Help...Duke University

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I know that this may not be the right forum to post on, but I figured I'd try anyway since it gets the most visibility! Here it goes...

I am applying to the Duke University accelerated BSN program. I'm really excited about the prospect of going there, but the tuition costs are quite high. However, Duke Hospitals allows grads of the ABSN program to sign a contract in which they'll pay all of your tuition back if you agree to work there for 3 years (ie they'll pay you back 1/3 of your tuition at the end of each year, minus taxes). It *sounds* like a good deal, but I've read some somewhat negative things about working there here on the boards, and I'm afraid of singing on the dotted line just to be really unhappy there for 3 years. There are a lot of hospitals here in the area (Raleigh-Durham, NC), and it seems like a lot of people always suggest at working one of the other ones over Duke.

So, can anyone give me any more details on working at Duke? I know that their pay for new grads is at about $18. What are the shift differentials like for working evenings/weekends, etc.. What are the working conditions like? I know that there were unionization attempts several years ago. Has anything changed since then? ANYTHING that you know would be a great help!!! I just want to know what I'd be getting myself into if I do infact go to Duke and accept their tuition reimbursement program. Thank you in advance for your help!!!!

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I'm not sure if this is correct but. . . I went to an informations session at Watts, and the way that I understood it was you sign but you don't have to do it for 3 years. If you work 1 year and hate it, you will get 1/3 back but not the rest. In order to get the money back, you have to give full years. You can't work 6 months and get something back.

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Yes, that's how I understood it too. While I'd love to work there for all 3 years to fully recover my tuition, at least there is a way out. I just wish I was hearing good things about working there instead of negative. Thanks for your help-good luck to you!!

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Good luck to you also. I will tell you this, I've heard negative things about duke this week also. But, I met a woman back in November that was getting ready to graduate from Watts and she said she interviewed with "Duke hospitals" and UNC. Duke paid $18 and Unc was offering $17. The negative remarks I heard was that Duke didn't pay !?

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Hmmm....that's really interesting! I have heard the same thing about Duke not paying well. I do know, however, that UNC offers AWESOME shift differentials (for example, $18/an hour on top of your hourly rate for a weekend night shift). I have a friend there (a recent new grad) that works as many weekend nights as she can get her hands on to help put her husband through law school. She's making out quite well over there. I was hoping Duke offered the same type of thing in terms of differentials since I wouldn't mind working those lousy hours for a few years before we start a family. All things to ponder...!

Are you planning on attending Watts? Is there a waitlist there?

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To be honest I'm a little confused right about now. I have over 123 college credits, but never recieved a degree because I kept changing majors and then gave up all together. I have 3 children and have been married for 14 years, so I thought this would be a good time to finally do something that I really would like. I applied to Watts and took the entrance exams. I passed the first section but had to retake the second. I'm waiting for those results. In the meantime, I'm attending Durham tech for some prerequisites that I didn't have. But I think I am also going to apply to Durham to at least get on their waiting list, and Johnston Community College also has a program. They have a stand by list. I don't think Watts goes by a waiting list but I'm not sure. I know this sounds crazy, but I never checked!! My friend is an ER Doctor in Rocky Mount and he told me when I become a nurse, to try to do weekend nights. He said the pay is great!!

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Good luck with everything! With all of the college credits that you already have, I'd also check out NC Central. I know someone who had the same type of story as you in terms of previous college credits, and she's now there working on her BSN. I don't believe they have a waiting list. I know someone else who was also able to go back and apply previous college credits to a BSN at Barton College (might not be too bad of a drive if you're on the far eastern side of Raleigh). She LOVES Barton. Those 2 schools might not have the lengthy wait lists like a lot of the CCs around here. Good luck - and I'm sure you did great on the last exam for Watts!

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Can anyone else provide any info about working at Duke?

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I received my test results yesterday. I passed the entrance exam!!! I'm so happy. I think the next step is the interviewing process. I wish I had more information regarding Duke for you! Good luck with everything!

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good luck to all of you....I live in Cary and researched these schools too-but, I did not want to wait because of my age-I am attending a private school in Virginia that I got into right away--plus, they took all my college classes/best to you all/hty

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My first job as a nurse was at Duke. I've always threatened to write a book about it. Let me say this: I have never forgotten the experience. You cannot believe this place. It is huge. I mean huge. And it is awesome. If you are a person from a small hospital setting, expect to be overwhelmed. But give it time, and you will be in the swing of things. And later in life, you'll be glad that you had the opportunity. I wouldn't trade my time there for anything. Met alot of wonderful people as well. But like I said, be prepared to be overwhelmed for a while.:eek:

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Specializes in medical/telemetry/IR.

A friend of my sisters works at Duke. She works weekend nights nicu. She said she makes about 90k year. I think she is charge though. They send her to conferences about 2 times a year. She said she loves it. And best of all they will pay for up to 4 of your kids college education-for four years in state or out of state- private schools also. Said the cost of housing is a lot cheaper than where I'm at. She told me the other perks, but I kinda forgot. sound s great though. I know she has been working there at least 15 years.

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