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Registered Nurse (New Grad RN) 6E Cardiothoracic Stepdown

Duke Clinical Research Institute
relocation assistance
United States, North Carolina, Durham
300 West Morgan Street (Show on map)
Feb 12, 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.

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 (New Grad RN) - 6 East - Cardiothoracic Stepdown Unit

Hiring Incentives



  • Up to $25,000 Nurse Loan Forgiveness
  • Relocation assistance available for Nurses relocating greater than 50 miles to Durham, NC.



The6 EastCardiothoracic Stepdown UnitatDuke University Hospitalis comprised of 24beds.Cardiothoracic Stepdownprovides care for adult patients who are transitioning from the Cardiothoracic ICU. The patients require high acuity care with diagnoses such as pre/post cardiothoracic 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.

Work Hours & Shifts:

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 12hour Shifts (7a-7p / 7p-7a)

Grow Your Nursing Career with One of the Nation's Best Hospitals

Duke University Hospital is seeking motivatedNew Graduate Registered Nursesto join ourCardiothoracic Stepdown Unit (6100/6300/6 East). As part of Duke Health's mission ofAdvancing Health Together, you'll work in a high-acuity, fastpaced environment designed to strengthen your clinical skills and support your transition to practice.

About the Cardiothoracic Stepdown Unit

Our 24bed Cardiothoracic Stepdown Unit cares for adult patients recovering from complex cardiothoracic procedures, including:



  • Pre and postoperative cardiothoracic surgery
  • Coronary artery bypass grafts
  • Heart valve repair and replacement
  • Aortic and aneurysm repairs
  • Wedge resections and lobectomies
  • Heart and lung transplants
  • Ventricular assist devices (VADs)


As part of our collaborative and supportive team, you'll develop strong criticalthinking skills while caring for patients stepping down from our Cardiothoracic ICU. This is an excellent opportunity to grow your confidence, competency, and clinical expertise early in your RN career.

Why Join Duke Health?



  • Exceptional Nurse Residency Programdesigned specifically for new graduates
  • Rich opportunities forprofessional development, specialty skills, and career advancement
  • Supportive leadership, strong teamwork culture, and a commitment to an excellent patient experience
  • Eligibility forstraight night or day shiftafter orientation (based on unit availability)



Work Schedule



  • Fulltime, 36 hours per week
  • Three 12hour shifts(day/night rotation)
  • Straight shift option available after orientation for experienced RNs (as available)



Responsibilities

As a Registered Nurse on our Cardiothoracic Stepdown Unit, you will:



  • Provide and document professional nursing care using the nursing process
  • Collaborate with physicians and multidisciplinary teams
  • Delegate tasks and supervise licensed and unlicensed care providers
  • Assist in maintaining a safe, clean, and resourceready environment
  • Participate in ongoing professional development and competency training
  • Teach patients and families in alignment with the care plan
  • Support performance improvement initiatives and unitbased projects
  • Perform additional duties as assigned to support excellent patient care



Required Qualifications

Education



  • Graduation from an accreditedAssociate Degree in Nursing (ADN)orNursing Diplomaprogram
  • RNs without a BSN are encouraged to enroll in a BSN program within2 years; completion required within7 yearsof start date



Experience



  • No prior nursing experience required-new graduates encouraged to apply!
  • All Clinical Nurse I (CNI) hires must complete theDUHS Nurse Residency Programwithin 12 months
  • Eligibility for promotion to CNII within 18 months based on residency program criteria



Licensure & Certifications



  • Current RN licensure in North Carolina orcompact statelicense (NC licensure required within 60 days of start date)
  • BLS certification(may be renewed during orientation)



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
  • Preemployment Physical Capacity Testing 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 onthe 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.


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