Registered Nurse (Experienced) - Duke University Hospital - Partial Hospitalization Program

Duke Careers•Durham, NC

3d•Onsite

About The Position

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 and is the number one hospital in North Carolina, according to U.S. News and World Report for 2023-2024. Duke University Hospital is the largest of Duke Health's three hospitals and features 1048 patient beds, 65 operating rooms, as well as 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 organizationNurses 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 (RN) (Experienced) – Duke Children’s Partial Hospitalization ProgramDepartment: Duke Children’s Behavioral HealthLocation: 2608 Erwin Road, Suite 300, Durham, NC 27705 Work Schedule:Full-time, 1.0 FTEMonday–Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.No weekends, no holidays, no on-call Target Start Date:Mid-March 2026, in preparation for program opening on April 1, 2026 Program Overview The Duke Children’s Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is a newly established outpatient behavioral health program serving children and adolescents with mental health conditions. The program provides structured, intensive treatment equivalent to a school day while allowing patients to return home each evening. Patients attend the program each weekday for approximately 2–4 weeks and participate in individual, group, and family therapies within a multidisciplinary care model. This is a unique opportunity to join a new pediatric behavioral health program during its launch phase and contribute to the development of workflows, safety practices, and team culture from the ground up. The selected candidate will begin in mid-March 2026 to allow dedicated time for hospital orientation, program training, and preparation prior to the start of patient care. Position Summary The Registered Nurse (RN) for the Duke Children’s Partial Hospitalization Program plays a key role in supporting the medical, psychiatric, and safety needs of pediatric patients receiving intensive outpatient behavioral health treatment. This role blends direct patient care, medication management, care coordination, and interdisciplinary collaboration in a structured outpatient setting. The RN works closely with psychiatrists, therapists, social workers, and other team members to ensure safe, coordinated, and family-centered care throughout the treatment day. This position offers meaningful clinical complexity without the demands of inpatient, shift-based nursing.

Requirements

Current Registered Nurse licensure with the North Carolina State Board of Nursing or compact RN license eligible to practice in North Carolina
Graduation from an accredited Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or Nursing Diploma program
BLS certification required

Nice To Haves

Experience working with children and adolescents with behavioral health diagnoses such as ADHD, ODD, ASD, IDD, MDD, and related conditions
Experience in partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, or outpatient behavioral health settings
Experience with medication prior authorizations, care coordination, or telephone triage
PALS certification
De-escalation training (e.g., CPI); required within one year of hire if not already completed

Responsibilities

Conduct patient intake activities including vital signs, medication reconciliation, pharmacy review, and safety/falls assessments
Monitor patient health status throughout the treatment day and notify providers of changes or concerns
Maintain safety within the PHP milieu and assist with behavioral or medical emergencies as needed
Serve as a point person during involuntary commitment (IVC) processes when applicable
Manage medication refill requests, including chart review for appropriateness, pharmacy verification, and provider coordination
Complete medication prior authorizations by gathering clinical documentation, collaborating with providers, submitting requests, and supporting appeals when necessary
Communicate prior authorization outcomes to patients, families, pharmacies, and providers
Work with insurance carriers, including NC Medicaid, to resolve medication access and coverage issues
Respond to nursing phone line calls related to medication questions, symptom concerns, safety assessments, and care coordination
Provide patient and family education related to medications, treatment expectations, and next steps
Coordinate care with internal and external partners including clinics, schools, DSS, and community providers
Manage patient messages, refill requests, and clinical communication in Epic/MyChart
Complete or assist with patient-specific notes, screening tools, and forms as requested by providers
Place lab orders as directed and collect specimens via venipuncture or urine, ensuring appropriate handling, documentation, and charge capture
Perform EKGs when ordered
Assist with daily intake and patient flow within the Partial Hospitalization Program
Collaborate with the multidisciplinary treatment team to address medical, psychiatric, psychosocial, and family needs
Develop familiarity with Duke and community behavioral health resources, including access pathways and insurance considerations
Participate in program development efforts, including refining workflows and supporting a safe, therapeutic environment