Duke New Grad / SNIP 2013

U.S.A. North Carolina

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Hi everyone. I haven't found a thread for this topic yet, so I decided to start one. Who else submitted their application on Feb 1st for the various new grad positions at Duke?

Specializes in Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgical.

My team is based on the 6th floor (subject to change perhaps because of space politics). Maybe I'll wave if I'm running by?

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Hi everyone,

I just found out today I have an interview at the end of the month for the neuro step down unit. I am from PA so going to be taking a trip for the interview/shadow experience? Can anyone tell me a little more about the shadowing? Are you with the nurse manager or strictly following a floor nurse around for a bit? I'm just wondering what they will be expecting of me at this time. I also haven't taken the NCLEX yet. I actually have it scheduled for the day that I was given to interview, so I guess I'll be pushing it back about a week. I'm worried that it will hurt my chances -- interviewing without being licensed yet must not look too good. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

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Hi all --

I just was invited to interview for the PICU (SNIP) this morning -- I'll be there next Wednesday, September 18th! Eek. Does anybody have any idea what we are expected to do on the floor during our shadow experience? I've never had to shadow before and the thought is daunting. I graduated in November 2012, and though I have been volunteering at a clinic, it's for adults, and it's not inpatient so everything is quite different.

Would love to hear if anybody has any advice. Thank you!

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.
My team is based on the 6th floor
There isn't much extra room on 6. Every other floor has a an extra hallway for step down (we don't) It'll be interesting where they fit you in!

I had a shadow interview. I just hung with the nurse, watched how they do things, asked questions, helped where I could (get a drink for someone) It was so much less stressful than a formal interview.

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does anyone know what the nurse patient ratios are at Duke?

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There isn't much extra room on 6. Every other floor has a an extra hallway for step down (we don't) It'll be interesting where they fit you in!

I had a shadow interview. I just hung with the nurse, watched how they do things, asked questions, helped where I could (get a drink for someone) It was so much less stressful than a formal interview.

Thank you mmc for the info about your shadow interview!

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

pt:nurse ratios depend on unit. any where from 4-6. Mostly it's 5. Obviously less on step down/ICU/peds, etc.

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So right now I'm really up in the air about whether or not I want to make the trip to interview. I know I am lucky to have this opportunity, but it would be about an 8 hour trip for me from PA. They have reserved one day only for all of the interviews, so I imagine I won't be spending much time with the manager. I also haven't decided if I'm 100% willing to relocate on my own if I were to get a job offer. I guess I hadn't really thought everything through when I applied and now I'm left to figure everything out by Monday when I need to get back to the recruiter about my interview. Anyone know anything about the neuro step down unit? That's where I'm interviewing for but I wish I had an idea of how much competition there is right now before I make such a big trip. Any input would be appreciated :)

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

I think it would be worth it. I don't have exact numbers, but I don't think they interviewed that many for my position.

Location-wise, it's a nice area and there are a lot of relocated people. There are lots of things to do here.

Also, I believe your unit is in the new building and it is beautiful.

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Thanks so much for your input! I have been thinking a lot about it and I think it's worth the trip even if it's just to see the area and get the experience. If you don't mind me asking.. is the pay sufficient for the cost of living there? I am from right outside Philadelphia and the major hospitals here pay a good bit more for starting nurses, but it's also not all that cheap to live in a large city. I just worry about the pay considering I'd have rent, utilities, groceries on top of student loan payments, spending money, and hopefully some savings left over. I really don't know much about the area but from a quick craigslist search I get the impression that apartment/townhouses are pretty reasonably priced.

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

My SNIP mate has an apartment between 800-900. Lots of the girls have roomies. You can find a place to live within walking distance. I am originally from Chicago, so I think it is pretty good as far as cost of living for the wage. There are actually REALLY good benefits as far as discounts in the area for being a Duke employee. For example, we get 15% off cell phone bill @ Verizon. What they may lack in starting pay, they more than make up in benefits. (I think so anyway-I am taking my son to the Symphony for half price next week) I don't know if they still offer tuition reimbursement. that will bring your student loans down.

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Thanks so much for all of your help! I will be making the trip in a couple of weeks for my interview and am very much looking forward to it!

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