RN New Graduate Nurse - HV Cardiovascular Surgery Stepdown

Description

Start your nursing career with UNC Health Rex and build a strong foundation in cardiovascular specialty care.

The UNC Health Rex Nurse Residency Program is designed to support new graduate nurses as they transition from the classroom to professional practice. This comprehensive 12-month program combines clinical orientation, mentorship, professional development, and evidence-based practice to help you develop the confidence, competence, and clinical judgment needed for a successful nursing career.

Program start dates are available between August 2026 and November 2026 and are based on graduation and NCLEX completion dates.

As a Nurse Resident, you will receive:

• Structured clinical orientation tailored to your specialty area
• Dedicated support from nurse leaders, educators, preceptors, and peers
• Classroom learning focused on clinical skills and specialty-specific patient care
• Ongoing professional development and continuing education opportunities
• Participation in an evidence-based practice project
• Regular check-ins with unit leadership and educators
• Clear milestones designed to support your growth from novice to competent nurse

• Develop clinical competence and confidence
• Promote evidence-based nursing practice
• Enhance critical thinking and clinical decision-making
• Build leadership skills at the bedside
• Improve patient outcomes through high-quality care

Join an inclusive organization of more than 40,000 teammates dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the communities we serve.

Recognition includes:

• America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity
• America's Greatest Workplaces for Women
• Best Hospital in WRAL Voters' Choice Awards
• Top 100 Hospital for Stroke Care
• Named among the World's Best Hospitals

This position may qualify for:

• Up to $25,000 in tuition loan forgiveness (based on eligibility)
• Up to $5,000 in relocation assistance (based on eligibility)

The Cardiovascular Surgery Stepdown Unit is located within the Heart and Vascular Hospital and provides specialized care for patients recovering from cardiac, vascular, and structural heart procedures.

Patients on this unit require a higher level of monitoring and nursing intervention than a traditional medical-surgical unit, making it an excellent environment for new nurses interested in cardiovascular and progressive care nursing.

As a member of this team, you will care for patients who may require:

• Advanced cardiac monitoring
• Titration of select medications
• Enhanced respiratory support and oxygen therapies
• Frequent assessment and intervention to identify early signs of clinical deterioration

The unit's design mirrors the ICU environment and features advanced bedside monitoring technology, creating opportunities to develop strong assessment and critical-thinking skills. Nurses work closely with advanced practice providers, pharmacists, respiratory therapists, and an experienced leadership team dedicated to supporting professional growth and career development.

• Graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing
• Current North Carolina RN license or eligibility to obtain licensure before providing clinical care
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for Healthcare Providers

• Nursing students in their final semester of a nursing program
• Nursing graduates within 12 months of graduation
• Registered Nurses with less than six months of RN work experience

Begin your nursing career in a collaborative environment where you will be supported, challenged, and empowered to grow as a professional nurse.

Summary:

Provides competent clinical nursing care consistent with professional standards. Reporting and accountable to the Nurse Manager/Director, the Clinical Nurse is responsible for coordinating and delivering patient care utilizing the nursing process in a hospital setting.

Responsibilities:

• Education – Participates in identifying and meeting learning needs of self.…