What are the responsibilities and job description for the Registered Nurse (New Grad) - Peds Transplant & Cellular Therapy position at Duke University Health System?
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 Hospital
Full Time | Day/Night Rotating
Must be willing to start in September or October 2026.
Duke University Health System seeks to hire an experienced Registered Nurse with a passion for high-acuity, relationship-centered pediatric care to join our Pediatric Transplant & Cellular Therapy/Oncology Unit. This team plays a vital role in Duke Children’s mission of Advancing Health Together.
Unit Overview
This 17-bed blended pediatric specialty unit cares for a unique and complex patient population, including:
Acuity Level
Responsibilities
As a Clinical Nurse I, you will deliver comprehensive, evidence-based care in alignment with the medical and nursing plans of care. Responsibilities include:
Core Responsibilities
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.
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)
Duke University Hospital
Full Time | Day/Night Rotating
Must be willing to start in September or October 2026.
Duke University Health System seeks to hire an experienced Registered Nurse with a passion for high-acuity, relationship-centered pediatric care to join our Pediatric Transplant & Cellular Therapy/Oncology Unit. This team plays a vital role in Duke Children’s mission of Advancing Health Together.
Unit Overview
This 17-bed blended pediatric specialty unit cares for a unique and complex patient population, including:
- Stem cell transplant recipients
- Cellular therapy patients (including CAR-T)
- Pediatric oncology patients with high-risk hematologic malignancies and brain tumors
- Children with sickle cell disease, metabolic disorders, and genetic conditions
Acuity Level
- Transplant & cellular therapy patients: ICU-level (“ICU light”)
- Oncology patients: step-down acuity
- RN-to-patient ratio: 1:1 to 1:3 depending on acuity
- Free-standing charge nurse 24/7 (no patient assignment)
- Health Unit Coordinator 24/7
- Nursing Assistants/NCAs on unit daily (7a–7p)
- Multidisciplinary rounds with active RN collaboration
Responsibilities
As a Clinical Nurse I, you will deliver comprehensive, evidence-based care in alignment with the medical and nursing plans of care. Responsibilities include:
Core Responsibilities
- Perform thorough pediatric assessments and ongoing monitoring of high-acuity transplant, cellular therapy, and oncology patients.
- Plan, provide, and document individualized nursing care using the nursing process.
- Administer chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and supportive regimens.
- Provide central line management (Broviac, Port-A-Cath, PICC).
- Administer and monitor blood products.
- Identify and respond to early signs of clinical deterioration.
- Educate patients and families on treatment, expectations, and home care.
- Delegate and supervise care delivered by licensed and unlicensed personnel.
- Serve as charge nurse or team leader as needed.
- Act as a preceptor and support the growth of new staff and learners.
- Contribute to clinical and operational performance improvement initiatives.
- Chemotherapy certification
- Cellular therapy and transplant competencies
- Management of:
- Engraftment syndrome
- Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)
- Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS)
- Neurotoxicity (ICANS)
- Advanced pediatric critical thinking and interdisciplinary communication
- A fast-paced, highly collaborative environment
- Relationship-based nursing with long-term patients and families
- Involvement in daily rounds and care planning
- Opportunities to grow in one of Duke’s highest-acuity pediatric care settings
- Paid training: 6–8 weeks of orientation based on experience
- Clinical Ladder advancement opportunities
- Tuition assistance
- Specialty certification bonus
- Performance increases
- Relocation assistance
- Employee referral program
- Comprehensive benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Pension, and more
- Robust professional development through Duke’s Office of Continuing Education
- Graduation from an accredited BSN, ADN, or Nursing Diploma program.
- RNs without a BSN must enroll in a BSN program within 2 years and complete it within 7 years
- Current NC RN license or compact license
- BLS certification required
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.