Have you ever worked as an allergy clinic nurse?

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Hey there!

I’m interviewing with two different allergy clinics. One is an ENT & Allergy and it’s for the allergy shot nurse- basically I’d be doing just allergy skin test, allergy shots, and mixing the serum. I would not be working with the ENT doctors they have their own MA’s. The hours are Monday-Friday 8:30 to 5:00, no holidays, no weekends, no call, or nights. Also, this requires 25% travel if someone is out sick at another location, but I’d mostly be at my home office.

The other place is a the a bigger growing practice. It specializes in allergy, asthma, and sinus. I would be cross trained to work the a provider doing PFT’s, allergy skin test, IV and Subq infusions and many other things; and I would be trained to work in the allergy shot room as well. At this practice they travel with the providers to the other clinic in the area. The hours at this place can vary from 8-5:30 or 8:30-5:00 or even staying late some days till 6:00. Also you have one weekend rotation every 4-6weeks for a Saturday from 8-12. Holidays off, no other weekends beside what was mentioned, no nights or call. This place sounds like you can move up as well. And it sounds like more variety which I think I’d like. But I’m not sure about the travel. It sounds like I’d be traveling 75% of the time. Also, there isn’t a manger on site. Which I think could be good or bad.

I was curious if anyone has ever done this? How did you like the traveling? Would it be better not to travel all the time or is that a plus since I would get more variety? Also, have any of you worked in an allergy clinic? If so how did you like it? I’m looking for something different than bedside nursing. I used to work in a cardiology clinic, but didn’t get to do hardly any skills. This would be using more skills, but not as overwhelming as bedside nursing.

Sorry it’s so long. Hope to hear from you guys!

Crystal, BSN, RN

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Specializes in LTC.

I can tell you that I only lasted a few months working at an allergist’s office. It was the most boring job I’ve ever had. I gave allergy injections including bees, wasps etc. Did oral challenges and allergy testing. Spent 99% of the time standing around waiting for people I could stab.

So if you have an option to get a job where there’s more to it, and you can move up go for it.

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Specializes in Allergy and Immunology.

I’m just seeing this now as I don't come here as often as I used to.

Anyway....

I had a chuckle at the previous poster’s comment on it being boring. I have heard people say that about this specialty.

I’ve been an allergy nurse for 10 years. I don’t find it boring at all. Some people either like the slower pace or find it mind numbing...

I wonder if you took the position and if so, how’s it going now?...

I enjoy the specialty. Things I get to do:

Patient histories/rooming, medication teaching, Rx refills, steroid injections, biologic injections, nasal cultures, other injections, IV infusions (rare), phone triage, prior authorizations (not my fav), allergy injections, pneumonia and flu vaccinations, serum mixing, PFTs, Nixon, nebulizer treatments, medication and oral challenges, phlebotomy, other injections.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Ella26

1
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Hey I would definitely love to know more about Allergy Nursing because I'm so tired of bedside. I'm not afraid of being bored in any way at all. I'm actually looking for a slower paced environment. I've switched positions in nursing and been super devastated because it was worse so I'm just afraid 

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