Registered Nurse; RN - General Surgery​/Trauma Stepdown

Overview

At Duke Health, we are committed to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. Join us to advance health together.

About Duke University Hospital
Pursue your passion for caring with Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, consistently ranked among the best in the United States. The largest of Duke Health's four hospitals with 1062 patient beds, it offers comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center and an endo-surgery center.

Duke Nursing Highlights

• Duke University Health System is designated as a Magnet organization
• Nurses from each hospital are consistently recognized as North Carolina’s Great 100 Nurses
• Awarded the American Board of Nursing Specialties Award for Nursing Certification Advocacy
• 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)

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 primarily consisting of abdominal and vascular surgeries, abdominal oncology, and a variety of trauma patients. Our unit fosters critical thinking in a fast-paced environment that promotes team building and learning. RNs in our unit aim to provide the highest quality care 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 to improve patient experience and reduce length of stay.

Required

• On this unit, develop foundational nursing skills within an extensive interdisciplinary and supportive team. Key skills include:
• 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 collars, braces, and orthopedic devices
• Polytrauma mobility
• Post-operative monitoring and care
• Pain management techniques including Patient Controlled Analgesia (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 (e.g., blood and urine)
• Cardiac telemetry monitoring
• Parenteral and Enteral nutrition administration
• Coordination of patient and family education

• Graduation from an accredited Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (or higher). Associate Degree in Nursing or Nursing Diploma program also acceptable.
• Experienced Nurses: 1+ years of prior clinical nurse experience.

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

• Current registration with North Carolina State Board of Nursing as a registered professional nurse or current compact RN licensure to practice in North Carolina
• BLS (or higher) certification required
• Professional specialty certification (preferred for experienced nurses)

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunities without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Members are encouraged to share and respect diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. All members have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or…