Duke Neuro Units

marteemar · Apr 21, 2020

Hi Ruby

a friend of mine works on the neuro step down unit at Big Duke. I used to work for Duke Regional When I lived in Raleigh but on CV Stepdown. I’ll get some info for you ASAP. Are you looking at Wakemed and UNC hospital systems?

rubyagnes, BSN · Apr 30, 2020

On 4/21/2020 at 2:07 AM, marteemar said:
Hi Ruby
a friend of mine works on the neuro step down unit at Big Duke. I used to work for Duke Regional When I lived in Raleigh but on CV Stepdown. I’ll get some info for you ASAP. Are you looking at Wakemed and UNC hospital systems?

Hi! Sorry for the delayed response. I'm looking everywhere. Duke seems appealing bc they offer relocation assistance, student loan repayment for prior nursing degree, and have a program to afford Duke tuition for MSN or higher, but I'm not limiting myself to them. Any info about any of the local hospitals, units, insight, etc. I would greatly appreciate it ?

rubyagnes, BSN · May 6, 2020

On 4/21/2020 at 2:07 AM, marteemar said:
Hi Ruby
a friend of mine works on the neuro step down unit at Big Duke. I used to work for Duke Regional When I lived in Raleigh but on CV Stepdown. I’ll get some info for you ASAP. Are you looking at Wakemed and UNC hospital systems?

@marteemar So I'm having phone interviews with both UNC and Duke for Neuro ICU and step down units. Eeeeek! Nervous!

marteemar · May 6, 2020

Hi Ruby,

My apologies on the delay. I haven't gotten a response back yet from my colleague yet. Anyhow, Just remember to read their relocation assistance/student loan repayment criteria. I don't do contracts because if it's not the right fit, it's difficult to get out of them, especially if the enviornment is toxic. I have worked in places over 3-5 years so, I don't necessarily jump around but I have seen colleagues miserable and feel stuck because some units want you to commit to a year or more and you just don't know but that's my take. To each his own. I am glad you are not limiting yourself to them. Duke out of UNC and WakeMed pays the lowest salary and indicate that their benefits make up for it but not necessarily true depending on what you're seeking. Big Duke, as we call the largest campus, requires employees to pay for parking which can easily amass over $100 and you don't even have premium parking. Little Duke (Duke Regional is free parking). I enjoyed the professional development that was definitely a plus. I learned a lot on Cardiac Stepdown but had I remained in NC, I would've sought working at WakeMed instead. I just needed something different and closer to home. And that's another thing to consider if you want to reside in Durham, Brier Creek area, or Raleigh-the two latter greater distances but may provide better living options. It would be important to take a trip and visit the areas. I lived in Raleigh it took about 30-40 minutes to get to work on a good day. That's not bad but with all of the construction it wasn't pretty, especially if working night shift. As far as interviewing, I think it depends on the interviewer. I came out as a new grad so interviews were not difficult at all. Very basic questions regarding why you want to work on a cardiac unit. It was more of me doing the interview and in my opinion. I believe it was their way to judge your personality and if you'd be a good fit for the unit. Be yourself, questions weren't difficult but again that was based on the interviewer (I was interviewed by my manager and lead nurse). I have friends who work at Wake Med and UNC and love it, however none of them are on neuro units, which is a different beast, of course. Look at what everyone is offering and determine what's necessary for you. I'll hit up my friend from Duke who's on a neurostepdown unit again. Hope this helps and good luck on your interview!