Clinical Nurse RN – Duke University Hospital 6300 Cardiothoracic Stepdown Unit 

Duke University Health System- Duke University Hospital seeks to hire an experienced Registered Nurse who will embrace our mission of Advancing Health Together.

Department Profile:

The 6300 Cardiothoracic Stepdown Unit at Duke University Hospital comprises 31 beds. Cardiothoracic Stepdown provides care for adult patients who are transitioning from the Cardiothoracic ICU. The patients require high acuity care with diagnoses such as pre- and 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 dedicated to delivering exemplary care for each patient, ensuring an excellent experience every time.

Work Hours & Shifts:

Full Time: 7 am-7 pm/7 pm-7 am 3,12-hour days and nights, rotating shifts 

• Straight shift option available after orientation for experienced nurses, based on unit availability

Duties and Responsibilities of this Level

• Plan, provide and document professional nursing care, utilizing the nursing process, in accordance with physician orders and established policies and procedures under the supervision of the team leader or charge nurse.
• Delegate tasks and supervise the activities of other licensed and unlicensed care providers.
• Assist other healthcare personnel in the delivery of patient care.
• Participate in maintaining the environment of care including equipment and material resources. Prioritize work organization and identify resources available to assist in completing components of care in a timely manner.
• Participate in own professional development by maintaining required competencies, identifying learning needs and seeking appropriate assistance or educational offerings.
• Support the development of other staff and formal learners.
• Participate in the identification of clinical or operational performance improvement opportunities and assist in performance improvement activities.
• Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

Required Qualifications at this Level

Education

• Work requires graduation from an accredited Associate's Degree in Nursing or Nursing Diploma program.
• All registered nurses without a Bachelor's degree in Nursing (or higher) are encouraged to enroll in an appropriate BSN program within two years of their start date but must complete the BSN program within seven years of their start date.

Experience

Twelve months of appropriate clinical experience is required.  

Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification

Must have current or compact RN licensure in the state of North Carolina or compact licensure from participating state. Must obtain NC RN licensure within 60- days of start date.

BLS required but may be renewed during orientation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of scope of the registered nurse, licensed practical nurse and unlicensed staff
• Knowledge of and appropriate application of the nursing process
• Knowledge of professional theory, practice and procedure
• Ability to assess nursing needs of acute and chronically ill patients and their families
• Ability to independently seek out resources and work collaboratively
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to communicate clearly with patients, families, visitors, healthcare team, physicians, administrators, leadership and others
• Ability to teach patients and families in accordance with the nursing plan of care
• Ability to use sensory and cognitive functions to process and prioritize information, treatment, and follow-up
• Ability to use fine motor skills
• Competent in BLS and/or other specialized life support requirements designated by work area or organization
• Ability to record activities, document assessments, plan of care, interventions, evaluation and re-evaluation of patient status
• Ability to use computer and learn new software programs
• Ability to document and communicate pertinent information using computer and/or paper documentation tools
• Ability to navigate the entity to provide clinical care for patients
• Ability to withstand prolonged standing and walking
• Ability to remain focused and organized
• Working knowledge of procedures and techniques involved in administering routine and special treatments to patients
• Working knowledge of infection control procedures and safety precautions
• Working knowledge and completion of appropriate The Joint Commission (TJC) and other regulatory requirements
• Pre-employment Physical Capacity Testing Required

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the 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.