Possibly relocating to NC

direw0lf, BSN · Jan 16, 2019

Not sure where you're moving from, but you may be taking a pay cut. NC is the lowest paying state on the east coast for RNs. That said, Duke located in Durham is a world class hospital. I've met nurse managers there at a hiring event, however I haven't relocated yet. But I really liked the people and atmosphere. Good luck!

anewsns · Jan 17, 2019

Hi! Duke will give you 3000 dollars (minus taxes ) to relocate to NC. That’s what I did and I’m really happy with my choice. Raleigh/ Durham is an ok place to live. You’re 2 hours from Beaches and 3 hours from mountains. Most of the best hospitals are in this area. There are multiple branches of Duke, Wake med, and UNC Hospitals. If you want more info, feel free to PM me!

guest464345 · Jan 19, 2019

Duke is a prestigious name, but brace yourself for the salary. New grads there start at maybe $23ish/hour? So presumably somewhat more with 5 years of experience. Hospital salaries in NC are really very low compared to most places, and although cost of living is certainly lower than NY or CA...it's not THAT low.

(I make about $36/hour base where I live now, with 5 years of experience. I'm guessing I'd make $27-$28 base at Duke? And the cost of living is only 10% lower in Raleigh-Durham. You definitely feel the difference. Most of my coworkers at Duke had roommates if they weren't married, or they cranked out a lot of OT).

I got to see a lot of cool stuff at Duke, but there was noticeably high nurse churn/turnover...the vibe felt a bit like, "We're DUKE, and you're lucky to work here in whatever terms we give you." They did stuff like rotating day/night shifts that are not required in other hospitals, and difs aren't as good. My impression was that a lot of people start at Duke for the name, but after a couple years many leave for WakeMed, UNC or the VA where pay and benefits are better.

The trees, mountains and beaches of NC are beautiful and I'm glad I got to spend some time in the state, even though I didn't settle there permanently. Wilmington/beaches and Asheville are great to visit, but I never lived in either area. Good luck

anewsns · Jan 19, 2019

I don’t know, coming from NH my finances have improved a great deal in NC. The work culture at Duke is very nice, I’m personally very pleased with them and the benefits are excellent compared to my previous jobs. And I’m one who is loud and clear when I dislike a job, there are a lot of bad ones out there. My salary is just a tad less than home. I think you’d prob make about 26-27 dollars base an hour for 5 years experience. you can get an apartment for 600-1000 a month depending on how picky you are or where you come from. I think that’s a reasonable deal! It really just depends on what you’re already used to and your tastes.

Heartonmysleeves, RN · Feb 4, 2019

On 1/18/2019 at 9:15 PM, laflaca said:
Duke is a prestigious name, but brace yourself for the salary. New grads there start at maybe $23ish/hour? So presumably somewhat more with 5 years of experience. Hospital salaries in NC are really very low compared to most places, and although cost of living is certainly lower than NY or CA...it's not THAT low.

(I make about $36/hour base where I live now, with 5 years of experience. I'm guessing I'd make $27-$28 base at Duke? And the cost of living is only 10% lower in Raleigh-Durham. You definitely feel the difference. Most of my coworkers at Duke had roommates if they weren't married, or they cranked out a lot of OT).

I got to see a lot of cool stuff at Duke, but there was noticeably high nurse churn/turnover...the vibe felt a bit like, "We're DUKE, and you're lucky to work here in whatever terms we give you." They did stuff like rotating day/night shifts that are not required in other hospitals, and difs aren't as good. My impression was that a lot of people start at Duke for the name, but after a couple years many leave for WakeMed, UNC or the VA where pay and benefits are better.

The trees, mountains and beaches of NC are beautiful and I'm glad I got to spend some time in the state, even though I didn't settle there permanently. Wilmington/beaches and Asheville are great to visit, but I never lived in either area. Good luck

I agree with this post. Also, the research triangle (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill) is a great place to live. I've lived here forever it seems like (about 22 years) and I have noticed that this area is becoming more congested because more people are moving here. However, this area is working on accommodating the population growth. Overall, this area has a lot to offer in terms of shopping centers, healthcare jobs, parks/recreation, nightlife and all within a decent driving distance. Depending on where you live, a lot of places can be 15-30 minutes away or less.

Having worked at Duke, I didn't like it. From what others I know that have worked there, its hit or miss. Also, you will get paid less by working at Duke. Hope this helps.

Gradnurse1220 · Apr 6, 2019

Raleigh/Cary has several hospitals to choose from including Rex Hospital and Wake Med Hospital. UNC and Duke are within driving distance to commute from that area as well and they have smaller community locations spread across the Triangle. I would compare salary offers from all. Good luck.