A clinical director in PDN..

[mluvsgnc]

... is akin to what in other sectors of nursing? Charge nurse? Clinical nurse educator?

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

Clinical nurse supervisor and nurse case manager. Responsible for case management, supervision of field nurses as well as clinical education & orientation of field nurses.

[mluvsgnc]

Thank you, JustBeachyNurse!

[caliotter3]

This term (with director in it) could also mean the boss nurse of the agency, usually known as the director of patient care services (or such). The clinical nursing supervisor usually holds the position between the nursing director of the entire agency and the field nurses.

[mluvsgnc]

Thanks, caliottter3. I supposed it's all semantics, and I need to see how the agency I work for defines it.

I told my agency that I wanted more money and more hours, and they came back to me with the possibility of becoming a clinical director at the agency (!). I am going in tomorrow to see what they have to say, and in the meantime need to think about my future goals. I really like the bedside aspect of being an RN, and have been hesitant to pursue my BSN (but thought I would some day). If I take this on, I wonder if I could get into a hospital in a couple of years, without the BSN (I'm old, lol) but with this kind of experience.

[caliotter3]

I don't see how being the director of a hh agency will help getting you into a hospital position if it is a staff nurse, or other bedside, nursing position you seek. Management, though, would be a different story.

[mluvsgnc]

Agreed, caliotter3- I was thinking the same thing (about not helping for a bedside position). If I take this position, I would want to find a way to keep my skills fresh (per diem jobs, perhaps). It's one of those things where I feel like it's not necessarily where I pictured myself in nursing, but may be too good of an opportunity to pass up. I've managed a staff before (in advertising) and it was ok, but.... I just don't know. Again, need to hear what they have to say and mull it over. Thank you for "talking" with me about this :)

[caliotter3]

Have known a nurse who worked part time as the DPCS of a home health agency and as a staff field nurse for another agency. That would be one way to keep clinical skills fresh, however, not many agencies are looking for only a part time boss nurse.