Overworked & underpaid. - RN Staff Nurse Duke Health Employee Review

2.0
27 Dec 2018
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Team work and camaraderie is highly dependent on the floor, but in general it is high. Employees are very friendly to each other. Small/community hospital feel; there are many people who have worked decades here. The residents rotate from Duke University and most of them are high quality and excellent to work with. Unit secretary all night to answer lights helps a lot. Parking is free; ample spots for night shift.

Cons

Ratios are 5 patients for days, 5-6 at night. Charge nurses can take up to 4 patients. Constantly understaffed for care that should be provided, and no remorse from hospital staffing employees. Nurses & assistants are spread thin. Upper management doesn't seem to care about actually helping with burnout, job satisfaction, and high turnover. There's a wide range of illnesses and things to see, but the "sick" patients get transferred to Duke University Hosp. Pay is pretty low, but it is all over North Carolina.

Explore other reviews about Duke Health

5.0
2 July 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great place to work! Excellent benefits, competitive pay, opportunities for growth.

Cons

Parking is expensive and sometimes far from campus.

1.0
23 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The work is meaningful and the team consists of some highly skilled professionals who are dedicated to supporting patients, providers, and the organization. The role provides exposure to complex issues and opportunities for professional growth.

Cons

The department suffers from significant leadership and culture challenges. Employees are hired as experienced professionals but are given little autonomy to perform the work they were hired to do. Leadership frequently inserts itself into routine matters, creating unnecessary delays and fostering a culture of micromanagement rather than trust. Communication is inconsistent and often lacks accountability. Important decisions and changes are frequently communicated verbally without written follow-up, creating confusion and shifting expectations. Employees are expected to remember evolving guidance, identify leadership mistakes, and compensate for communication failures. There is a noticeable gap between leadership messaging and employee experience. Work-life balance, employee engagement, and professional respect are regularly discussed, but many employees do not experience those values in practice. Concerns raised by employees do not appear to result in meaningful change, contributing to low morale and diminished trust in leadership. Leadership often responds to issues by implementing department-wide restrictions rather than addressing the specific individuals or situations involved. As a result, high-performing employees are subjected to increasing oversight and reduced autonomy because leadership is unwilling to address performance concerns directly. Turnover, employee dissatisfaction, and leadership credibility have been ongoing concerns. The department would benefit from leaders who are willing to listen, communicate transparently, accept accountability, and trust the expertise of the professionals they supervise.

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