Registered Nurse (Experienced RN) - Intermediate/Med Surg Stepdown Units - Float Pool

Registered Nurse (Experienced RN) Full Time

Duke University Health System Float Pool Intermediate/Stepdown Units

Earn a $5/hour Float Pool premium while expanding your clinical expertise across multiple specialties.

Relocation assistance of up to $8,000 available to qualified RNs.

Why Join Duke Health's Float Pool?

If you're an experienced RN looking to grow, diversify your skillset, and work across high-acuity specialties, the Duke Health Float Pool offers a unique and rewarding career path. You'll gain exposure to a wide variety of patient populations while working alongside top clinical teams across the health systemall while earning a competitive float premium and receiving full benefits.

This role supports patient care across:

• Duke University Hospital
• Duke Regional Hospital
• Duke Raleigh Hospital (a campus of Duke University Hospital)

Clinical Areas Supported

As part of the Intermediate/Stepdown Float Pool, you'll provide care across diverse specialties, including:

• Cardiology & Cardiac Surgery
• General Medicine
• General Surgery
• Neurology & Neurosurgery
• Oncology
• Orthopedics
• Transplant
• Trauma

About the Role

Float Pool nurses are highly adaptable clinicians who thrive in dynamic environments. With comprehensive cross-training and ongoing support, you'll build advanced clinical capabilities and confidence caring for a wide range of patient populations.

Unlike many systems, Duke offers full benefits and career advancement opportunities equal to those of unit-based staff, making this an exceptional opportunity to grow while maintaining stability and support.

What You'll Do

• Deliver high-quality, patient-centered care across Intermediate and Stepdown units
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and actively participate in patient rounds
• Manage patient assignments with ratios typically ranging from 1:3 to 1:6, based on acuity
• Utilize critical thinking to adapt care plans across different clinical settings
• Support a care environment staffed with Charge Nurses, Nursing Care Assistants, and Health Unit Coordinators

As a Clinical Nurse, you will:

• Plan, deliver, and evaluate nursing care using the nursing process
• Delegate and supervise care team members appropriately
• Serve as a preceptor and mentor to peers and learners
• Participate in quality improvement and professional development initiatives
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory and professional standards

Who We're Looking For

We're seeking experienced RNs who:

• Thrive in fast-paced, team-oriented environments
• Demonstrate adaptability, accountability, and strong clinical judgment
• Are passionate about patient advocacy and family-centered care
• Align with Duke Health's mission: Advancing Health Together
• Embrace our culture commitments: Putting People First, Being Clear, Empowering Others, and Adapting to Improve

Work Schedule

• Shifts: Days (7A7P), Nights (7P7A), or rotating
• Schedule Options:
• Three 12-hour shifts/week, OR
• Alternating 3 shifts one week / 2 shifts the next
• Weekend Rotation: One Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday per 4-week schedule
• Holidays: One major and one minor holiday for both winter and summer seasons
• Weekend option roles available

Compensation & Benefits

• $5.00/hour Float Pool premium
• Competitive base pay and shift differentials
• Paid onboarding: 1 week hospital orientation + 3 weeks unit-based orientation
• Career Ladder advancement opportunities
• PTO accrual and comprehensive benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision)
• Up to $25,000 in Nurse Loan Forgiveness
• Tuition assistance and certification bonus
• Relocation assistance (for moves >50 miles)
• Employee referral bonus program
• Duke-funded pension plan (fully vested after 5 years)
• 403(b) retirement savings plan
• Ongoing professional development through Duke Continuing Education

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited ADN, Diploma, or BSN program
• Minimum 1 year of recent RN experience (Intermediate/Stepdown or acute care preferred)

Note: RNs without a BSN must enroll in a BSN program within 2 years of hire and complete it within 7 years.

Licensure & Certifications

• Active RN license in North Carolina or compact state license
• BLS required
• ACLS, NIH, CPI preferred