Clinical Nurse IV Leader - Duke Life Flight (Smithfield)

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 Life Flight

Pursue your passion for caring with Duke Life Flight, which is Duke Health's critical care and emergency air and ground transport team, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems. The team includes paramedics, nurses, respiratory therapists, emergency medical technicians, and communications specialists who work quickly to provide compassionate care and transport services to critically ill patients of all ages. Duke Life Flight also maintains a Code Blue Response Team and helps support event medicine needs.

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)

Clinical Nurse IV Leader - Duke Life Flight

REPORTING RESPONSIBILITY
The Clinical Nurse IV (CN IV) Leader reports directly to the Nurse Manager and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to oversee nursing operations and patient care standards.

OCCUPATIONAL SUMMARY
The CN IV Leader is responsible for overseeing daily operations, coordinating program initiatives, and managing clinical personnel. The role is divided between administrative (40%) and clinical (60%) responsibilities, ensuring high-quality patient care and compliance with institutional and regulatory standards.  

CLINICAL DUTIES:

• Provides Shift Coordinator or direct patient care for a minimum of 2 – 12-hour shifts per week.
• Responsible for the Smithfield base and will operate in both Smithfield and Golden Dr.
• Travels to satellite locations as necessary to support program operations.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of nursing experience in a critical care setting; leadership experience preferred.  Prior critical care transport experience is required
• Licensure/Certification: Must hold current RN licensure in North Carolina or a compact state; BLS, ACLS, PALS, NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation), TNCC/TPATC (Trauma Certification) certification required.
• Future Certification required:  CFRN within 2 yrs of hire and EMT-B within 12 months of hire

WORK PERFORMED

Program and Staff Management:

• Oversees daily transport and clinical operations, ensuring compliance with policies and procedures.
• Monitors and maintains all up to date licensure requirements for all staff in collaboration with the Supervisor / Educator
• Manages staffing and scheduling for assigned personnel in collaboration with the unit Supervisor / Educator.
• Leads orientation and training programs.
• Provides mentorship and guidance to team members.
• Conducts performance evaluations and manages professional development initiatives for all assigned employees. Available to lead and supervise all employees on the team.
• Leads and manages staff schedules in collaboration with the Schedule Committee and leadership team members for all staffing units needs

Clinical Oversight & Patient Care:

• Serves as a resource for clinical decision-making and patient care management.
• Reviews patient charts and provides feedback for continuous quality improvement.
• Ensures adherence to evidence-based practice guidelines and institutional protocols.

Compliance & Regulatory Standards:

• Ensures compliance with The Joint Commission (TJC), CAMTS, GAMUT, Magnet and other accrediting bodies.
• Monitors adherence to hospital-wide policies and standards of care.
• Oversees credentialing and competency validation for clinical staff.

Quality Improvement & Research:

• Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to analyze patient care data and identify areas for improvement.
• Engages in research initiatives and quality assurance projects.
• Leads performance improvement initiatives to enhance patient safety and operational efficiency.

Education & Staff Development:

• Develops and delivers in-service training and continuing education programs.
• Serves as a mentor and preceptor for nursing students and new hires.
• Works with clinical educators to assess training needs and implement educational initiatives.

Collaboration & Communication:

• Partners with IT specialists to enhance clinical technology use and troubleshooting.
• Works closely with leadership teams to align operational goals with institutional priorities.
• Collaborates with medical directors to optimize care delivery and clinical protocols.

Operational & Budgetary Responsibilities:

• Assists in budget planning, resource allocation and payroll activity as assigned.
• Provides recommendations for equipment and technology enhancements.
• Ensures cost-effective management of resources while maintaining high standards of care.

Transport Program Oversight:

• Works in conjunction with pilots and fleet coordinators to maintain safe and efficient transport operations.
• Establishes and nurtures relationships with affiliate hospitals and emergency response teams.
• Participates in emergency preparedness planning and response coordination.

Leadership & Professional Growth:

• Leads department initiatives to enhance patient experience and quality of care.
• Represents the unit in institutional committees and external professional organizations.
• Assists in preparing and leading staff meetings, committee meetings and formal team initiatives as assigned
• Engages in professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices and industry advancements.
• Maintains all Clinical Nurse IV level requirements

Distinguishing Characteristics of this Level
The CN IV Leader is a highly skilled clinician and leader who influences change by fostering collaboration, driving quality improvement initiatives, and mentoring future nursing professionals. This role requires advanced problem-solving abilities, strong communication skills, and the capacity to lead at departmental, institutional, and regional levels.