Registered Nurse (Experienced) - Duke University Hospital - Operating Room - Orthopedic

Work Arrangement: 
Requisition Number:  276163
Regular or Temporary:  Regular
Location: 

Durham, NC, US, 27710

Personnel Area:  DUKE HOSPITAL
Date:  Oct 20, 2026

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 the four Duke Healthhospitals 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) – Duke University Hospital –  Operating Room - Orthopedics - Durham

 


Newly Hired RNs (with at least one year Nursing experience) will be eligible to receive a $15,000 sign-on bonus that will be paid out over 24 months.

*** Relocation bonus available ***

* The unit is also eligible for up to $25,000 student loan forgiveness from your first Nursing degree

 

Duke University Health System seeks to hire a Clinical Nurse II who will embrace our mission of Transforming Lives Transforming Care.

 

Preferred Qualifications: 1 Year Operating Room Experience 

Orthopedic Operating Room (OR) Unit Description The Orthopedic Operating Room at Duke University Hospital is a specialized surgical unit dedicated to providing advanced orthopedic care for patients with musculoskeletal conditions. Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with cutting-edge technology to support a wide range of orthopedic procedures, including joint replacements, spine surgeries, fracture repairs, sports injuries, and complex reconstructions.

Common Procedures and Surgeries

· Total Joint Replacement (Hip, Knee, and Shoulder)

· Arthroscopic Surgeries (Knee, Shoulder, Hip)

· Spine Surgeries (Spinal Fusion, Laminectomy, Discectomy)

· Fracture Repairs (Open Reduction and Internal Fixation, External Fixation)

· Rotator Cuff Repair

· Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction

· Carpal Tunnel Release

· Hand and Wrist Surgery

· Foot and Ankle Surgery (Bunionectomy, Achilles Tendon Repair)

· Revision Joint Surgery (for failed joint replacements)

· Osteotomy (Bone realignment procedures)

· Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeries

Staffed by a highly skilled multidisciplinary team of orthopedic surgeons, anesthesiologists, perioperative nurses, surgical technologists, and support staff, the unit ensures the highest standards of patient safety and care. The team works collaboratively to provide personalized, evidence-based care with a focus on patient outcomes and recovery.

Our nurses are certified in perioperative nursing and have specialized training in orthopedic procedures. They play a critical role in preparing patients for surgery, assisting in the operating room, and supporting post-operative recovery. The unit emphasizes continuous professional development and a strong culture of teamwork, ensuring that patients receive the highest level of care.

The Orthopedic OR also collaborates closely with other departments, including physical therapy, radiology, and pain management, to ensure comprehensive care throughout the surgical experience. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, the Orthopedic OR at Duke University Hospital is recognized for its leadership in orthopedic surgery and patient-centered care.

 

Work Performed

Identify care needs for patient populations at the unit level. Provide leadership in the development of standards of care, patient/family education and staff education to address the needs of specific populations. Participate in educational activities, departmental committees, research projects and other health-related projects as assigned. Provide direction and guidance in the proper use, care and control of material resources; appraise quality and effectiveness of material and equipment and communicate to responsible individuals. Anticipate potential safety concerns in the environment of care and intervene. Guide the professional growth of others at the unit level through precepting, role modeling, coaching and/or mentoring. Provideleadership at a unit level for initiatives designed to improve the quality of care or clinical outcomes for populations of patients and growth of others. Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of scope of the registered nurse, licensed practical nurse and Unlicensed staff. Knowledge of and appropriate application of the nursing process Knowledge of professional theory, practice and procedure Ability to assess nursing needs of acute and chronically ill patients and their families Ability to independently seek out resources and work collaboratively Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships Ability to communicate clearly with patients, families, visitors, healthcare team, physicians, administrators, leadership and others Ability to teach patients and families in accordance with the nursing plan of care Ability to use sensory and cognitive functions to process and prioritize information, treatment, and follow-up Ability to use fine motor skills Competent in BLS and/or other specialized life support requirements designated by work area Ability to record activities, document assessments, plan of care, interventions, evaluation and re-evaluation of patient status Ability to use computer and learn new software programs Ability to document and communicate pertinent information using computer and/or paper documentation tools Ability to navigate the entity to provide clinical care for patients Ability to withstand prolonged standing and walking Ability to remain focused and organized Working knowledge of procedures and techniques involved in administering routine and special treatments to patients Working knowledge of infection control procedures and safety precautions Working knowledge and completion of appropriate The Joint Commission (TJC) and other regulatory requirements. Pre-employment Physical Capacity Testing Required

 

Level Characteristics

The Clinical Nurse III provides leadership at the unit level. The CNIII independently and creatively implements the nursing process for individual patients and identifies needs and plans care for unit patient populations. The CNIII is positive during changes and supports growth of peers. The CNIII is able to effectively communicate with all members of the health care team.

 

Minimum Qualifications

 

Education

Work requires graduation from an accredited BSN program. Exception:Registered nurses hired between July 1, 2014 and April 11, 2021 without a Bachelor's degree in Nursing (or higher) are encouraged to enroll in an appropriate BSN program within two years of their start date but must complete the program within seven years of their start date. Registered nurses hired before July 1, 2014 are not required to enroll in a BSN program to remain in this job classification.

 

Experience

Applicants must meet all requirements set forth by the DUHS NursingCareer Ladder Program for level III.

 

Degrees, Licensures, Certifications

Must have current or compact RN licensure in the state of North Carolina. BLS required.



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 on the 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.



Nearest Major Market: Durham
Nearest Secondary Market: Raleigh