LPN Leaving LTC for Clinic Position

Specialties Ambulatory

Published

After working for a year in LTC, I am interviewing for a rural clinic position that provides family practice, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Adult Acute & Chronic Care, Pediatrics, Family Planning, Laboratory Testing, Pharmacy, Specialty Referral, Immunizations, Patient Health Education I think mostly to the financially disadvantaged.

Looks like there is 1 MD and 2 NPs, Otherwise not sure how the office is staffed. The office hours are M-F 8:30-4:30.

My job in LTC is BUSY, but it is not HARD, and I know the Residents and I am comfortable with the people that I work with, and I know at times I do make a difference, but I am finding it is not very rewarding, and that I would really rather do something that utilizes my brain a little more. Its really hard to "teach" a person with dementia, or encourage a 90 y/o ex pilot that is "giving up" to continue to fight just for the sake of being alive.

I am really curious as to what Role an LPN plays in a clinic, other then the obvious, Rooming, VS, throat cultures, urine samples etc. What are the REWARDS?, What are the FRUSTRATIONS?, What kind of pay/benefits could I expect?, it is located in Eastern TN, close to Knoxville.

Thanks for all feedback

Specializes in Pulmonology Clinic.
After working for a year in LTC, I am interviewing for a rural clinic position that provides family practice, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Adult Acute & Chronic Care, Pediatrics, Family Planning, Laboratory Testing, Pharmacy, Specialty Referral, Immunizations, Patient Health Education I think mostly to the financially disadvantaged.

Looks like there is 1 MD and 2 NPs, Otherwise not sure how the office is staffed. The office hours are M-F 8:30-4:30.

My job in LTC is BUSY, but it is not HARD, and I know the Residents and I am comfortable with the people that I work with, and I know at times I do make a difference, but I am finding it is not very rewarding, and that I would really rather do something that utilizes my brain a little more. Its really hard to "teach" a person with dementia, or encourage a 90 y/o ex pilot that is "giving up" to continue to fight just for the sake of being alive.

I am really curious as to what Role an LPN plays in a clinic, other then the obvious, Rooming, VS, throat cultures, urine samples etc. What are the REWARDS?, What are the FRUSTRATIONS?, What kind of pay/benefits could I expect?, it is located in Eastern TN, close to Knoxville.

Thanks for all feedback[/quote

I think I'll start with frustrations:

Patients call at 4:30 on Friday afternoon.

Patient calls with a question and then gets mad because they don't like the answer.

When you're going over smoking history, patient denies, while you are choking on the smoke smell.

And although you love them, the doc and NP will drive you crazy sometimes ;-)

Rewards--besides having normal hours, no weekends or holidays, I love being able to spend one-on-one time and get to know my patients. I know that I make a difference, and every thank you and hug I get is rewarding. And every doc/nurse relationship is different, but I love mine and really feel appreciated.

The pay here is a lot lower than LTC, about $11-12 starting vs $14-15 ltc. But we have good benefits (health, vision and dental), its worth it, especially if you love who you work with.

Thanks for that reply, I also found the description of the pro's and con's helpful!

Specializes in Pulmonology Clinic.

Good luck! I hope you find your fit at the clinic.

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