Interview for family medicine clinic

[guineapignurse, BSN, RN]

I have an interview for a family medicine clinic in the hospital system I currently work at. I am currently in a busy med surg unit with a usual load of 5 to 6 patients. I like it but the 12 hour shifts are hard on me  because I have a recent asthma diagnosis but I don’t mind working weekends or holidays. I had a exercerbation yesterday starting around 1200 and it wasn’t until after my shift was over at 1900 where I could go to the ER for treatment after doing inhalers twice and a neb treatment that my pcp prescribed until I can see pulmonary.For those of you that have moved to a clinic position what are the pros/ cons? I know a lot of nurses are leaving the hospital but the 12 hours shifts are what are challenging.

[Circus Director]

Pros - Acuity typically isn't high in primary care, you get to work directly with the providers most of the time, no weekends/nights/holidays

Cons - Not really that exciting, pay is generally not as good as inpatient, often short staffed due to low pay, work with CMAs/LPNs vs all RNs...not always a con but not everyone is on the same education level.  

Overall its just different. Not better or worse. Just depends on what your preference is similar to those who choose to work OB vs Med/Surg.  Different worlds with unique challenges.

Good luck.