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Step Down Unit Rn Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Focus Staff is seeking a travel nurse RN PCU - Progressive Care Unit for a travel nursing job in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. & Requirements * Specialty: PCU - Progressive Care Unit * Discipline: RN ...

RN - ICU ICU registered nurses (RNs) provide care to critical medical, surgical and traumatized patients. Close monitoring and observation of the patient's heart rate, blood pressure and respiration ...

Registered Nurse (RN) - Intensive Care Unit (ICU) | PRN | Raleigh, NC | $43/hr Shifts Available: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM & 7:00 PM - 7:00 AM Location: Raleigh, NC Pay Rate: $43/hour Job Type: PRN Why Join ...

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Step Down Unit Rn information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$37.9K

$70.4K

$99.2K

How much do step down unit rn jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for step down unit rn in Raleigh, NC is $70,379.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,100.00 and $67,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Step Down Unit RNs?

Step Down Unit RNs are registered nurses who care for patients who require more attention than those on a general medical-surgical floor but are not critical enough for the intensive care unit (ICU). They monitor patients closely, administer medications, and respond quickly to changes in condition. Step Down Unit RNs often work with patients recovering from surgery, cardiac events, or severe illnesses, providing advanced monitoring and support to help them transition to lower levels of care.

What is the difference between Step Down Unit Rn vs Medical-Surgical Nurse?

AspectStep Down Unit RnMedical-Surgical Nurse
CredentialsRN license, possibly CCRN or specialty certificationsRN license, often same certifications
Work EnvironmentIntermediate care units, closer patient monitoringGeneral hospital floors, broader patient care
Patient AcuityHigher acuity, more complex casesModerate acuity, routine cases
Job FocusMonitoring critical signs, managing unstable patientsProviding basic nursing care, patient education

The main difference between a Step Down Unit Rn and a Medical-Surgical Nurse lies in patient acuity and care complexity. Step Down Unit Rns handle higher acuity patients requiring closer monitoring, while Medical-Surgical Nurses care for patients with moderate needs. Both roles require an RN license and similar certifications, but the work environment and patient care focus differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Step Down Unit RN, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Step Down Unit RN, you need strong clinical assessment skills, acute care experience, and an active RN license, often with ACLS certification. Familiarity with telemetry monitoring, electronic health records (EHRs), and advanced life support protocols is essential. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and resilience help you manage complex patient needs and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring patient safety and optimal outcomes in a high-acuity, fast-paced environment.

What are some common challenges faced by Step Down Unit RNs, and how can they be addressed?

Step Down Unit RNs often manage patients who are too ill for general medical-surgical floors but do not require intensive care, which means rapidly changing patient conditions can present significant challenges. Balancing a higher patient-to-nurse ratio than in the ICU while still providing vigilant monitoring requires strong organizational and prioritization skills. Effective communication with multidisciplinary teams and quick decision-making are essential to ensure patient safety. Many RNs find that actively seeking mentorship, participating in continuing education, and using available support resources can help manage these challenges and support professional growth.
What are popular job titles related to Step Down Unit Rn jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Step Down Unit Rn jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Step Down Unit Rn jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Step Down Unit Rn jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
Infographic showing various Step Down Unit Rn job openings in Raleigh, NC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,379 per year, or $33.8 per hour.
Registered Nurse (RN) General Medicine Stepdown

Registered Nurse (RN) General Medicine Stepdown

Duke University

Durham, NC

Other

Posted 15 days ago


Duke University rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

441st of 538 rated colleges and universities


Job description

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 Regional Hospital

Pursue your passion for caring with Duke Regional Hospital in Durham, North Carolina. With 388 beds it is the second largest of Duke Health's four hospitals and offers a comprehensive range ofmedical, surgical, and diagnostic services, including orthopedics, weight-loss surgery, women's services, and heart and vascular services.

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)
Unit Overview

The General Medicine Step-down is a 40-bed general medicine unit. Acuity is a mix of intermediate and progressive care/step-down. There is a lot of opportunity to practice a variety of skills amongst a wide range of patient types which, in addition to general medicine, includes some surgery, neurology, palliative care, and inpatient hospice. This unit is consistently recognized as a high-performing team by leadership and work culture scores indicate a healthy, team-supported environment. Come be part of the magic in an area that welcomes new and experienced nurses. Great Unit to set a good nursing foundation. We are eager to add like-minded motivated nurses to our staff. We truly believe we offer Opportunities for a Lifetime at Duke Health!

$15,000 bonus for RNs with 1+ years of experience, eligibility rules apply

Up to $8,000 in relocation assistance, eligibility rules apply

Shift Information

Full-time; 36 hours per week.

Three (3) 12-hour shifts.

Day shift 7a-7p

General Description of this Role

Independently plan and provide professional nursing care for patients in accordance with physician orders and established policies and procedures. Provide nursing services to patients and families in accordance with the scope of the RN as defined by the North Carolina Board of Nursing.

Duties and Responsibilities of this Role
  • Plan, provide, and document professional nursing care, utilizing the nursing process, by physician orders and established policies and procedures under the supervision of the team leader or charge nurse.
  • Delegate tasks and supervise the activities of other licensed and unlicensed care providers.
  • Assist other healthcare personnel in the delivery of patient care. Participate in maintaining the environment of care including equipment and material resources.
  • Prioritize work organization and identify resources available to assist in completing components of care promptly.
  • Participate in professional development by maintaining required competencies, identifying learning needs, and seeking appropriate assistance or educational offerings.
  • Support the development of other staff and formal learners. Participate in the identification of clinical or operational performance improvement opportunities and assist in performance improvement activities.
  • Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.
Minimum Qualifications Education
  • Work requires graduation from an accredited BSN program.
  • Registered Nurses who do not have a Bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN) or higher will be required to enroll in an appropriate BSN program within two years of their start date, and to complete that program within seven years of their start date in this role.
  • 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
  • No experience required. 
  • All CNIs will be enrolled in and must complete the DUHS Nurse Residency Program within 12 months of hire.
  • CNIs are required to meet criteria set forth by the DUHS Nurse Residency Program within 18 months of hire to be promoted to CNII.
Degrees, Licensures, Certifications
  • Must have current or compact RN licensure in the state of North Carolina.
  • BLS required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Knowledge of scope of the registered nurse, licensed practical nurse and NCA
  • 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
  • Able 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 JCAHO and other regulatory requirements
  • Pre-employment Physical Capacity Testing 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.



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About Duke University

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Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools and hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Durham, NC, US