Surgical Care RN - 36hr Week, Impactful Patient Care

Duke University; Durham (NC); Hybrid; USD 78,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke University Hospital in Durham, NC is seeking a Clinical Nurse II (RN) to support the Surgical Care Unit. This 36-hour-per-week role involves 12-hour shifts, providing comprehensive post-operative nursing care to patients transitioning from PACU.

Requirements include an accredited nursing degree (BSN/ ADN/ Diploma), NC RN license, and BLS certification. Prior general surgery/medicine experience is preferred. Equal opportunity employer inclusion is emphasized.

Qualifications

• BSN, ADN, or Nursing Diploma from an accredited program.
• Current RN license in the state of North Carolina (or compact license).
• BLS certification required.

Responsibilities

• Plan, provide, supervise and document professional nursing care per physician orders and policies.
• Delegate tasks and supervise other licensed/unlicensed staff.
• Act as team leader/charge nurse for a group of patients or an entire unit as assigned.
• Monitor and maintain the environment of care, including equipment and materials.

Education

BSN/ADN/Diploma in Nursing

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Registered Nurse (RN)- Surgical Care Unit-Duke University Hospital-36hrs

Work Arrangement:

Requisition Number: 271090

Regular or Temporary: Regular

Location:

Durham, NC, US, 27710

Date: Sep 22, 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 Duke Health's four hospitals with 1062 patient beds, it features comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.

Are you an experiencedRegistered Nursewho is seeking greater exposure to a diverse service portfolio?

If so, then this is the job for you! We are seeking aClinical Nurse II (RN)to support both ourSurgical Care Unitat Duke University Hospital. Discover Opportunities for a Lifetime at Duke Health!

Surgical Care Unitis a 23-hour post-operative, observation unit(12-bed unit).You will be responsible for the recovery care of the post-surgical patients who have been transferred from the PACU to include but not limited to: initial and on-going assessment of the patient's condition; administering of medications; initiation of any support therapy that is indicated, i.e. physical therapy; wound care, ADL care; etc.

Preferred qualifications:At leastone year experienceingeneral surgery/medical patient care. Experience in care of the intermediate and step down patients or general medicine/surgery experience.

Shift requirements: Three, 12-hour Day shifts; 36hrs per week. Start Monday 9am end Saturday 7pm; Closed on Sundays. Closed on Duke Recogonized Holidays; Weekends per unit requirements.

Job requirements:

• Plan, provide, supervise and document professional nursing care utilizing the nursing process for patients in accordance with physician orders and established policies and procedures. Use professional nursing judgment to individualize the plan of care based on assessment of the patient's baseline needs and response to care.
• Delegate tasks and supervise the activities of other licensed and unlicensed care providers.
• Assist other nursing personnel in the delivery of nursing care and act as team leader or charge nurse for a group of patients or an entire unit as assigned.
• Monitor and initiate corrective action to maintain the environment of care including equipment and material resources.
• Participate in own professional development by maintaining required competencies, identifying learning needs and seeking appropriate assistance or educational offerings.
• Act as preceptor and support the development of other staff and formal learners.
• Participate in the identification of clinical or operational performance improvement opportunities and in performance improvement activities.

Education

• Graduation from an accredited BSN or Associate's Degree in Nursing or Nursing Diploma program.

All registered nurses without a Bachelor's degree in Nursing (or higher) will be required to enroll in an appropriate BSN program within two years of their start date and to complete the program within five years of their start date.

• 1 year of experience in clinical nursing practice.

Degrees, Licensures, Certifications

• Must have current or compact RN license in the State of North Carolina.
• BLS certification is 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.