Acute care vs. office nursing, which do you prefer?

Nurses General Nursing

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Those of you who have worked both acute care and office nursing, which do you prefer and why ?

I am currently working on a cardiac step down unit but have an interview for a cardiologists office this week.I'm just not sure what I want to do! I don't feel like I've found my niche (I've done acute care and hospice).

Looking for some direction, thanks!

Specializes in Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgical.

Clinic nursing: more unpredictable schedule, slower to adapt to EHR (we were still on paper when I left), healthier patients, nurses do less nursing "tasks" and more patient education, telephone triage, less days off a week. Can ship out patients to hospital with issues.

Hospital:higher stress, busier environment, sicker patients, more support, more access to educational opportunities,schedule with holidays and weekends.

I'm currently on a CT surgical floor working more weekends. I don't mind the 12s.

Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Those of you who have worked both acute care and office nursing, which do you prefer and why ?
I prefer neither. However, I'd hate working in a doctors' office due to having to report to work five days per week. At least I can work three 12-hour shifts and receive four days off per week at most hospitals.

It felt as if my entire week had gone to waste when I worked five 8-hour days from Mon to Fri.

I prefer neither. However, I'd hate working in a doctors' office due to having to report to work five days per week. At least I can work three 12-hour shifts and receive four days off per week at most hospitals.

It felt as if my entire week had gone to waste when I worked five 8-hour days from Mon to Fri.

I thought I'd like 12's but I rarely get to work 3 on 4 off as I would like. The draw for me to the office is that I'd have the same schedule as my husband whereas right now we are not off together often.

Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

I've worked clinic for the past 2+ years. I enjoy it, but do sometimes miss the faster pace of the hospital, plus it's sometimes hard to work 5 days and have to take time off for things like dentist appointments, conferences, etc.

Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

I like acute care more...at least for right now. My answer may be different in a few years :)

I like to work in a clinic. It is less stressful, and I am not as tired when I come home.

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