Registered Nurse - PCU/Neuro Stepdown
Durham, North Carolina
Duke University Hospital

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse - PCU/Neuro Stepdown

Location: Durham, North Carolina
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Position Overview

Seeking a Registered Nurse for Progressive Care Unit (PCU) / Neuro Stepdown. Neuro experience is preferred but candidates with strong general medicine or surgical experience will also be considered.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in North Carolina
• Minimum 2 years of recent experience in Progressive Care Unit (PCU), with at least 1 year of PCU experience within the last year
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Certifications:

  • ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) issued by the American Heart Association
  • BLS (Basic Life Support) issued by the American Heart Association
  • NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale)
• Experience with Epic electronic health record system

Compliance and Documentation Requirements

• Background checks including SSN trace, county searches, sex offender, education verification, and sanction list searches must be completed within 90 days of start.
• Physical exam within 12 months of start.
• Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 12 months.
• Required immunizations/vaccinations: Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis B, Varicella, Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap, Polio.
• Drug testing: Negative 10-panel drug screen (including THC) within 30 days of start.
• Annual flu vaccination required for the 2025-26 season (no exemptions).
• Two professional references from employment within the last 12 months (at least one supervisor).
• Employment application and skills checklist must be current and complete.

Orientation and Onboarding

• Orientation sessions held bi-weekly.
• Competency exams and unit-specific training required.
• Candidates must set up a guest account prior to clearance to access orientation and work systems.

Additional Notes

• Candidates must be prepared to float to related units as needed.
• Local candidates within 75 miles may have adjusted pay rates (not disclosed here).
• This position is open to first-time travel nurses.

This role is ideal for a Registered Nurse with at least 2 years of recent experience, comfortable with neuro or stepdown care, and ready to work in a fast-paced PCU environment.