Registered Nurse - General Surgery Stepdown

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 the four Duke Healthhospitals 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)

General Surgery & Trauma Stepdown 3100

New Grad and Experienced Nurses

*Newly Hired Experienced RNs are eligible for a $15,000 commitment bonus

*Relocation is available

** Newly Hired RNs are eligible for up to $25,000 Nursing Loan Forgiveness for first nursing degree**

Shift Preference: Nights or Rotating (3 / 12 hour shifts per week)

Unit Profile:

The General Surgery & Vascular Trauma Stepdown Unit at Duke strives to provide exceptional care to acutely ill patients. We are a 32 bed stepdown unit with a patient population consisting primarily of abdominal and vascular surgeries, abdominal oncology as well as a variety of trauma patients. Our unit offers an opportunity to cultivate critical thinking in a fast-paced environment that promotes team building and fosters learning. The RNs in our unit aim to provide the highest quality care to our patient population while serving as patient advocates.

This unit is part of Duke University Hospital's innovation initiative, designed to redefine care delivery by integrating cutting-edge technologies that enhance patient outcomes, streamline workflows, and improve operational efficiency. Units 2100, 3100, and 4100 at Duke North are piloting smart room capabilities, automated signage, and virtual access for care teams and families. Future enhancements include predictive tools for fall prevention and ambient listening for documentation. Staff foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, collaborating across departments to explore solutions like expedited medication delivery, all aimed at improving the patient experience and reducing length of stay.

On this unit, we strive to develop the foundational skills required to excel in the nursing field while working within an extensive interdisciplinary and supportive team. You will master skills such as:

● Tracheostomy care and maintenance

● Blood product administration 

● Wound care including wound management systems

● Ostomy care and maintenance and patient education

● Management of chest tubes and various drains

● Maintenance of a variety of collars, braces, and orthopedic devices

● Polytrauma mobility

● Post-operative monitoring and care

● Various pain management techniques including Patient Controlled Analgesic (PCA), Epidural pumps,

• Ketamine, and Lidocaine infusions.

● Foley catheter insertion, maintenance, and removal

● Nasogastric tube insertion, maintenance, and removal

● Central and Peripheral IV maintenance and removal

● Administration of oral, intravenous, and via tube medications

● Collection of laboratory specimens, including but not limited to blood and urine

● Cardiac telemetry monitoring

● Parenteral and Enteral nutrition administration

● Coordination of patient and family education

Knowledge, Skills, Education, and Experience Required:

• Graduation from an accredited Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (or higher), Associate's Degree in Nursing or Nursing Diploma program is required.
• Experienced Nurses: Previous work experience (1+ years) as a clinical nurse is required.

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

Licensure, Certification or Registration Required:

• Current registration with North Carolina State Board of Nursing as a registered professional nurse OR current compact RN licensure to practice in the state of North Carolina required.
• BLS (or higher) certification required.
• Experienced Nurses: Professional specialty certification (preferred).