Clinical Nurse

Clinical Nurse IV Leader - Cardiology Stepdown UnitWork Arrangement: On-SiteLocation: Durham, NC, US, 27710Personnel Area: DUKE HOSPITALAbout 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 Health hospitals with 1062 patient beds, it features comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.About the UnitThe Cardiology Stepdown (Unit 7300) is a fast-paced, 28-bed cardiac progressive care unit supported by a highly skilled and collaborative team of registered nurses, nursing assistants, and health unit coordinators. Our team is deeply committed to teamwork, clinical excellence, and delivering exceptional, patient-centered cardiovascular care. This role is ideal for an experienced bedside RN who is ready to grow into clinical leadership while maintaining a strong hands-on patient care presence. Many of our patients transfer in directly from the ICU, post-procedure, or from outside hospitals requiring an elevated level of care. Our team specializes in care of patients with acute coronary syndromes, post-cardiac catheterization recovery, electrophysiology procedures, dysrhythmia, heart failure, heart transplant evaluation, and congenital heart disease. These patients may have multi-system involvement, including pulmonary, renal, endocrine, and neurological conditions.Role OverviewThe Clinical Nurse Leader (CN IV) is a hybrid clinical and leadership role that combines direct patient care with unit-based leadership, coaching, and operational support. This position serves as an early leadership pathway for nurses interested in advancing into formal nurse management roles while remaining clinically grounded. The CN IV Leader supports unit leadership by coordinating care delivery, mentoring staff, advancing quality initiatives, and promoting evidence-based practice—without direct budgetary ownership.Schedule & Expectations:FTE: 1.0 (40 hours/week)Typical Schedule: Approximately 2 clinical staffing shifts and 16 hours of dedicated leadership/office time per weekWeekend, holiday, and occasional off-shift or night-shift coverage expectedKey ResponsibilitiesClinical Leadership & Care Coordination:Identify and address the care needs of cardiology patient populations across the continuum of careCollaborate with the interdisciplinary team to support safe, high-quality patient care deliveryServe as a visible clinical leader and resource on the unitStaff Development & Mentorship:Guide the professional growth of nursing staff through role modeling, coaching, and mentoringSupport orientation programs and serve as a primary preceptor for senior nursing students as appropriateCollaborate with nurse educators and clinical nurse specialists on unit-based education needsQuality, Safety & Regulatory Support:Monitor clinical practice and support compliance with professional, regulatory, and accreditation standardsParticipate in quality improvement initiatives and multidisciplinary committees focused on patient safety and outcomesAnalyze patient care trends and support nursing staff in evidence-based best practicesOperations & Resource Stewardship:Provide guidance on the selection, use, and evaluation of equipment and suppliesCollaborate with appropriate departments on vendor feedback and performance evaluationSupport operational efficiency initiatives on the unitLeadership Engagement:Participate in departmental, institutional, or broader initiatives that enhance patient care quality and staff developmentConduct performance evaluations and provide input on hiring, performance improvement, and personnel actions in collaboration with unit leadershipCN IV Leadership PathwaysClinical Nurse IV Leaders may focus on one or more of the following areas, based on unit needs and individual strengths:Leadership & Regulatory Practice: Coaching staff, supporting compliance, and influencing recruitment and professional developmentEducation: Planning and delivering education, assessing learning needs, and supporting evidence-based practice adoptionInformatics: Serving as a clinical systems super-user, supporting technology adoption, and troubleshooting workflow issuesQuality, Research & Innovation: Engaging in data-driven improvement efforts, quality assurance activities, and research or innovation initiativesRequired QualificationsEducation: BSN from an accredited nursing program is requiredExperience: Minimum of 3 years of RN experience. Cardiology ICU or Stepdown experience preferred. For Internal Candidates: Clinical Nurse II or III nurses are eligible to apply.Licensure & Certification: Current (or compact) RN license in North Carolina. BLS required.Distinguishing Characteristics: The Clinical Nurse Leader (CN IV) plays a key role in advancing unit-level excellence by leading change, mentoring others, and continuously identifying opportunities to improve quality, safety, and efficiency in patient care delivery. This role is a recognized leadership pipeline position within Duke Health and may serve as preparation for future Nurse Manager roles.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 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 our 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.