NICUs in North Carolina

[oxnardbaby]

Hubby and I are trying to plan a move from South Florida to Charlotte, NC in the next 2 years (we have 1 toddler, 1 on the way, and its my DREAM location for raising our family). As of now I have 4 years experience in a level III NICU here at Miami Children's Hospital, so what can you tell me about charlotte?

Where are the best NICUs to work? What are the typical shifts/differentials? What is scheduling/holidays/pay like on average? How is management where you work (approachable, flexible)? If you commute, how far and what is traffic like?

South Florida was fun for college but the past few years have worn on us and I'm eager to begin the research of really "Starting" our life. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!
~Nicole

[debg73]

I am a NC girl born and bred living just outside of Charlotte and I would not want to be anyplace else. Lots of things to do for fun: Carowinds (amusement park), Sporting events (football, baseball, basketball, NASCAR), etc. 4 hours from the shore and 2 from the mountains. Traffic is heavy during rush hour but should not be an issue for you as the typical hospital shifts do not coincided with rush hour. I live in Gaston Co and can be at any of the Charlotte hospitals in about 30 minutes (this is driving in at 6 am).

Charlotte and the surrounding area has plenty of hospitals to choose from. The best NICUs would be at CMC-main (carolinashealthcare.org) or Presbyterian. I also have to tell you that the job market in Charlotte is really tight and that there is no nursing shortage here. Some of it has to do with the economy and older nurses not retiring. Another factor is there are 5 schools in Charlotte along spitting out new nurses plus ADN grads from the surrounding counties community colleges. But the fact that you have experience would be a plus.

I work in a neighboring county so I can only tell you how it is where I work. The base starting rate is just over $20 per hour and then you get $2 more for hours evening/night (after 3pm) and weekenders get an additional $5 on top of that. My DON where I work now is very approachable but I can not speak for other places. Holiday scheduling is generally a management call. Some places split the shifts on the holiday, others ask for volunteers. Some places work with a set schedule and if the holiday falls on your day then you will be working. I do know that where I work that they pay time and half as an incentive to work the holidays.

[Edson!]

$20/hour. Ouch! No really that sucks. Hopefully they pay experienced RNs more.

[24hr-medical]

Anyone interested on a travel or per diem job in California? Our company is hiring nurses with at least one year experience in a hospital setting. If you’re not from California but you have a CA RN license or willing to travel in CA, please email me at medical.staffer@yahoo.com to discuss more information. Thank you.

[EinJoe]

Is it really only $20 an hour. I thought it would be more.