DUKE University or Duke-Raleigh Hospital OR?

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Hi

I am a new RN/BSN (graduated in december 2010) & have interviewed for several OR positions however I have it narrowed down to 2 hospitals; Duke University (Big Duke) or Duke-Raleigh (Little Duke). Both positions would be in the operating room however I am so conflicted on which one to take!! Please HELP me with pros & cons; working environments, contract issues ("big duke requires a 2 year contract & little duke does not), better hospital, etc.

I have a tough decision to make & would LOVE input from any RN's that have worked or are currently working at Duke University hospital & Duke Raleigh hospital.

Thank you :)

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Did you already receive offers from both or are you just trying to decide which one you want more? Why wouldn't the smaller hospital require a 2-year contract? I was thinking that Duke's New to the OR program was the same, regardless of the hospital.

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I was told that I was a top applicant but I will know more in a couple of weeks.

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Specializes in Trauma Surgery, Nursing Management.

First let me say that yes, DUKE IS #1!!!!!

I have worked at the Big House before, and it is a very busy environment. I worked in the PACU, not the OR. I do know some people that work in the OR, and they tend to have mixed feelings about working there. Some say that it is unorganized and a total zoo to work in-but you will find that with almost any university OR. You can get some excellent experience at Duke, and you should have a very structured orientation there. The anesthesiologists are top notch, and the surgeons were really nice to work with.

I have only seen Little Duke as an observer. I took a friend there for surgery. I was impressed by how well run and organized things were there. I could tell that the staff were tightly knit and that the system itself seemed to run well. I don't know anyone personally who works in the OR at LD, however.

Are the pay grades different? I suspect that the pay at big Duke is higher, but that is only a guess.

I hope this helped some, and good luck to you!

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Specializes in Peri-Op.

Take which ever one you get an offer from. If you get an offer from both, take the higher paying one. Either way you will need to stay at your first job for 2 years for experience anyhow.

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thank you canesdukegirl!

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Specializes in Surgical.

I am a 11 veteran nurse (all surgical experience)and cannot get a job in Duke's OR. Even after the New to the OR interviews, denied. Heartbroken and jaded.

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LMWDUKERN, WOW that really surprises me!!

I am sorry, keep applying!!! Don't give up!!!

I decided to go with Duke-Raleigh so I can get exposure to all types of surgeries not just one set specialty like at Duke University. I also like the smaller hospital & the staff at Raleigh, plus I didn't want to pay to park!

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Did you end up staying at Duke Raleigh?! I would love to hear about your experience there!

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I would love your input as well! I need to decide between the two hospitals :)

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