Clinic RN / Primary Care?

Specialties Doctoral

Published

I am thinking of applying to NP school after many years in Critical care / transport. As preparation for the completely different change in working condition and roles I am thinking of going to work in a M-F 8-5 clinic, as this is what I will be aiming for as an FNP in future. Thoughts on whether this would ACTUALLY be helpful? If so how?

Felix

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Specializes in Outpatient Psychiatry.

I think it'd be the most helpful job you could have. It's exactly what you intend to do as a NP.

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Specializes in Med-surg (peds and adult).

You absolutely should do some time in a clinic before investing in an FNP program. You could find out if you even LIKE primary care. It is vastly different than what you have been doing. But not necessarily easier or less stressful.

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OH MY GOSH!!! I was just wondering the same thing. I'm leaving my current job for a clinic RN job as I too want to become an FNP! So glad I saw this. Thanks OP

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Sounds like a great idea to me. The only reason why I'm not leaving just yet is because I'm going to school while working and truth be told, working three days a week bodes well for my schedule right now. I keep flirting with the idea of going to a clinic or research gig but the thought of having only the weekends to study is just not flying with me.

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Specializes in Outpatient Psychiatry.
Sounds like a great idea to me. The only reason why I'm not leaving just yet is because I'm going to school while working and truth be told, working three days a week bodes well for my schedule right now. I keep flirting with the idea of going to a clinic or research gig but the thought of having only the weekends to study is just not flying with me.

weekends are sufficient

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weekends are sufficient

Maybe you, but not for me. I like having a life too. :yes:

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Specializes in Outpatient Psychiatry.
Maybe you, but not for me. I like having a life too. :yes:

I took a lot of vacations in grad school. Shift work as a RN, as crappy as it was, allowed for all kinds of free time. I don't think I lacked free time rather I gained the impetus "to always be doing something." I still feel like that though and made a post on that once. It's bled over. I cannot just sit anymore.

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It will ABSOLUTELY be helpful. I too was a critical care nurse before starting NP school. Had never really spent any time in a clinic. Like someone above said, they are VASTLY different. You will still use your CCU knowledge some but the clinic experience will be invaluable.

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Consider if you are going to have to work during school. Most clinicals are during weekday office hours. Hospital hours are far more flexible. Just a thought.

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Specializes in BSN, RN, CCRN - ICU & ER.
It will ABSOLUTELY be helpful. I too was a critical care nurse before starting NP school. Had never really spent any time in a clinic. Like someone above said, they are VASTLY different. You will still use your CCU knowledge some but the clinic experience will be invaluable.

Good to know. I currently work in critical care and was accepted to a FNP program. I would like some clinic experience, but it will be better to keep my current job working 3 12's a week since clinical hours will likely be M-F.

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