Experienced Registered Nurse, Intermediate/Stepdown Units, Float Pool

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