Info on working at New Hanover as new grad

[jam2007]

Ok, so I looked at hospitals and am considering New Hanover. Can anyone give me information on working conditions? I see that it is a magnet hospital, so I am assuming they treat their nurses well. Any input on staffing issues, corporate culture, training for new grads, and/or work environ in general would be VERY helpful. Also, any idea if you're required to work nights? I've read old posts and saw that they have high turnover and only one health plan..is that still true.

Thank you all for your input!!

[UNCgirl]

Jam,

I am familiar with New Hanover as I have worked there and have done clinicals there. My experience in other hospitals is limited. I do think there are some staffing issues there...retention rates are skewed. If you live in Wilmington, you have little choice but to work there if you are in acute care. I do not know of many people that leave unless they leave town. The hospital knows this and therefore I believe the pay reflects this as well. I don't believe nights are required- I have a new grad friend who was just hired on days. Positions are limited, so unless you have a lot of experience or want to work med/surg you may not have a lot of flexibility with your shifts. Check the website for open positions. I do not think that they value new grads as much as some other places. I think the main reason for this is that the nursing shortage here is not as bad, since it is a desirable place to live and most people are willing to work for less money when the beach is nearby. I do not think it is a terrible place to work, but I will be leaving after graduation since I have a better offer elsewhere. Oh, and I don't have all that much faith in magnet designation anymore...

[jam2007]

Thanks for your input. I'm really getting frustrated (I'm in MA) and there seems to be no real nursing shortage here with minimal places that even offer new grad programs. Why down on magnet..I thoght it meant something Anyway...do you know anything about Craven?

[truern]

jam, have you checked out the Raleigh/Durham area?

Most of the area hospitals have new grad fellowships with great orientation and wonderful preceptors. I was hired on a telemetry unit even before I graduated!

http://wakemed.org/

http://www.rexhealth.com/

http://dukenursing.org/

[UNCgirl]

Jam,

I'm not down on magnet entirely- like I said, I only have extensive experience with one hospital. But I don't think that it counts as much as it should...I think the a huge of magnet is that nurses have a say in administration and policies. It may be true at NH but I think that those that do have a say are a small group. But maybe it is different elsewhere. I do not know anything about Craven, but I visited their website and think that the pay and benefits seem competitive with elsewhere in NC.

truern-

I agree about RDU. I like that the hospitals there have competition and therefore must be more "on their toes" about facility, benefits, pay, etc. I actually saw another post of yours and had posted some questions about WakeMed.

"Can you tell me what you think of the benefits package at WakeMed? I have an offer there and am really psyched because I loved the facility. Seemed like a great work environment. I am somewhat nervous though because I have not been to my other interviews in the Triangle area and am unsure about how the benefits compare to the others, but I have to make a decision before. What about shift diffs?"