Registered Nurse; RN Cardiothoracic Stepdown

Registered Nurse (RN) Cardiothoracic Stepdown

Work Arrangement:
On-Site

Location:

Durham, NC, US, 27710

Join a high-performing cardiothoracic care team at Duke Health. Duke University Hospital is seeking an experienced Clinical Nurse (RN) to join our renowned 6100 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 the 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 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 the DUHS 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 within 2 years and complete it within 7 years of their start date
• 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 cardiothoracic 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.