[jen42]

Hello all!

I just accepted a position as an RN in a clinic for low-income families. I'm very excited! I've worked in a school setting, and a correctional setting, but never in an office.

On the med-surg forum they have a "sticky" with tons of advice from more experienced nurses on how to succeed in that area. (i.e. don't panic, don't stand for screaming doctors, delegate effectively. etc.) Wondering if we could do something similar here? What are strategies that you've found to make everything run more smoothly for you and make your job more rewarding? Any tips are welcome...

Thank you!

[Nurse Ratched]

Sticking your post as the start to this thread .

First advice, especially for the lower income folks: know your patient assistance programs .

http://www.ashp.org/pap/

Outpatient nursing is all about keeping patients outpatient lol. Being aware of resources to help them get their medications is key.

[J Lynn]

I agree about the medications. They will love you for life if you can get them some help on their meds.

[fantasie]

I worked in a pregnancy clinic for low income women. I would say the most important thing I tried to keep in mind is low income does not necessarily = low intelligence. Do not talk down to these clients, they will end up resenting you and probably not listen to what you have to say anyway...IMHO

[Morgan314]

Nurse Ratched
Thank you for posting the site for PAP meds. I have been searching for a site like this for a long time. This is the best site I've ever seen. In our clinic, we have approx 150 patients receiving meds through the various programs. It is a very time consuming process and management has encouraged me to delegate this activity to a clerical staff person.

[Barbie Lou]

I wish you success in your new challenge. I do recommend an author, Ruby Payne, Ph.D., who has written many books on the Framework for Understanding Poverty. You can order her books on line at her web site. I have heard her lecture and appreciate her insights and wisdom. Middle class and Upper class have many unspoken rules which are barriers to working with those who are 1st or 2nd generation poverty. I really recommend her book. School teachers and court systems use her as an authority. This helped me understand why there are so many "no shows", or arriving late for the appointment, etc. Again, success in your new role.

No one cares how smart you are until they know how much you care!

[prowlingMA]

Keep a list of all types of specialtists and free clinics in the area, and all local ER's. It will come in handy.
Know which drugs you keep free samples of and offer then when you can, and a list of what drugs cost at local pharmacues for noninsured. You will be asked a lot.