Help...Duke University

[NCNurse2be]

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!!!!

[Kyleelynn]

I've also applied to this program and I am curious about your question. Working for Duke Hospital was in my plans, but I don't want to be miserable either. Apparently, according to the financial aid office there... you only are eligable for this program once you start working there. So, you don't even sign a contract until you graduate.

[BlueDevilRN1]

I did a 13 week assignment at Duke and semi enjoyed it even though travelers are dumped on there. Then, 6 mos later, due to circumstances, I joined them as a full time permanent employee and lasted 6 months before I had to get out! I don't really feel that RNs are respected there at all. PAY IS VERY LOW!! $20.55/hr in 2002 for an RN with 7 years experience!! GOOD LUCK!

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!!!!