Registered Nurse (RN) Cardiothoracic Stepdown

Duke Careers; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Commitment bonus

Nurse loan forgiveness

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Duke University Hospital in Durham, NC, is seeking an experienced Clinical Nurse (RN) for the 6 East Cardiothoracic Stepdown Unit. The role offers rotating 12-hour shifts (7am-7pm, 7pm-7am) with full-time benefits and opportunities for professional growth within a Magnet-designated health system.

Requirements include NC RN licensure, BLS, and a BSN/ADN or Nursing Diploma; a BSN for non-BSN RNs within 7 years is expected.

Qualifications

• RN with current NC licensure (or compact license)
• BSN/ADN or Nursing Diploma preferred
• BLS certification required; specialty certification preferred
• 1 year of clinical nursing experience preferred for CNII

Responsibilities

• Provide and supervise direct and indirect nursing care using the nursing process
• Deliver advanced and specialized nursing care
• Serve as a resource and role model to staff
• Participate in departmental committees and quality improvement activities
• Promote a patient-centered environment prioritizing safety and exceptional service

Skills

Nursing care

Patient assessment

Communication

Team collaboration

Infection control

Education

BSN

ADN

Nursing Diploma

Tools

EMR systems

Computer literacy

CPR/BLS

Job description

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Registered Nurse (RN) Cardiothoracic Stepdown

Work Arrangement: On-Site

Requisition Number: 268262

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.

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)

Hiring Incentives

• $15,000 Commitment Bonus for eligible experienced RNs - Paid in four equal installments over 24 months (every six months)
• Up to $25,000 Nurse Loan Forgiveness
• Relocation assistance available for Nurses relocating greater than 50 miles to Durham, NC.

Clinical Nurse RN – Duke University Hospital 6 East Cardiothoracic Stepdown Unit - Starts in January 2027

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

Department Profile:

The 6 East Cardiothoric Stepdown Unit at Duke University Hospital is comprised of 24 beds. Cardiothoric Stepdown provides care for adult patients who are transitioning from the Cardiothoric ICU. The patients require high acuity care with diagnoses such as pre/post cardiothoric 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 active in delivering exemplary care for each patient to ensure excellent patient experience, every time.

Full Time: 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

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 experienced Clinical Nurse (RN) to join our renowned 6 East Cardiothoric 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 cardiothoric 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 DUHS 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 North Carolina Board of Nursing scope and regulatory requirements

What You’ll Bring

Knowledge, Skills & Experience Required

• Minimum 1 year of prior clinical nursing experience required for Clinical Nurse II (CNII)
• 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 within 2 years and complete it within 7 years of their start date

Licensure & Certifications

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

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 cardiothoric specialists
• Opportunities for clinical advancement through Duke’s Clinical 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.

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.