New Graduate Nurse Programs | Duke Health
United States

Career programs for new grad nurses

Meet Jaysia, Clinical Nurse I  |  With Duke since 2021
Read Jaysia's story

Launch your nursing career at Duke Health

Starting your journey as a new graduate nurse? Duke Health is always hiring and excited to support you as you transition into professional practice. All newly hired graduate nurses are automatically enrolled in our 12-month Nurse Residency Program—no separate application required.

By beginning your career with Duke Health, you’ll gain access to exceptional benefits, including Nurse Loan Forgiveness and a Career Ladder Program designed to help you grow, innovate, and build confidence in your skills. Explore our open opportunities anytime and take the first step toward a rewarding future in nursing.
Card text

We believe that we’re at our best when you’re at yours.

That’s why building a strong culture is important to us - once you join the flock, we have many ways for you to get involved and bring your “whole self” to your role.
Search Open Nursing Careers

Caption

Sales team help Phenom customers reach their business potential.
Nurses smile together while walking down a clinic hallway.

Full name

Nurse Residency Program
Every new graduate nurse who joins us is automatically enrolled in the 12-month paid Nurse Residency Program that mixes both foundational and specialty education in 13 tracks. With guidance from dedicated nurse educators, participants gain hands-on training and didactic instruction that strengthens clinical skills, reinforces decision-making, and promotes confidence at the bedside all while forming lasting professional relationships. Download the flyer for more information.
female nurse team member grabbing equipment in the operating room.

Full name

New to the Operating Room (NTTOR)
The New to the OR Training Program is available to new graduate and skilled nurses who want to gain operating room experience. The program involves six to nine months of training depending on the service line. Classroom instruction and preceptorships place nurses at the forefront of operating room procedures.
The application window for the next cohort is open. The application window for the February 2026 cohort is now closed. Any questions about the program can be directed to tenisha.taylor@duke.edu. 
The 2025 cohort of PNAs smiles together in scrubs at graduation.

Full name

Professional Nursing Assistant (PNA) Program
Prior to graduation, RN students are offered the opportunity to grow their skills and experiences by participating in our paid 10-week Professional Nursing Assistant Program. This program brings together students and preceptors in a unique, one-on-one clinical partnership where mentor relationships strengthen the students’ awareness of nursing scope of practice and critical thinking skills. Students in this program receive a mix of on-unit and off-unit learning to develop their communication and interpersonal skills and assist with procedures and treatments.

2026 PNA Program Dates: May 18, 2026 to July 26, 2026

Program Requirements:
  • Students must be currently enrolled in a RN program
  • Students are required to have a North Carolina Nurse Aide I certification prior to the start of the program 

The application for the 2026 program cohort is open and closes December 1, 2025. Questions about the program can be directed to NR_PNA_Program@dm.duke.edu. Download the program flyer.
male nurse sitting at computer.

Full name

Specialty Nurse Intern Program (SNIP)
This specialized training program at Duke University Hospital is for new graduate nurses interested in an Emergency Department career. It puts nurses in a structured, 26-week orientation that provides extensive clinical exposure combined with classroom lectures to help nurses better understand emergency services. A team of preceptors supports Specialty Nurse Intern Program (SNIP) trainees and engagement and support extend well beyond the formal six-month active program.

The application window for the February 2026 cohort is now closed. Questions can be directed to holly.m.price@duke.edu.
A sense of mutual respect and mindfulness permeates our culture-in fact, it’s the key to our success.

Talent Network

Join the Duke Health Talent Network to get all the information you need on new roles
and where we’re headed as an organization delivered directly to your inbox.

Join our talent community

A sense of mutual respect and mindfulness permeates our culture-in fact, it’s the key to our success.