Outpatient Clinic vs. Floor- What's the Difference?

[littlenewnurse]

I'm a new grad nurse and after two months of applying for jobs I was offered two full time positions: one on a med/tele floor and one in an oncology outpatient clinic. After much deliberation, I decided to accept the offer from the outpatient clinic. It was part of my preferred hospital system, the pay was higher, the hours were better, and I enjoyed the smaller work atmosphere. However, I received some negative feedback from some of my classmates who work on hospital floors. I was told that because it was a smaller and more specialized unit that I would not get the experience I need to be a marketable nurse if I ever decided to work on a floor or in a different specialty. I love the clinic and I cannot wait to start working there but those words really cut deep. Are there any nurses who have experience in outpatient clinic and/or a hospital floor who could share their experience with it? Specifically:

1. Pros and cons of the outpatient clinic

2. Major differences from the hospital floor that I should be aware of

3. Time management skills that were helpful for you at the clinic

4. Your biggest take away from working in an outpatient clinic.

Thank you! :]

[mystory, BSN, RN]

They're jealous.

Heck, I'm jealous.

The state of healthcare is very favorable to outpatient treatment, and the trend is growing. It is more cost-effective and patients are typically required to have insurance, unlike inpatient where the hospital absorbs millions/year for non-payment. In my opinion, you will gain very marketable experience working outpatient as you will gain substantial procedural and time-management skills.

The outpatient schedule blows the inpatient grind out of the water. You will probably have less entitled family members too..I spend so much time and energy fetching jello for grandma and a blanket for son-in-law. People also generally attend outpatient for specified reasons..my patients like to requests assessments, consults, and all the tests/imaging for inconsequential issues such as moles they've had since childhood because "might as well get everything checked out since I'm in the hospital."

I've never worked outpatient and I have no delusions about it being some utopia but I would imagine that you would be a little less prone to some of these frustrating common inpatient scenarios. I may be wrong though. Overall, I would recommend pursuing this opportunity. Good luck in whatever you decide!!

[Dranger]

Money Money Money.

Inpatient almost always pays substantially more especially with differentials.

Inpatient schedules in my opinion are better. 3 12 hour shifts versus every day 8-5.

I can't speak for outpatient.

[BLUESCLUES191980]

I'm a new grad nurse just as well (May 2015) let me just say I have been on med/oncology from day 1. I think you have been given a great opportunity because I have been trying for outpatient oncology from the get go and I must say I've had a time finding any openings. I say enjoy, it couldn't hurt and I'm a little envious. Congratulations......

[OCNRN63, RN]

A lot depends on what you're going to be doing there. Will you be giving chemo/biologics? That takes a lot of knowledge; you're not just dealing with cancer, but every body system as well. I'm surprised the clinic is hiring new grads in that position if it's a clinic that does infusions. Most clinics like that require at least one year of med-surg or oncology floor experience.

I loved working in outpatient oncology, and I hope you enjoy it as well.

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

Inpatient pays more for a reason. Depends on what your goals are.