LauraLBS

Well, Duke isn't known for paying well. If you aren't set on Duke, consider nearby Raleigh. The crime rate is MUCH lower in Raleigh. And while Raleigh isn't perfect, it is better organized than Durham. For instance, we get a lot of ice down here rather than snow. We also have hurricanes to contend with now and then. After a particularly bad disaster, Durham residents remain in the dark about three times longer than the bulk of residents in Raleigh. Hospitals in and around Raleigh include WakeMed (and Western Wake in Cary), Rex Healthcare, and Raleigh Community Hospital. WakeMed is the largest and its reputation has improved a lot in the last few years. They are a trauma center and a teaching hospital. Pay and benefits are good. If you want the good benefits but prefer a smaller facility, Western Wake in Cary is great. Rex Healthcare is on the west side of Raleigh. They have a very good reputation. I'm not a nurse yet, but having worked in a non-clinical department at both, Rex seems to have more (and more boring) meetings. The pay is nearly as good. Good luck with your decision.

WakeMed is a very good one to work for in Raleigh. Western Wake is in Cary, and it's also excellent. Rex Healthcare is a UNC Hospital. Raleigh Community was bought by Duke.

If you are interested in Raleigh, WakeMed and Rex are both good hospitals to work for. Personally I believe WakeMed is the better of the two, but it can depend on the department you work for, of course. WakeMed also has a nice hospital in Cary - Western Wake Hospital.

Hospitals in Raleigh: WakeMed (trauma center, teaching hospital) Rex Healthcare (a UNC Hospital) Raleigh Community Hospital (owned by Duke) Hospital in Cary: Western Wake Hospital (part of WakeMed) Hospitals in Durham: Duke University Medical Center Durham Regional Medical Center Durham VA Hospital in Chapel Hill: UNC

Hi! I'm in a similar boat, or at least I was back in December when you posted. I almost went for the CMA course, but realized that the emphasis of the course being split between clinical work and office work wasn't really efficient for me. I actually took some of those courses previously when I went to a (nonaccredited) junior college of business years ago. I've been a medical transcriptionist, but I don't like working at home. It's boring. I settled on the LPN program because the RN one takes too long before you get into the clinical training. After I become an LPN I can decide whether I need to go for the RN. You can check out salaries in your area for various careers at salary.com. It appears that I should start at a similar rate as what I was making after 15 years as a medical transcriptionist, and since I was near the top in pay for MT, I am certain I can earn more as an LPN with time. All I have to do now is take the COMPASS tests, and then I can submit my application. Cross your fingers for me. >>I'm 50 and thinking of going to school. I very confident that I have the physical stamina and the brain power to get through the LPN or MA courses but the REAL problem is I can't tell the difference between what a Med. Assistant really does and what a LPN does and really with all that I've heard maybe the easiest bet is to just take CNA training and forget the whole thing. So what does an LPN make, what do they do as compared to a Medical Assistant... Also the hospitals are only hiring MA's around here, but wouldn't an LPN have the very same qualifications? if not better? Forget about becomming an RN as I would not be willing to invest the time/money into that schooling. PLEASE ALL information would be really appreciated. THANKS!!!