Registered Nurse - 5100 Pediatric Emergency Extension

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.

About 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 Duke Health's four hospitals with 1062 patient beds, it features comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.

Duke Nursing Highlights:

• Duke University Health System is designated as a Magnet organization
• Nurses from each hospital are consistently recognized each year as North Carolina's Great 100 Nurses.
• Duke University Health System was awarded the American Board of Nursing Specialties Award for Nursing Certification Advocacy for being strong advocates of specialty nursing certification.
• Duke University Health System has 6000 + registered nurses
• Quality of Life: Living in the Triangle!
• Relocation Assistance (based on eligibility)

Registered Nurse (Experienced RN)
Pediatric Emergency Department – Extension Area (5100)
Duke University Health System

Duke University Health System is seeking an experienced Registered Nurse to join the Pediatric ED Extension Area (5100)—a specialized pediatric setting designed to provide safe, supportive care for children awaiting placement, many with behavioral health needs.

This role is ideal for experienced RNs who are passionate about pediatric behavioral health, value strong staffing and safety support, and want meaningful patient interaction without the constant medical acuity of a traditional emergency department assignment.

Why This Role Stands Out

• Specialized pediatric behavioral health focus with minimal medical acuity
• Dedicated Behavioral Health Technician for every patient (1:1 staffing support)
• Smaller, structured environment with an 8-bed capacity
• Opportunity to build therapeutic relationships rather than rapid turnover care
• Strong safety emphasis with CPI training and team-based support
• Meaningful incentives including bonus, loan forgiveness, and relocation assistance

Incentives

• $15,000 Experienced RN Commitment Bonus
Paid in four equal installments over 24 months (every six months)

• Up to $25,000 Nurse Loan Forgiveness

• Relocation assistance available

Department Profile

The Pediatric ED Extension Area (5100) is a physically separate unit from the main Pediatric Emergency Department. The unit cares for pediatric patients who are awaiting care placement, many of whom have behavioral health needs and minimal to no acute medical needs.

• Capacity: 8 beds
• Patient Population: Pediatric patients with behavioral health needs and limited medical complexity
• Care Model: Space designed to support group interaction, observation, and therapeutic engagement
• Staffing Model: Two RNs per shift with each patient supported by a dedicated Behavioral Health Technician (1:1)

Work Schedule

• Full-time
• Rotating 12-hour shifts
– Day shift: 7:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
– Night shift: 7:00 p.m. – 7:30 a.m.

What You Will Do

As a Clinical Nurse II in the Pediatric ED Extension Area, you will:

• Provide professional nursing care aligned with individualized plans of care, policies, and evidence-based practice
• Utilize the nursing process to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care
• Apply clinical judgment to support pediatric patients with behavioral health needs
• Collaborate closely with Behavioral Health Technicians, physicians, APPs, and interdisciplinary team members
• Maintain a safe, therapeutic environment for patients and staff
• Delegate and supervise care activities as appropriate
• Support families through education, communication, and care coordination
• Participate in quality improvement and unit-based initiatives
• Precept new staff and learners as assigned

What You Can Expect

• A focused patient population with time to engage and assess thoroughly
• Lower medical acuity compared to traditional ED assignments
• Strong emphasis on safety, structure, and teamwork
• Consistent collaboration with behavioral health–focused staff
• Clear workflows supporting patient observation, stabilization, and transition planning

What We Will Provide

• Paid orientation (4–6 weeks, based on experience)
• Ongoing professional development through Duke’s Office of Continuing Education
• Clinical ladder advancement opportunities
• Tuition assistance and loan forgiveness programs
• Relocation grant
• Employee referral program
• Annual performance increases
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and pension plan

What You Will Need

• Graduation from an accredited BSN, ADN, or Nursing Diploma program
• At least twelve months of relevant clinical nursing experience

Note: RNs without a BSN are required to enroll in a BSN program within two years of hire and complete it within seven years.

Licensure & Certification

• Current RN licensure with the North Carolina Board of Nursing or compact RN license
• BLS certification required
• CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) training required within 6–12 months of hire

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 onthe 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.

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.