Registered Nurse - Pediatric Emergency Extension

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.

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)

Registered Nurse (Experienced RN)
Pediatric Emergency Department – Extension Area (5100)
Duke University Health System

Duke University Health System is seeking an experienced Registered Nurse to join the Pediatric ED Extension Area (5100)—a specialized pediatric setting designed to provide safe, supportive care for children awaiting placement, many with behavioral health needs.

This role is ideal for experienced RNs who are passionate about pediatric behavioral health, value strong staffing and safety support, and want meaningful patient interaction without the constant medical acuity of a traditional emergency department assignment.

Why This Role Stands Out

• Specialized pediatric behavioral health focus with minimal medical acuity

• Dedicated Behavioral Health Technician for every patient (1:1 staffing support)

• Smaller, structured environment with an 8-bed capacity

• Opportunity to build therapeutic relationships rather than rapid turnover care

• Strong safety emphasis with CPI training and team-based support

• Meaningful incentives including bonus, loan forgiveness, and relocation assistance

Incentives

• $15,000 Experienced RN Commitment Bonus
Paid in four equal installments over 24 months (every six months)

• Up to $25,000 Nurse Loan Forgiveness

• Relocation assistance available

Department Profile

The Pediatric ED Extension Area (5100) is a physically separate unit from the main Pediatric Emergency Department. The unit cares for pediatric patients who are awaiting care placement, many of whom have behavioral health needs and minimal to no acute medical needs.

• Capacity: 8 beds

• Patient Population:
Pediatric patients with behavioral health needs and limited medical complexity

• Care Model:
Space designed to support group interaction, observation, and therapeutic engagement

• Staffing Model:
Two RNs per shift with each patient supported by a dedicated Behavioral Health Technician (1:1)

Work Schedule

• Full-time

• Rotating 12-hour shifts
– Day shift: 7:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
– Night shift: 7:00 p.m. – 7:30 a.m.

What You Will Do

As a Clinical Nurse II in the Pediatric ED Extension Area, you will:

• Provide professional nursing care aligned with individualized plans of care, policies, and evidence-based practice

• Utilize the nursing process to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care

• Apply clinical judgment to support pediatric patients with behavioral health needs

• Collaborate closely with Behavioral Health Technicians, physicians, APPs, and interdisciplinary team members

• Maintain a safe, therapeutic environment for patients and staff

• Delegate and supervise care activities as appropriate

• Support families through education, communication, and care coordination

• Participate in quality improvement and unit-based initiatives

• Precept new staff and learners as assigned

What You Can Expect

• A focused patient population with time to engage and assess thoroughly

• Lower medical acuity compared to traditional ED assignments

• Strong emphasis on safety, structure, and teamwork

•…