – Duke University Hospital seeks to hire a New Graduate Registered Nurse who will embrace our mission of Advancing Health Together.

Department Profile

The 6 East Cardiothoric Stepdown Unit at Duke University Hospital (located in the Duke Medical Plaza) comprises 24 beds.

Cardiothoracic Stepdown

Provides care for adult patients who are transitioning from the Cardiothoracic ICU. The patients require high acuity care with diagnoses such as pre- and post‑cardiothoracic surgery, coronary artery bypass grafts, heart valve repair and replacements, aortic and aneurysm repairs, wedge resections, lobectomies, heart transplants, lung transplants, and ventricular assist devices. The environment is fast‑paced, where you will develop critical thinking skills while surrounded by opportunities for professional growth. Our team is dedicated to delivering exemplary care for each patient, ensuring an excellent experience every time.

Work Hours & Shifts

Full Time: 7 am‑7 pm / 7 pm‑7 am 32‑hour days and nights, rotating shifts.
Straight shift option available after orientation for experienced nurses, based on unit availability.

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 are encouraged to enroll in an appropriate BSN program within two years of start date but must complete the BSN program within seven years of 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.

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.

Seniority level