Clinic nurses - how do you spend your time?

I recently left exactly that kind of job for one that has more flexibility even though it's still M-F. Example, I'm leaving an hour early tomorrow because of parent teacher conferences, and there is zero stress about it from my partner nurse and my boss. I worked longer days yesterday and today to flex the time so I'll still have 40 hours, and no use of PTO. It's a relief. At my last job if you didn't request time off at least 2 weeks in advance it would get denied, and even with 2 weeks or more notice, there was still no guarantee.

The short answer is that you have to use PTO for every little thing, and bosses get cranky about time off because they have to cover the clinic.

For appointments, you take PTO and get permission to take off for that appointment. Since your commute is an hour, you may need to find providers closer to mimimize the amount of vacation time you need to use.

For other things you'll get creative... or at least group them together to be efficient.

Honestly, how you'll like MF 8-5 work depends on your reasons for switching. I do like clinic work environments... less hectic, can build better relationships with patients and providers... so that may make up for the lack of scheduling flexibility.

The commute might get to you. I did the clinic nurse gig for several years and the commute is what did me in. Wake up at 6 AM, out the door by 6:45 AM just in case with traffic, leave at 5:00 PM to get home at 6:15 PM to make dinner. Bed by 10 PM left little time to do much of anything Monday through Friday. It really depends on your personal situation, like if have someone to take care of dinner, kids, chores, etc. around the house.