Duke University Medical Center

yeepers · May 31, 2006

What are other hospitals in the area paying?? From what I understand there's a raise coming but to the tune of something like $0.50. I believe that brings the new grad starting salary to somewhere between $18-$19.

Cheers.

nursen_99 · Jun 26, 2006

It came allright.... 50 cents!! I was waitinf for this raise too as I am choosing where I want to go. With a BSN and 2+ yrs specialty exp, I was offerred 19.97!! They were offerring that to new grads in Philly when I graduated 7 yrs ago! I heard the other hospitals pay better (even Durham reg which is part of Duke Health). I am trying to decide if I want to go for reputation or better pay. I wonder what UNC and the like are offerring?

yeepers · Jun 26, 2006

I think you're going to find that throughout all of Duke Health the salaries will be the same. I heard about the $0.50 raise from Durham Reg. since that's where I go to school so they aren't any different.

I think the reason for the "lower" salaries at these two big health centers is that they know people want to work there for the reputation and therefore can opt to pay less and still have nurses clamoring to work there.

Just my $0.02.

Cheers.

-Yee

nursen_99 · Jun 28, 2006

This is going to sound bad but I'm going to be blunt and real: reputation doesn't pay my bills. CASH does! :-) I read in another forum, can't remember which, that UNC, REX and WakeMed pay much better. I have a phone interview scheduled w/ Wake and UNC. I'm eager to compare.

Another thing about Duke that rubs me the wrong way is their tuition reimb is only to their school. I've never heard of that mess before. So, if you don't want to go to Duke, and there are some of us that just LOVE UNC, you're screwed. The program that I'm going back for is not offerred at Duke so I have extra incentive to get in at a UNC hospital.

Keysnurse2008 · Jul 3, 2006

Ok....I am thinking of relocating.Just wanting a lil insight from you guys.

What is your opinion of Duke Medical for RN's?

What do you know about the salary averages there?I have been a ICU nurse for years and years....been a nurse apx 16 years...work in a specialty ICU now...what is the average salary there?what are the area alternatives for RN's?Also what are the "nicer" surrounding areas to live in?By nicer I mean family orineted/safe/medium income type areas?Any...any insight would be very appreciated.

cajrio · Jul 4, 2006

When did this raise happen? I work at Duke and have not seen any raise in my base pay. I also know that UNC and Wake med pay a higher salary with better shift diffs. Wake med is known for having the best paid nurses in the trainagle area. I know that they are changing the reimbursement for education to include any classes you take not only Duke classes.

RNSuzq1, RN · Jul 4, 2006

This is going to sound bad but I'm going to be blunt and real: reputation doesn't pay my bills. CASH does! :-) I read in another forum, can't remember which, that UNC, REX and WakeMed pay much better. I have a phone interview scheduled w/ Wake and UNC. I'm eager to compare.QUOTE]
Nursen, I'm not sure if this will help, but from what I've heard - WakeMed is one of the highest paying hospitals around. My husband interviewed at Duke years ago when we first moved here and they were offering the least $ - their reputation is a big thing, but not necessarily reflected in how they pay their employees.
The last I heard about Wake, the night shift/diff for RN's is about $6/hr - higher than most in the area. Also heard they have various plans that pay really well for critical care, weekend options, etc. I just graduated and one of my classmates is starting at Heritage Hospital in Tarboro. They start New/Grads off at about $20.00 and she was told that after 6 months - they offer a weekend option that pays $32/hr. You'd have to call them and confirm this - it's just what I was told. Hope this helps.

nursen_99 · Jul 4, 2006

Cajrio- The raise came sometime in late May. I was told about it in my May interview and when I went to do my paperwork in June, it was already in effect. I'd call HR/Payroll and see what's up. I sure do hope they change that education reimb to include classes taken at other schools. As it stands, it's silly (and useless to many)!

SusanNC- Now I HAVE to get myself into UNC/Wakemed! :-) I was rather shocked and dissappointed by Duke's salary. It's lower than most places in Florida and that's supposed to be the worst! I was going to work FT at Duke and pool at Wake Cary but I think I need to change that! I'm into reputation and prestige, very much so. But I am more into keeping Sallie Mae at ease and off my back and they only understand the 'green/peso/moola!! :-)

No, for real, I'm hearing many people speak highly of UNC and Wake. I have to check 'em out...