New Graduate Registered Nurse - Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

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 Duke Health's four hospitals 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)

Clinical Nurse I - New Graduate
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
Duke University Hospital
Rotating Shifts | Seeking May 2026 Graduates

Duke University Health System is seeking compassionate, motivated May 2026 nursing graduates to join the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Duke University Hospital. This is an exceptional opportunity to begin your nursing career in a nationally recognized academic medical center that is deeply committed to clinical excellence, learning, and family-centered care.

Department Overview
Duke University Hospital's NICU is a high-acuity, high-volume neonatal program that provides care for more than 1,000 infants each year, serving families from across the Southeast and around the world. The unit is comprised of the Special Care Nursery, Transitional Care Nursery, and Intensive Care Nursery, offering a full spectrum of neonatal care.

Patient populations include critically ill and medically complex newborns, such as extremely low birth weight infants, infants with persistent pulmonary hypertension, congenital and genetic anomalies (including diaphragmatic hernia, gastroschisis, and neural tube defects), and infants requiring palliative and long-term support. Nurses develop expertise in both acute and chronic neonatal care while working within a highly specialized, multidisciplinary team.

About the Role
As a Clinical Nurse I in the NICU, you will begin your practice with a structured orientation designed to support new graduates transitioning into high-acuity neonatal care. Nurses typically start by gaining experience in the Transitional Care and Special Care Nurseries, with opportunities to expand skills and work alongside the Intensive Care Nursery team as competencies develop.

You will collaborate closely with neonatologists, nurse practitioners, respiratory therapists, lactation consultants, social workers, and other specialists in a shared governance environment that values professional voice, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

This role is ideal for new graduates who are passionate about neonatal nursing, developmental and family-centered care, and lifelong learning in a fast-paced, highly supportive academic setting.

Work Schedule
Full-time
Three 12-hour shifts per week
Rotating day and night shifts: 7:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 a.m.
Minimum of 2-4 weekend shifts per four-week scheduling period

Key Responsibilities
Plan, provide, and document professional nursing care in accordance with established policies, procedures, and provider orders
Utilize the nursing process to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate individualized care for neonatal patients and their families
Provide safe, compassionate, and developmentally appropriate care for acutely and chronically ill newborns
Collaborate with the interdisciplinary healthcare team to support optimal patient outcomes
Delegate and supervise care activities for licensed and unlicensed team members as appropriate
Monitor patient status and initiate timely interventions to maintain a safe environment of care
Participate in orientation, ongoing education, and competency development
Engage in performance improvement activities and shared governance initiatives
Support families through education, communication, and emotional support during complex and often stressful hospitalizations

What You Can Expect
A fast-paced, highly specialized clinical environment with strong clinical mentorship
Hands-on learning with complex neonatal conditions and advanced technologies
Meaningful relationships with patients, families, and interdisciplinary colleagues
Opportunities to grow professionally through committee participation, clinical advancement, and specialty skill development

What We Offer
Comprehensive new graduate orientation and ongoing clinical support
Clinical Ladder Program with opportunities for advancement
Tuition assistance and continuing education support
Relocation assistance (if eligible)
Nursing specialty certification bonus
Employee referral program
Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and employee pension plan

Required Qualifications
Graduation by May 2026 from an accredited nursing program (BSN preferred; ADN or diploma considered)

All registered nurses without a Bachelor's degree in Nursing (or higher) are required to enroll in a BSN program within two years of hire and complete the program within seven years of the start date.

Licensure and Certifications
Current or eligible North Carolina RN licensure or compact RN license required
BLS certification required prior to start date