Hospital vs. Doctor's office

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Hello all! I am new to the forum. I was hoping to get opinions and thoughts on being and RN for either a hospital~birthing floor~ or a doctor's office. (The doctor's office either being a birth and family office or a women's care office) I just started the nursing program so I have awhile, but I just got to thinking about it and wanted some input from others. The things that come to mind for me would be is there a big pay differnece, would the hours be more apealing in a doctor's office instead of being the low man on the totem pole in a hospital setting, etc... So I would love some input from everyone. What would be your thoughts which one you prefer what are your opinons on both ~good and bad~. I know there are things I have not even thought about yet! I work in a local, small hospital and I do a lot of work on the birthing floor. I see our RN's and everyone on the floor that work together to treat the patients, and when I see mothers laboring I wish I could rush right in there and be apart of it. So I know I will love working around pregnancy and (or) laboring. I also might be able to determine once I do the clinicals at the hospital for the birthing unit. Me just being curious and wondering what everyone's thoughts were on working in both settings? Thank you very much!

( I hope this made sense..)

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

I cannot state how it would be in a doctor's office. Never worked there----- But if you wnat to be present at births, being priveledged enough to be part of new families being born, you need to go to a birthing center or hospital, not a doctor's office! JMO.

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Specializes in Case Mgmt; Mat/Child, Critical Care.

My personal opinion....you are working towards your RN, I take it.... You really need to work in a hospital to develop your skills and "learn", if you will, how to be a nurse. it would be kind of a waste to work in an office right off the bat. That's just my opinion, like I said, but I do think you would benefit from starting in an L&D setting, then you could always go work in an office if you wanted to. Plus offices pay way less than what you'll make in the hospital!

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One of the nurses I work with opted for working in a physician's office when she had kids who were in school so she could be home when they were home and didn't work weekends and holidays. After her kids were raised, she went back to working in a hospital in the ER. Actually, I just thought of another nurse I know who did the same thing.

Depends on your life situation.

steph

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Welcome to the OB nursing field, where you have so many options.

On where you want to work, it really depends on your personality. If you really like the "action", the "fly by the seat of your pants", never know what's going to happen next type of nursing, I suggest working in a hospital.

If you are more easy going, would like to work during "normal" business hours, I'd suggest working for a doctor's office. By easy going, I mean a more relaxed atmosphere. Yes, the floors can be quiet sometimes, but most of the time it's pretty busy.

There are advantages to working both areas. It all depends on your situation and personality. I hope that this helps you a little bit. Good luck in your pursuits! :)

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Thank you guys so much. Yes I am working toward my RN. I think you are right that I could develop my skills more in a hospital setting. Before this email I wasn't sure which would help my nursing skills the most but now I see what you are saying. I just do not want me working in an office setting "stunt" my growth as a nurse from the begining. I think I would love the up-beat excitment of the actual birth. Thank you for everyone's input!

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Good choice clinics are boriiiiiiiiiiiiing i was in one for a month hospitals are way better more patients more problems more learning. :D

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