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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 the four Duke Healthhospitals 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) – 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.
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 system—all 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 (7A–7P), Nights (7P–7A), 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
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 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.