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

Duke University Hospital seeks an experienced Registered Nurse for the Orthopedic Operating Room. This specialized surgical unit provides advanced orthopedic care for patients with musculoskeletal conditions using state-of-the-art technology and equipment.

You will work as part of a highly skilled multidisciplinary team including orthopedic surgeons, anesthesiologists, perioperative nurses, surgical technologists, and support staff. The unit emphasizes patient safety, evidence-based care, and collaborative teamwork focused on optimal patient outcomes and recovery.

Clinical Setting

The Orthopedic Operating Room at Duke University Hospital is a specialized surgical unit equipped with cutting-edge technology to support a wide range of orthopedic procedures. The unit collaborates closely with physical therapy, radiology, and pain management to ensure comprehensive care throughout the surgical experience.

Common procedures include total joint replacement (hip, knee, shoulder), arthroscopic surgeries, spine surgeries (spinal fusion, laminectomy, discectomy), fracture repairs, rotator cuff repair, ACL reconstruction, carpal tunnel release, hand and wrist surgery, foot and ankle surgery, revision joint surgery, osteotomy, and pediatric orthopedic surgeries.

Responsibilities

• Identify care needs for patient populations at the unit level
• Provide leadership in developing standards of care, patient and family education, and staff education
• Participate in educational activities, departmental committees, research projects, and health-related initiatives
• Provide direction and guidance in proper use, care, and control of material resources
• Anticipate potential safety concerns in the care environment and intervene appropriately
• Guide professional growth of others through precepting, role modeling, coaching, and mentoring
• Provide unit-level leadership for initiatives designed to improve quality of care and clinical outcomes
• Prepare patients for surgery, assist in the operating room, and support post-operative recovery
• Assess nursing needs of acute and chronically ill patients and their families
• Teach patients and families in accordance with the nursing plan of care
• Document assessments, plan of care, interventions, and patient status evaluation
• Maintain effective working relationships with patients, families, healthcare team members, physicians, and administrators

Required Qualifications

• Current or compact RN licensure in North Carolina
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited program (exceptions apply for nurses hired between July 1, 2014 and April 11, 2021; those hired before July 1, 2014 are not required to hold a BSN)
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• Meet all requirements set forth by the DUHS Nursing Career Ladder Program for Clinical Nurse III level
• Pre-employment Physical Capacity Testing required

Preferred Qualifications

• One year of Operating Room experience

Certifications and Skills

• Certified in perioperative nursing with specialized training in orthopedic procedures
• Ability to assess nursing needs and independently implement the nursing process
• Ability to work collaboratively and seek out resources
• Ability to communicate clearly with all members of the healthcare team
• Competency in using sensory and cognitive functions to process and prioritize information
• Fine motor skills
• Ability to use computer systems and learn new software programs
• Working knowledge of infection control procedures and safety precautions
• Ability to withstand prolonged standing and walking
• Ability to remain focused and organized

Compensation and Benefits

• Sign-on bonus of $15,000 for newly hired RNs with at least one year of nursing experience, paid over 24 months
• Up to $25,000 student loan forgiveness from your first nursing degree
• Relocation assistance available (based on eligibility)
• Relocation bonus available

About Duke University Hospital

Duke University Hospital is the largest of four Duke Health hospitals with 1,062 patient beds. It is consistently ranked among the best hospitals in the United States and features comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center and endo-surgery center. Duke University Health System is designated as a Magnet organization and has over 6,000 registered nurses. Nurses are consistently recognized annually as North Carolina's Great 100 Nurses. The system was awarded the American Board of Nursing Specialties Award for Nursing Certification Advocacy. The Triangle area offers excellent quality of life.