Travel assignment to Duke University hospital...

shoegalRN, RN · Nov 2, 2013

May I ask what travel company you went through?

I've been to Durham/Raleigh area, but I havent worked there. I was thinking of taking a travel assignment to Duke in March 2014. If you can, please keep us informed about your experience there.

cosmicmama, BSN, RN · Nov 2, 2013

Durham is very hit-or-miss, as far as safe areas go. There are some areas near the hospital that you don't want to walk through after dark. There are some other areas that are very nice. I don't live there so I can't really give you specifics, but I have been there a lot, and have lived a couple of hours away my entire life.

The whole area is very progressive, politics-wise, and there are some great farmers markets, etc. Chapel Hill and Carrboro are both some of the best towns to live in in the whole state, but the rental prices reflect that.

What unit are you going to work on? If you don't mind, can you PM me the name of your company? I'd like to do an assignment at Duke eventually, when I am ready to get back closer to home. I rarely see postings for Duke.

Love1another · Nov 3, 2013

There are several different companies posting openings for Duke: American Mobile, Cross Country Travel Corps, and also Cirrus. I have also been looking for a travel position here off and on for approx a year and this is the first time i've seen one. I spoke with a staff member at Duke who said they rarely ever use travelers, haven't for years. It sounded like the upcoming winter season, holidays, and unfilled nursing staff positions were the reasons they need travelers. I was also told it was likely there would be no need for renewal after my initial 13 week contract. So, if you're interested in working there i would contact the companies ASAP for a possible contract.

Trjl · Mar 14, 2015

I know this is an old post, but thought I would drop a comment for anyone considering Duke in Durham. I am currently on assignment there and work out pt. I gather from what has been said, that they do not see many travelers. That being said, the hospital orientation was not fun. Rather nasty at times. I felt treated like a second class citizen by the people involved in 'agency nurses', but after surviving that, I was lucky enough to work in a great clinic with wonderful staff. I am even in the process of extending. Parking is a pain, because you will do some walking, but it is a nice campus and so far, I feel safe while there.

As far as living, I heard that Durham was not a great place to live, and so I found a furnished basement apt in Chapel Hill (deer pass through my backyard just about every day). It is a beautiful town. I am less than a 20 minute drive from work. I am near grocery stores, the mall, and shops galore. And of course, the area is full of walking trails. I have visited a friend in Hillsborough a few times, and it would not be a far drive to work either. I am sure there are plenty of nice places in Durham. Drive time, you would be better off looking NW or SW area. There is a hotel practically across the street that has kitchenettes, but it will be pricey for what you get and there would be a lot of car and foot traffic around. You would have to hike/drive a bit to find any green areas. I had considered them, but since being here, glad I am away from work and in Chapel Hill.

Cirrus is my company and they are based in Charlotte and have sent many travelers to Duke. Best of luck of anyone coming to the area. It is a beautiful area. Lovely in both the Spring and Fall.

emb92250 · Mar 21, 2015

I would love a contract to Duke, but in my specialty which is ICU. I've applied before, but they wanted Level I trauma experience. I got that, then they haven't had any openings since. I appreciate the advise though!