Assistant Nurse Manager - Cardiology Stepdown

Duke Careers • Durham, NC

17d • Onsite

About The Position

This role is ideal for an experienced bedside RN ready to grow into clinical leadership while maintaining a strong hands-on presence in patient care. Many of our patients transfer directly from the ICU, post-procedure, or from outside hospitals that require an elevated level of care. Our team specializes in the care of patients with acute coronary syndromes, post-cardiac catheterization recovery, electrophysiology procedures, dysrhythmia, heart failure, heart transplant evaluation, and congenital heart disease. These patients may have multi-system involvement, including pulmonary, renal, endocrine, and neurological conditions.

The Clinical Nurse Leader (CN IV) is a hybrid clinical and leadership role that combines direct patient care with unit‑based leadership, coaching, and operational support. This position serves as an early leadership pathway for nurses interested in advancing into formal nurse management roles while remaining clinically grounded. The CN IV Leader supports unit leadership by coordinating care delivery, mentoring staff, advancing quality initiatives, and promoting evidence‑based practice—without direct budgetary ownership.

Requirements

• BSN from an accredited nursing program is required
• Minimum of 3 years of RN experience
• Current (or compact) RN license in North Carolina
• BLS required

Nice To Haves

• Cardiology ICU or Stepdown experience preferred
• Leadership experience preferred
• candidates must be open to working night shifts as needed
• For Internal Candidates: Clinical Nurse II or III nurses are eligible to apply

Responsibilities

• Identify and address the care needs of cardiology patient populations across the continuum of care
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to support safe, high‑quality patient care delivery
• Serve as a visible clinical leader and resource on the unit
• Guide the professional growth of nursing staff through role modeling, coaching, and mentoring
• Support orientation programs and serve as a primary preceptor for senior nursing students as appropriate
• Collaborate with nurse educators and clinical nurse specialists on unit‑based education needs
• Monitor clinical practice and support compliance with professional, regulatory, and accreditation standards
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and multidisciplinary committees focused on patient safety and outcomes
• Analyze patient care trends and support nursing staff in evidence‑based best practices
• Provide guidance on the selection, use, and evaluation of equipment and supplies
• Collaborate with appropriate departments on vendor feedback and performance evaluation
• Support operational efficiency initiatives on the unit
• Participate in departmental, institutional, or broader initiatives that enhance patient care quality and staff development
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide input on hiring, performance improvement, and personnel actions in collaboration with unit leadership

Benefits

• $15,000 Commitment Bonus for eligible experienced RNs- Paid in four equal installments over 24 months (every six months)
• Up to $25,000 Nurse Loan Forgiveness
• Relocation assistance up to $8,000 available for Nurses relocating greater than 50 miles to Durham, NC.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level