New Graduate Registered Nurse (RN) - 2026 Graduates

New Graduate Rn Opportunity At Wayne Unc Health Care

This position qualifies for the UNC Health Wayne Incentive Program, offering a commitment incentive of up to $15,000 and relocation assistance of up to $10,000 to help you seamlessly transition into your new role. December 2026 RN/BSN New Grads!

At Wayne UNC Health Care, our mission is to provide compassionate, high-quality healthcare to the communities we serve. We prioritize our patients, team members, and community, fostering an inclusive environment where exceptional care and career growth are encouraged. We're dedicated to supporting new nurses as they transition into practice, offering structured mentorship and hands-on experience that builds confidence and skill.

Are you a recent nursing graduate eager to start your career with a team that supports your development? As a New Graduate RN at Wayne UNC Health Care, you will be immersed in a program designed to build your expertise, confidence, and readiness for professional nursing. You'll work closely with a seasoned RN preceptor to provide compassionate, evidence-based care for our patients.

Summary:

A Registered Nurse at UNC Health Wayne is a member of the patient care team who, with knowledge of the nursing process, provides leadership in applying scientific principles and professional skills aimed at caring for the ill, preventing disease and maintaining optimum health. The RN assists the provider in carrying out a therapeutic regimen for each patient and directs other licensed and non-licensed nursing teammates in providing nursing care to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of individual patients. The RN implements the nursing process in order to provide professional holistic patient care. Provides all nursing services to patients and families in accordance with the scope of the RN as defined by the North Carolina Board of Nursing.

Units we are hiring for:

2nd Floor - The 2nd Floor Post-Surgical Unit is a 40-bed adult inpatient unit that primarily serves patients recovering from orthopedic procedures, general surgeries, and urologic interventions. With an average of 510 admissions per day, the unit stays active while maintaining a strong focus on quality post-operative care.

3rd Floor - Cardiac telemetry unit specializes in patients who:

• have experienced chest pain or irregular heart rhythms.
• Have chronic conditions like heart failure or hypertension who require close monitoring
• Post cardiac catheterization stent placement (low risk)
• Post pacemaker implantation (low risk)

This unit also specializes with patients who have pneumonia, chronic pulmonary disease (COPD), viral respiratory illnesses, renal failure, stroke, and post-surgical recovery. Patients in this unit are connected to monitors via electrodes placed on their chest. These electrodes transmit data about the heart's electrical activity to a central monitoring system allowing the team to track heart rhythms, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation. The telemetry devices allow patients some mobility while still being monitored.

4th Floor - The 4th Floor Oncology Unit specializes in caring for adult patients primarily admitted with oncology and hematology diagnoses, focusing on managing symptoms or complications related to cancer or blood disorders. In addition, the unit manages general medical overflow patients, particularly those with end-stage renal disease who require peritoneal dialysis. Bedside nurses on this floor receive specialized training in peritoneal dialysis, ensuring comprehensive, high-quality care for all patients.

6th Floor - Main is a 48-bed medical surgical stroke unit that focuses on the care of adult patients with a variety of medical and surgical diagnosis. Common diagnosis into this department includes diabetes, stroke, kidney failure, respiratory distress, sepsis, liver disease, and other medical issues. Our care team is composed of RN's, LPN, nursing assistants, respiratory therapist, physical therapist, and many providers to meet the complex needs of our patients.

7th Floor - The Progressive Care Unit (PCU) at UNC Wayne is a specialized area divided into 20 telemetry beds and 8 hardwired Intensive Care (IC) level of care beds. This unit primarily serves adult patients, ages 18 and up, dealing with a range of acute and chronic cardiac as well as medical/surgical conditions. Our patient population includes individuals requiring continuous cardiac monitoring for non-critical issues, as well as those managing cardiac arrhythmias and other serious complications of cardiovascular disease. Common diagnoses treated in the PCU include Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), NSTEMI, and pre/post cardiac procedures like cardiac catheterizations and pacemaker placements.

Emergency Department - The Emergency Department is a 52-bed unit, including a 4-bed Behavioral Health Unit. It features three triage rooms, an ambulatory area with a three-stretch bay located directly behind triage, a decontamination area, and a family consultation room. The department operates with 24-hour registration, laboratory services, diagnostic imaging, and CT radiology coverage, with specialized radiology services such as MRI, Ultrasound, and Nuclear Medicine available on-call after 5 PM. Additionally, a new EMS convalescent transport service is available Monday through Friday during the day to facilitate inpatient discharge and improve Emergency Department flow.

Intensive Care Unit - The Intensive Care Unit at UNC Health Wayne is a 16-bed unit that provides critical care and life support for patients who are critically or injured. This unit offers cardiac monitoring, mechanical ventilation, diagnostics, and post-operative care for adults with acute and chronic critical illness.

Responsibilities:

1. Uses the nursing process to plan, provide, supervise and document professional nursing care delivered to patients in accordance with provider orders, hospital and nursing standards, established policies and procedures, and regulations.

2. Individualizes the plan of care using professional nursing judgment based on the patient's baseline needs and response to care. Evaluates patient progress and updates care plan accordingly. Maintains accountability for carrying out components of the plan of care.

3. Demonstrates competence in care of patients with complex problems, including population-appropriate physical, psychosocial, educational and safety aspects of care. Performs bedside point of care testing as required for patient care plan. Organizes and prioritizes care according to patient/family needs. Consults with appropriate resources in a timely fashion regarding patients with complex care issues, unusual teaching needs and/or those at high risk for discharge planning.

4. Collaborates and communicates effectively with providers, interdisciplinary teammates, patients and their families.

5. Follows the systems that support the nursing process and delivers safe and effective patient care.

6. Understands and complies with regulatory guidelines.

7. Monitors the activities of other licensed or unlicensed teammates and delegates appropriately. Provides direction, training and guidance in the proper use, care and control of material resources.

8. Assists teammates in the delivery of nursing care and provides direct patient care as indicated.

9. May act as team leader or charge nurse as assigned.

10. Completes continuing education, professional development and in-service programs to meet regulatory and job requirements. Keeps current on trends and developments in area of practice.

11. Guides the professional growth of others within the department through precepting, role modeling, coaching and/or mentoring.

12. Responds appropriately in emergency situations.

13. Keeps leadership informed of any problems or concerns.

14. Participates in performance improvement activities, departmental committees and other operational projects as assigned.

15. Promotes a safe, clean environment.

16. Presents and promotes a professional demeanor at all times, establishes high standards of customer service, supports responsibility, pride, and teamwork, remains calm under pressure, and offers reasonable solutions for problems.

17. Demonstrates appropriate interaction with and provides recommended care and services to all patients.

18. Ensures the delivery of age appropriate, culturally sensitive, and ethical care for patients.

19. Applies knowledge of principles of standard precautions. Routinely uses PPE to avoid risk of exposure to self and others.

20. Takes appropriate care of material resources and equipment.

Other information: Education Graduate of an accredited school of nursing. Licensure/Certification Current Registered Nurse Licensure in North Carolina required. Competent in BLS and/or other specialized life support certifications as required by department. Additional certifications may be required by assigned department. Experience At least one year of experience preferred. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of professional nursing theory, practice and procedures. Ability to apply the nursing process appropriately. Ability to assess the nursing needs of acute and chronically ill patients. Ability to perform independently within scope of practice, and to work collaboratively. Good interpersonal and customer service skills. Good organizational, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. Ability to read, write and communicate effectively in English. Proficient with EMR/ Epic, and able to learn new software rapidly. Ability to stand, walk and meet the physical requirements of the job for