U.S.A. North Carolina
Published Jun 22, 2007
BaByNuRsE07, BSN, RN
15 Posts
Hello everyone,
I am a new RN grad in the Raleigh area and thankfully, I've been offered several new grad internships at local hospitals. After narrowing down the offers, I am stuck trying to choose between Medical floors at both Rex and Wake Med.
Both hospitals are offering comparable starting pay rates and shift diffs. The benefits, I believe, are better at Wake Med, but that doesn't matter much because I'm single with no kids. The distance isn't an issue either. I am about 5 minutes to Rex and 10-15 to Wake.
I guess I would like to hear from nurses that have worked at Wake Med, Rex or both that are willing to share the pros and cons in order to help me make a final decision. TIA. :monkeydance:
Jules Anne
98 Posts
You may have already had this opportunity, but if not, try shadowing on both floors. It would give you a chance to see how the nurses work together, which often is what makes a place good or bad.
jules1326
9 Posts
Did you do any clinicals at either hospital?
I did clinicals at Rex and hated every minute of it. The nurses were very anti-student, I figure if they could be that mean to students, they must have plenty of nursing help. This was about 9-10 years ago and UNC has since took over, so things could have changed.
I worked at Wakemed from 94-06 and loved it. I worked in several areas including the pharmacy(while in school), the childrens ER (both as a CNA and RN), on the ortho/oncology floor and in the flex pool.
The reason I left was because I had moved 2 hours away. I actually was still going back 2-3 times a month for extra money for the last 2 years. I know lots of people that have moved away from Raleigh and either worked in the float pool in case they move back or have moved back and came to work at wakemed. I also know many nurses who work at both places.
Wakemed has a great weekend plan and depending what floor you end up on, you do not have to do many weekends. As a new grad I worked M-F 11p-7a.
I hope this helps some.
Julie
MrChicagoRN, RN
2,598 Posts
I haven't a clue about either hospital, but...
Which has the better rep? Greater opportunity for growth?
Walk around and seeif one seems cleaner, more professional, serves more of the types of patients you like best?
Either one have magnet statutus, shared governance?
What about tuition reimbursement? Could be helpful if you want to go back to school in a year or so.
kimmersRN
34 Posts
I have an interview tomorrow for a position in the Children's ED on the main campus at wake med. What can you tell me about working there? The nurse manager I spoke with today on the phone was so pleasant!
you can send me a private message (PM) or email me through my email addy in profile if you want, sometimes, a few days go by before I check the forums!
Any advice or information would be appreciated!!
Thanks, Kimmie
MommyNurseto4
1 Post
I have an interview tomorrow for a position in the Children's ED on the main campus at wake med. What can you tell me about working there? The nurse manager I spoke with today on the phone was so pleasant!you can send me a private message (PM) or email me through my email addy in profile if you want, sometimes, a few days go by before I check the forums! Any advice or information would be appreciated!! Thanks, Kimmie
Hi Kimmie,
I just started working at WakeMed and so far I have to say out of the three hospitals I have worked (this is now 4) it is the best place I have ever worked. I don't know much about Rex personally other than I have a friend who works there and she loves it. I did get a call from Rex for an interview but had already accepted the position at Wakemed.
The people at Wakemed are genuinely nice and they treat their nurses wonderfully! I chose this job over a job at Duke because Wakemed has such a great reputation.
I hope this helps and best of luck!
The interview at Wake Med went awesome! I was so impressed with everything and the nurse manager said that I had the job and to just be patient with HR while they check references and such. I'm thankful and this wonderful change in my life couldn't have come at a better time. Thanks for the positive feedback about Wake Med...it's exciting and I'm happy you have found a + place to work too. I'll let you know how it goes when I start. After I get the offer from HR, I'll be giving my 4 week notice!!
Take care and thanks again!!!
~Kimmie
I had an awesome interview experience and the manager said that I should be hearing from HR after they check my background and references and such. I'm pumped. I'm glad that you have found a great place to work too. I feel lucky to be starting at such an awesome place to work. I definitely got the impression that Wakemed cares about their staff. Thanks for the information, I'm so excited. This change couldn't have come at a better time in my life.
Take care and I'll let you know how it goes!!!
~Kimmie:w00t:
cajrio
46 Posts
Hey Kimmee
Please email I would like to know more about your interview at Wake I too am a Duke employee but found the manager so friendly and I have an interview in the Children ED,
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Hey !! Are you working tonight? Looks like you work in the PICU?? I worked on 5100 for a year and then transferred to the birthing center. I just feel like a monkey ...not learning new stuff...feeling blah and I miss the kids SOOOO much.
I'm excited to hear from you too!!
Please send me a private message (PM) ASAP. Hope you are well and i know you are pumped!!! ME TOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My orientation is set for the week of january 28th. You should try for that week too, that way we could do it together!
I must admit, I'm anxious. I mean, we had codes on 5100 all the time, but luckily they were never my kids (whew!!) and I was always the person getting fluids, clearing the halls etc. With your experience, you'll know EXACTLY how to do everything!!
Are you interviewing at Big Wake or their freestanding ED out towards Wakefield??
Can't wait to hear from you...glad we're in the same boat!!
LPN4U
57 Posts
Would love to hear how things are going for you. I just applied at wake ER for the LPN position. I work at Rex rehab which I love but I'm causal. Hope to get a call back from wake in the next few days or week at least.
LPN4U--
If for some reason, you don't get a call, you should call and follow-up.The children's ED manager told me that she was sorry it took her so long to get back in touch with me...that, sometimes applications "slip through the cracks." Just some advice.
Best of luck to you. I think Wake Med is going to be an AWESOME place to work!!!
PM me if you have any other ?s!! And, that goes for anyone else too!! ~Kimmie:up: