Registered Nurse - 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 OutSpecialized pediatric behavioral health focus with minimal medical acuityDedicated Behavioral Health Technician for every patient (1:1 staffing support)Smaller, structured environment with an 8-bed capacityOpportunity to build therapeutic relationships rather than rapid turnover careStrong safety emphasis with CPI training and team-based supportMeaningful 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 ForgivenessRelocation 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 bedsPatient Population: Pediatric patients with behavioral health needs and limited medical complexityCare Model: Space designed to support group interaction, observation, and therapeutic engagementStaffing Model: Two RNs per shift with each patient supported by a dedicated Behavioral Health Technician (1:1) Work ScheduleFull-timeRotating 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 practiceUtilize the nursing process to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient careApply clinical judgment to support pediatric patients with behavioral health needsCollaborate closely with Behavioral Health Technicians, physicians, APPs, and interdisciplinary team membersMaintain a safe, therapeutic environment for patients and staffDelegate and supervise care activities as appropriateSupport families through education, communication, and care coordinationParticipate in quality improvement and unit-based initiativesPrecept new staff and learners as assigned What You Can ExpectA focused patient population with time to engage and assess thoroughlyLower medical acuity compared to traditional ED assignmentsStrong emphasis on safety, structure, and teamworkConsistent collaboration with behavioral health-focused staffClear workflows supporting patient observation, stabilization, and transition planning What We Will ProvidePaid orientation (4-6 weeks, based on experience)Ongoing professional development through Duke's Office of Continuing EducationClinical ladder advancement opportunitiesTuition assistance and loan forgiveness programsRelocation grantEmployee referral programAnnual performance increasesComprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and pension plan What You Will NeedGraduation from an accredited BSN, ADN, or Nursing Diploma programAt 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 & CertificationCurrent RN licensure with the North Carolina Board of Nursing or compact RN licenseBLS certification requiredCPI (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.

Created: 2026-03-11