Registered Nurse - Pediatric Emergency Extension
About The Position
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 Out • Specialized pediatric behavioral health focus with minimal medical acuity• Dedicated Behavioral Health Technician for every patient (1:1 staffing support)• Smaller, structured environment with an 8-bed capacity• Opportunity to build therapeutic relationships rather than rapid turnover care• Strong safety emphasis with CPI training and team-based support• Meaningful incentives including bonus, loan forgiveness, and relocation assistance Incentives • $15,000 Experienced RN Commitment BonusPaid in four equal installments over 24 months (every six months) • Up to $25,000 Nurse Loan Forgiveness • Relocation 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 beds• Patient Population: Pediatric patients with behavioral health needs and limited medical complexity• Care Model: Space designed to support group interaction, observation, and therapeutic engagement• Staffing Model: Two RNs per shift with each patient supported by a dedicated Behavioral Health Technician (1:1)
Requirements
- Graduation from an accredited BSN, ADN, or Nursing Diploma program
- At least twelve months of relevant clinical nursing experience
- Current RN licensure with the North Carolina Board of Nursing or compact RN license
- BLS certification required
- CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) training required within 6–12 months of hire
Responsibilities
- Provide professional nursing care aligned with individualized plans of care, policies, and evidence-based practice
- Utilize the nursing process to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care
- Apply clinical judgment to support pediatric patients with behavioral health needs
- Collaborate closely with Behavioral Health Technicians, physicians, APPs, and interdisciplinary team members
- Maintain a safe, therapeutic environment for patients and staff
- Delegate and supervise care activities as appropriate
- Support families through education, communication, and care coordination
- Participate in quality improvement and unit-based initiatives
- Precept new staff and learners as assigned
Benefits
- Relocation Assistance (based on eligibility)
- $15,000 Experienced RN Commitment BonusPaid in four equal installments over 24 months (every six months)
- Up to $25,000 Nurse Loan Forgiveness
- Relocation assistance available
- Paid orientation (4–6 weeks, based on experience)
- Ongoing professional development through Duke’s Office of Continuing Education
- Clinical ladder advancement opportunities
- Tuition assistance and loan forgiveness programs
- Relocation grant
- Employee referral program
- Annual performance increases
- Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and pension plan
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Associate degree
