Going from hospital to clinic setting - taking a step backwards?

[klone, MSN, RN]

I've been a nurse for seven years, and the entire time it's been in an acute hospital setting, in my specialty area. Now that I've started an MSN-Leadership program, I'm looking for more opportunities for advancement, learning management skills, and basically paving the way for leadership positions.

I recently applied for a charge nurse position for a clinic (working in my specialty area). I have a few years of charge nurse experience, but not recently, and I feel like this would be a good resume builder and a good experience for an entry-level supervisory role (the job description stated that I would be supervising nursing and clinical staff, so I imagine I will be in charge of the LPNs and MAs at the clinic, and directly under the nurse manager). Within four hours of submitting my application, I received a call, requesting an interview.

The clinic is part of a health network that is HIGHLY regarded in my community, difficult to get one's foot into the door of (sorry, awkward sentence), and the pay at this health network is generally regarded as the best in this community.

I'm just wondering, from a resume standpoint, if it looks like a step backwards to go from hospital to clinic? My gut tells me this would be a really good opportunity, from the perspective of gaining supervisory experience (and in the specialty I love). I would just like other people's perspectives.

[LocaW8ta]

I always find it disheartening to think that the mentality of acute care nursing being the only type of "real nursing" is still out there. I think all of the reasons you gave for heading into the clinic arena are solid and not only will you benefit greatly from the many new and different experiences, but the clinic will benefit greatly from having you. Best of luck in obtaining your MSN and enjoy this new adventure. :)

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

I do not think of it as a step back. I know several clinic nurses who have become "experts" in that particular practice. I do recommend being part of a network, such as a nursing association, and keeping up with your education. I work in a hospital, but have called on clinic nurses to help me educate our staff on updates regarding meds/therapies of certain conditions. They are "frontline" warriors.

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

Just keep in mind that once you go clinic it can be hard to go back to the hospital setting. They seem to consider your skills as rusty. I have seen this with lots of nurses that did acute and then switched to outpatient and then had a hard time getting back in with the hospitals.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

You'll have so many opportunities to influence patients as a manager in your specialty clinic. You may have-- or create!-- opportunities to work with the inpatient side of the house on integrating inpt/outpt care, research, offering inpt staff shadow days in your area-- possibilities are endless. This is a step up in your career, not a step back. Embrace it. Sounds like they were really in a hurry to snag you before you went somewhere else-- they must recognize the great value you'll bring them. Bask in it! Congratulations!

[NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN]

I think any area that you WANT to do is a major step forwards. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder!

[llg, PhD, RN]

What are your long term goals? .... Inpatient? ... or ... Outpatient? If your goals are to move up the ladder in an inpatient setting, then this possible move is still OK, as long as it is a short-term thing. The longer you stay in the outpatient world, the harder it will be to get back into an inpatient environment. A year or two is probably not going to hurt you much, and the absence from the inpatient world would be compensated by the supervisory experience. But 5 years? -- You would be in danger of being considered to "out of touch" with the inpatient world.

However, if your goals are to become involved in outpatient care, then this is a great move -- and there is nothing wrong with focusing on outpatient care.

Figure out your long-term direction and plan accordingly.

[ToothFairy(5)]

I do interveiwing and hiring at one of my jobs. I would not consider it " going backwards " . I would hire a professional though to word your resume well when you leave the clininc setting to move on towards your goals. Like llg said, if you are in the clininc 2-5 years it should not be an issue. If you are concerned though and just be on the safe side you could keep a per diem job in an acute care setting. All depends on your long term goals though. Best wishes.

[mclennan, BSN, RN]

With Obamacare coming down the pipe, there will be lots more Federal dollars fed to preventative care, and ambulatory clinics will be highly prioritized for funding. There will be a HUGE emphasis on community and health system clinics as places where health care reform can be implemented. I couldn't think of a better time to get into clinic management as a nurse.

I STRONGLY recommend two things: get your ANCC certification in Ambulatory nursing, and look into certificate programs in Transitional Leadership. These two things will be essential for you in this new role.

[klone, MSN, RN]

Thank you, everyone, for your feedback! After having a couple days to think about the position, I've decided that I'm really excited and I hope I'm offered the opportunity. I'm not really exactly sure where I see my career headed, but I know that I want to remain in my specialty area, and I see myself in leadership roles. This health network is large and would offer ample opportunity for advancement.

Mclennan - thank you for the suggestions - I think certifications are important, and I will make sure to mention at the interview that I would seek certification at the earliest time I would be eligible.

[klone, MSN, RN]

Just an update....I was offered the job today! I'm really excited, I think this is an excellent introduction to being a supervisor, and in the specialty I love, with a company that has an excellent reputation. :)

[llg, PhD, RN]

Congratulations! ... and ... Good luck!