Hospital vs. Clinic

Published

Hi AN family! I have a third world problem I was wondering if I could get some advice on.

I'm about 7 mo into my BSN nursing career and recently was switched to day shift so I could orient on critical care (I am on the float pool). OH MY GOODNESS how much better do I feel! I love DAYS! I do not want to go back to night shift in a month. I've gained weight and it makes me feel just awful and sleepy all the time.

I've told my boss my preference. I will probably be next in line for days but there is a surplus of RNs on that shift and not enough on nights... I'll be on nights for a while.

A very renowned clinic associated with a hospital has asked to interview me next week. It's 9-5.

Pros: Better shift; I have a life before and after work; I will be able to go to the GYM and feel healthier; more time with my BRAND new husband :); specializing. Never again 6 PATIENTS!

Cons: Not having 3-4 days off a week; I will lose my hospital skills I've been busy gaining for the last 7 months; I will lose 2.5 years seniority at this hospital.

Having just starting my nursing career, I am nervous about leaving the hospital so soon. On a side note, we are going to start having kids within the next year and I wonder what schedule (12's vs 8's) is better (I'll be part-time). I am also thinking about going for my FNP and wonder if hospital experience is valued more/will help me more in school.

I would love some input from different perspectives since all of you have such vast experience and advice! Thanks for reading.

Specializes in FNP- Urgent Care.

I officially freeze up in interviews... Even over the phone. Ugh I did not have a good feeling after that one :(

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac, Home Health, Primary Care.
I officially freeze up in interviews... Even over the phone. Ugh I did not have a good feeling after that one :(

Just wait it out and expect the worst (then if they call you're pleasantly surprised lol). We all freeze up and you may have come off better than you think.

Hope it all works out for you

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

Keeping in mind that you haven't yet interviewed, let alone been offered the job...

Those kinds of hours, especially when you hate nights, are fantastic. I'm a new nurse (graduated in May), and I'm starting an outpatient position later this month. As a single mom, I can tell you that this schedule will be the easiest one with a kid. I'll have a lot of the same holidays off as him. Most new hospital nurses miss every holiday with their kids.

What is your husband's schedule like? Having time together, especially when your marriage is in its infancy, is invaluable.

Honestly, reading your post, it sounds like you really want this job, but are trying to weigh the acute care versus non-acute care pros and cons. What is the market like where you live? Is critical care what you want? Can you eventually switch to days? Do you get called off if the census is low? How are the people?

Yes, you will lose some skills, but you'll gain others. Being able to assess breath sounds as well as a RT will be invaluable, and you'll learn a lot that you can take with you in ANY area of nursing. Some people say you can't dig out of a speciality, others disagree. All you can do is what's best for you. Look beyond your career, too. You have a new marriage. You want to start having kids. You hate nights. Those are all very significant.

Find out what the pay is, too. The clinic job I'm starting pays about $15/hour MORE than the hospitals it's affiliated with here. I won't be getting called off for low census. I can count on the income. I get benefits included. I like the people I've met so far.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.
I officially freeze up in interviews... Even over the phone. Ugh I did not have a good feeling after that one :(

Just saw this- hopefully they have a better feeling about you than you did. :)

Have you thought about working on your interview skills? What is the struggle for you?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in FNP- Urgent Care.

Thanks for all of the advice!! My RunBaby- my husbands schedule is a normal one. I could go to days but it wouldn't be until probably 6 months or so... And even then, I'm not sure if that is what I want.

I got a call back (by the grace of God)! I meet with the manager and a physician. What could they possibly ask me? Haha HR asked me like 15 "situational" questions and it took like 45 minutes! I can't imagine what else they could ask. Probably just want to get a feel for my personality.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.
Thanks for all of the advice!! My RunBaby- my husbands schedule is a normal one. I could go to days but it wouldn't be until probably 6 months or so... And even then, I'm not sure if that is what I want.

I got a call back (by the grace of God)! I meet with the manager and a physician. What could they possibly ask me? Haha HR asked me like 15 "situational" questions and it took like 45 minutes! I can't imagine what else they could ask. Probably just want to get a feel for my personality.

For the job I am about to start, I had a second interview with the physician and PA from the practice. It was more of getting a sense of my personality, why this specialty (urology), why I am the right candidate for this job. It was good for me to have the opportunity to ask questions (I always like to ask what they seek in a candidate). I like hearing what's important to them, and it can be good to feel like I CAN fulfill what they want. It was interesting- the #1 thing the physician said for that one was patience. Patience with elderly patients who move slowly, speak slowly, that sort of thing. He wants someone who won't make them feel rushed. It wasn't the response I expected! But it's something I feel like I have, and will do well with. But this is exactly why I love this question- it can be something unexpected, and it's great to hear what they want. The PA said she wanted someone with an interest in urology.

Good luck with your interview!! Looks like you didn't bomb it as badly as you thought! ;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac, Home Health, Primary Care.
Thanks for all of the advice!! My RunBaby- my husbands schedule is a normal one. I could go to days but it wouldn't be until probably 6 months or so... And even then, I'm not sure if that is what I want.

I got a call back (by the grace of God)! I meet with the manager and a physician. What could they possibly ask me? Haha HR asked me like 15 "situational" questions and it took like 45 minutes! I can't imagine what else they could ask. Probably just want to get a feel for my personality.

It likely is to make sure you're a good fit. I just started a job in a clinic as a NP and I had an interview with the manager and then had to meet with all of the physicians (6 of them on various days as all weren't available the same day) before I got an official offer. It took a couple of weeks for all of that to happen but it's worked out well.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

What a small world.

I'm at the UCH pulmonology (and other specialties) clinic. I've been in my clinic for a year, after seven years of inpatient, mostly critical care...both days and nights. I re-upped my ACLS last year because "I didn't want to lose skills." Next time around, I don't think I'll bother. I'm changing skills. Sure, it's fun to analyze a 12 lead when I need to. But I love what I'm building.

No nights, no holidays, no weekends. Say it again after me: no nights, no holidays, no weekends.

Good luck. You and I may cross paths sometime.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in FNP- Urgent Care.

I thought it went well. They actually ended up asking me pretty much the same questions the recruiter asked.... I had a good vibe :) thanks for all of the advice!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in VA, Ortho, Med/Surg.

I just want someone to train me in a clinic. Is that too much to ask lol? To train my on EMR and EKG? How hard can that be lol? It's like all my years of hospital mean nothing since it's been 15 yrs. now. All I am familiar with now is pediatric home care and I'd rather die than sit in a room for 12 hrs. a day with one patient. I'm sick of all this experience "needed." Train me dammit and I'll be the best nurse you've ever seen. Crap, my mom delivered babies as a new CNA back in 1972.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in FNP- Urgent Care.

So you are having a hard time finding a clinic job? I applied to this one in particular because it said "recent grads welcome" and I've been a nurse for about 7 months. Have you signed up for the automated email system to let you know a job has been posted at certain facilities?

And no, that is not too much to ask for! This place in particular specifically said not to worry about learning the clinical side, that can be taught. Attitude and personality can't.

I hope you find what you are looking for! Maybe find a professional to help make your resume be top notch and assist with interviewing skills to insure you land the perfect job (something I'm considering).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment