PNA Onboarding | Duke Health
United States

Professional Nursing
Assistant
Program

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Welcome to the Professional Nursing Assistant Program


We're excited that you've chosen to bring your talents to Duke Health and kickstart your nursing career with us. As we prepare to welcome you to the program, please carefully review the information and resources listed below, which are designed to help you through the onboarding process.

Important dates to remember


Friday, May 1, 2026: A copy of your unofficial transcript must be submitted using the link in your offer letter. 

Monday, May 11, 2026: Selected applicants must be registered as a Nurse Aide I with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services by this date. 

Monday, May 18, 2026: The Professional Nursing Assistant Program will begin. On this date, you'll also begin a program-specific orientation as well as a virtual health system-wide orientation. More information on both orientation sessions will be shared with you via email. 

Sunday, July 26, 2026: The Professional Nursing Assistant Program will end. Before this date, you'll need to return your badge and any property of Duke Health to your direct supervisor.  

Next steps

There are three next steps as we approach the program start date.

To be added to a website to explore temporary housing and attractions in the areas where you work or to express interest in connecting with other PNAs looking for a roommate, please email us. 

You must be certified through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services as a Nurse Aide I by May 11, 2026. There are several approved testing sites across the state, through Credentia.

Transcript

Within 90 days of the program start date, a recruiting coordinator will reach out to you via email to complete several new hire tasks, including a health screen with the Employee Occupational Health and Wellness team at Duke Health. Please ensure your email address on file is current so you can receive communications about the program. Read more on required new hire tasks.

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General program timeline


Week One: May 18 - May 23
Attend a program-specific orientation session, where you will meet fellow program team members and learn more about your new role and scope. You will also attend the virtual Day 1 at Duke Health Orientation as well as the Nursing and Patient Care Services (PCS) Orientation that will include in-person and virtual sessions. 

Week Two: May 25 - May 31
Begin reporting to your assigned unit. 

Weeks Three to Six: June 1 - June 28
Attend touch-point sessions, where you will learn about new graduate nurse resume and interview skills and best practices. You will also learn about decompensating and Code Blue patient scenarios. 

Final Week: July 20 - July 26 (date to be confirmed)
Join us for an end-of-program celebration, where we will celebrate your journey with us and discover new graduate nurse opportunities across Duke Health. 

Uniform requirements


All hospitals and divisions at Duke Health require program participants to follow the uniform guidance below. 
 
  • Solid Ceil Blue scrubs
  • If you are assigned to the operating room, scrubs will be provided. 
  • Undershirts are permitted in the following colors: ceil blue, white, black, or gray. No fleece is allowed while providing patient care

Stay connected with us


We're excited to officially welcome you to Duke Health and the Professional Nursing Assistant Program soon. If you have any questions in the meantime, please reach out to NR_PNA_Program@dm.duke.edu.

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