Questions about DMC

apply for your CCW...

just sayin...

Wow, its that bad?

The campus is very safe. I have never felt uncomfortable there. All of the security guards that work for the DMC are former police officers, and all carry weapons. Don't let that be a factor. Just don't do anything stupid like take a 45 minute walk around the 'hood during your break on midnight shift!

As for the pay...I'm pretty sure it is one of the lowest systems in the area. The bottom of the RN scale is $23.46 +shift diff.

It is hard to get jobs today though, so if it gets you a job and you aren't 100% in love with it, suck it up for a year and use that experience to apply elsewhere.

ya...the campus is safe and the guards are good...but getting onto and off of campus can be dangerous particularly if working evening or night shifts. It IS close to the highway...

The surface streets in that area, however, can be dangerous. Last year I stopped at a gas station and less than 1 hour later there was a fatal GSW at that gas station...a young man died needlessly not 10 feet from where I had pumped gas.

I've had several clinicals (day and night shift) at the various DMC hospitals downtown. I've never felt particulary unsafe, but I still remain cautious. As others have said the freeway is less than a mile from most of the hospitals so you can get off the side-streets ASAP. Most of the hospitals have a parking structure/lot and there are always guards in place. I've never had any problems... Just make sure you have enough gas to get you there and back, don't leave anything out in your car, have a working cell phone etc.

Pay is not the highest in the southeast area, about $23/24 per hour, but that's pretty close to the standard.

Personally I liked the DMC system during clinicals, but I can't comment on it as a staff nurse as I don't work there. I know people that do and their opinion varies. I think it depends greatly on what hospital you work at and also what floor/specialty.

Keep in mind that there are other hospitals in the system that are located outside of Detroit.

Wow, its that bad?

I work in Detroit (and go to bars all over the city after work) and went to school in Detroit for 5 years and never had a single problem (my car locks didn't work for a long time and no one ever touched my car). Yes I know Detroit can be dangerous but you don't need to walk around with a gun! You have to be cautious but don't let people try to scare you.

I was a staff nurse at Harper Hospital 4 years ago. My own safety was not an issue but patient safety was a constant struggle. It was a challenge just to get a pole to hang IV bags on, let along find an operating pump. I was on a cardiac floor and often had 8 to 10 patients - ALL on monitors. Meds always came to the floor late. There was rarely any food or snacks for new admits.

I heard positive reports from NICU nurses as well as those over at Children's. I actually did clinicals at Children's and loved it.

It just depends on what you are able to put up with. Good luck.

Thank you for all the info. I actually have a interview in the morning. Wish me luck. :)

Good luck with the interview. The thing about DMC is that good care is provided with minimal resources. Hopefully if the Vanguard take over happens we will have financing to improve our resources. Don't let another individuals prejudices scare you away from a great opportunity. Yes sometimes there are undesirable family members as visitors(especially on L & D units), but it won't go as far as robbery or murder they are more like the insanely stupid type. Also if you get your CCW and take your gun on campus you can kiss your job goodbye.