Ambulatory vs. Acute Care

[wanna_be]

I graduated from a BSN program about 1.5 years ago, but have approximately eight years' experience in various outpatient settings (case management, medical assistant, etc.). My passion is ambulatory care, and for the most part, I would be alright if I never worked in acute care. But sometimes I am curious what I am missing.

Recently, a Paramedic friend claimed that what I do in the outpatient setting is "just as challenging" as any hospital floor nurse. So, I'm hoping to hear from those of you who have experience in BOTH areas. What do you think? Is one more difficult to than the other, or is it comparing apples to oranges?

As an example, as an ambulatory nurse, I do primary care throughout the lifespan, including OB and pediatric patients. I triage by phone and in the clinic, do assessments and work with PCPs on acute visits, administer oral, SQ and IM meds (and the occasional suppository), wound care, I.V. fluids, and urinary catheter insertion among other things. But I still feel quite intimidated by acute care nurses!

[brownbook]

Geeze...... your job description intimidates me! I did the usual med/surg, ICU, route. I couldn't do what you do.

Plus I could leave work and another nurse would take over the patient's care. You don't have that luxury.

A great nurse like you keeps people healthy and out of the hospital. You are on the front line!