Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant - Emergency Medicine Clinical Evaluation Unit

Duke Emergency Medicine Observation Highlights:

• Observation Medicine at Its Best. Deliver focused, protocol-driven, top-of-scope care to patients who need short-term treatment, monitoring, and clinical decision-making in a fast-paced observation environment.
• High-Impact Clinical Variety. Manage diverse conditions requiring diagnostic clarification, risk stratification, and therapeutic optimization - from chest pain and syncope to heart failure, infection, and complex care coordination.
• Team-Based Observation Care Model. Work closely with emergency physicians, consultants, nurses, case management, and interdisciplinary teams in a collaborative academic environment designed for safe, efficient, and high-quality observation care.
• Specialized Observation Training & Support. Benefit from structured onboarding, protocol education, simulation, ultrasound training, and ongoing mentorship to build expertise in observation medicine and short-stay clinical management.
• Lead Innovation in Patient Flow & Access. Participate in protocol development, throughput optimization, quality initiatives, and system-level projects that improve access, reduce admissions, and enhance patient outcomes.
• Mission-Driven, Outcomes-Focused Culture. Join a high-functioning advanced practice team committed to efficient care transitions, clinical excellence, and supporting one another while delivering the right care at the right time.

Job Location

Duke Hospital, 2301 Erwin Road, Durham, NC

Job Summary

We are seeking an Advanced Practice Provider in Durham, NC for Duke Emergency Medicine's Observation Unit, which serves as a tertiary care center and Level 1 Trauma Center to patients in North Carolina and surrounding states. The Emergency Department at Duke University Hospital is comprised a 14-bed Pediatric ED, four adult care areas, two fully equipped x-ray rooms and two state of the art dedicated CT scanners, a 7,000 square foot ambulance bay, 8 bed psychiatric emergency unit, and a clinical evaluation / observation unit. Our team is active in delivering exemplary care for each patient to ensure an excellent patient experience, every time.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• In collaboration with the attending physician(s), provide direct clinical services for critically ill patients according to the established protocols and utilizing evidence-based clinical practice in the Clinical Evaluation Unit.
• Perform detailed histories and physical exams on patients placed in observation.
• Develop, initiate, and manage individualized treatment plans for a broad range of acute and subacute conditions.
• Order, interpret, and act on diagnostic studies including labs, imaging, and EKGs.
• Initiate appropriate therapeutic interventions including medications, IV fluids, respiratory therapies, wound care, and other procedures within scope of practice.
• Monitor and reassess patient status throughout their observation stay to ensure clinical stability and progress toward discharge goals.
• Make timely decisions regarding patient disposition, coordinate specialty consultations, and facilitate transitions of care.
• Communicate effectively with patients and families regarding diagnosis, treatment plans, expectations, and follow-up.
• Document all clinical encounters and updates in the electronic medical record.
• Complete required admission, progress, and discharge notes in accordance with departmental protocols.
• Support the operational goals of the ED and hospital by managing observation patients efficiently.
• Assist in identifying barriers to timely discharge and proactively work to resolve them.
• Help ensure appropriate use of observation status in compliance with regulatory guidelines.
• Adhere to evidence-based clinical pathways, protocols, and institutional guidelines.
• Participate in ongoing quality improvement initiatives, case reviews, and morbidity & mortality discussions.
• Promote a culture of safety, respect, and accountability within the unit.
• Stay current with developments in emergency and observation medicine through CME, journal review, and departmental education sessions.
• Support orientation and mentoring of new APPs, residents, and students rotating through the observation unit.
• Seek opportunities to contribute to operational improvements, academic projects, or protocol development.

Job Eligibility Requirements

Education

• Nurse Practitioners: Work requires completion of an accredited Nurse Practitioner program, with a Master's degree in Nursing. Critical Care / Acute Care NP Master's or completion of ACNP/CCNP post-Master's program strongly preferred.
• Physician Assistants: Completion of an accredited Physician Assistant program. A Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree strongly preferred.

Certification

• BLS required.

• ACLS required within 3 months of hire

License

• Nurse Practitioners: Must have current or compact RN licensure in the state of North Carolina. BLS required. National certification as a NP required prior to employment. Certification as an Acute Care or Critical Care Nurse Practitioner strongly preferred.
• Physician Assistants: Must be licensed in the state of NC and be certified as a Physician Assistant by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.

Minimum Experience Requirements

• 1 year of advanced practice emergency medicine, observation, or critical care experience preferred. Completion of a residency/fellowship in emergency medicine, observation, or critical care preferred.
• Nurse Practitioners: 1 year of experience as a nurse practitioner in an emergency medicine, observation, or critical care setting preferred.
• Physician Assistants: 1 year of experience as a physician assistant in emergency medicine, observation, or critical care setting preferred.

Job Hours

12-hour day or night shifts or rotating day/night shifts available - flexible options available

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, (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.