Registered Nurse (December 2026 Grad) - NICU

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Nurse

Duke University Hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a high-acuity, high-volume neonatal program that provides care for more than 1,000 infants each year. The unit includes the Special Care Nursery, Transitional Care Nursery, and Intensive Care Nursery, offering a full spectrum of neonatal care. Patient populations include critically ill and medically complex newborns, including extremely low birth weight infants, infants with congenital and genetic anomalies, and those requiring long-term or palliative support. Nurses work within a multidisciplinary team in a collaborative, family-centered care environment.

Schedule:

• Full time, three 12-hour shifts per week
• Rotating day and night shifts: 7 a.m. 7:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. 7:30 a.m.
• Minimum of 24 weekend shifts per four-week scheduling period

Incentives & Total Rewards:

• Relocation Assistance: $3,000. Relocation is offered to employees relocating from a permanent residence located at least 50 miles from Duke University Hospital. A permanent residence is typically defined as the address listed on a valid government-issued ID (e.g., driver's license). Temporary housing, such as dormitories or student apartments, does not qualify.
• Total Rewards: A comprehensive set of pay and benefits designed to support your well-being, professional growth, and work-life balance.

How You Will Make An Impact

• Plan, provide, and document professional nursing care in accordance with provider orders, established policies, and procedures, while ensuring safe and developmentally appropriate care for neonatal patients.
• Utilize the nursing process to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate individualized care for neonatal patients and their families in a high-acuity environment.
• Collaborate with neonatologists and the interdisciplinary team to support optimal patient outcomes and continuity of care.
• Delegate and supervise care activities for licensed and unlicensed personnel and monitor patient status to initiate timely interventions.
• Participate in orientation, ongoing education, performance improvement, and shared governance activities while supporting families through education and emotional support.

What You Will Need

• Graduation from an accredited Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (or higher), Associate's Degree in Nursing, or Nursing Diploma program.
• BSN required within seven years of start date if not already obtained.
• Current or eligible North Carolina RN licensure or compact RN license required.
• BLS certification required prior to start date.