Is Phys. Office nursing "Really Nursing"?

Specialties Ambulatory

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I am going through school with a friend, (we are taking our pre-req's together), and I happened to mention that I was interested in working in a Physicians office. To which she said, " I don't really consider that nursing". I was slightly taken aback, and thought that was a pretty snobby view to take...I mean, it's not floral arranging. It's nursing. Nursing is nursing, right? I know there are many different fields and specialties, and I happen to think Physician's office nursing sounds like a good fit for me. Regular hours, weekends and holidays off. I like the idea. And, I like the feeling of being in a smaller place than a hospital.

Frankly, I think if you're good, it doesn't matter where you work.

Do other people have this view of office nursing?

Well who ever thinks office nursing isn't "nursing" is out of there minds. I am a former cardiac/post open heart nurse who now works in a a family practice office. I feel like i am a more rounded nurse now since working in this office. I get the joy of working with peds,ob/gyn, young and older adults. Yes it is very different from working at the bedside, the stress levels are different, but i can say it is the best decision i have ever made! I do suggest working in an hospital before going to an office just b/c it will help develop your critical thinking skills and give experience with dealing with different diseases/conditions.

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Specializes in Pulmonary med/surg/telemetry.

I'm still in school and since the moment I decided to become a nurse I've never pictured myself in a hospital setting. I'm really interested in patient education and I like the interaction that nurses are able to have with patients in an office.

Last year when I was in the hospital in labor with my son I asked my nurse if she would ever consider office nursing. Her comment was something to the effect, "If I want to be bored all day..." and that has just made me so nervous ever since.

This thread has made me feel so much better about things.

Thanks.

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Specializes in IM/Critical Care/Cardiology.

When I worked for a group of Cardiologists in their stress lab in the office I started IV's everyday. There a many skills in office nursing. There are many times folks walked into our office and the hospital was across the street and they were having an MI.

So for the nurse who feel they may be bored working in an office setting may be judging the hospital environmrnt to an unknown office environment. There is a difference but there is still a great need of nurses quick on their feet and quick witted. There ia a need for prioritizing at times.

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My experience includes work as an MA (cardiology/pediatrics office), then nursing in nursing home, home health, ambulatory care, family practice, neurology office. No med surge but think in retrospect it would have been the most efficient way to develop nursing skills, apply nursing and fully understand its unique role as compared to other medical roles eg Medical Assistant (MAs), advanced degrees, etc. I find it challenging in office settings because many (MA's and even docs) do not fully understand the nursing role; applying the scientific process with skills of assessment, documentation (and having the knowledge and understanding of its legal importance), education, follow-up, etc., and also having the opportunity to create and build programs that benefit the patient and the organization is what has ultimately earned me respect and set my nursing duties apart from duties of MAs, LPNs, etc. In an office setting, there is much responsibility for oversight of subordinates and setting an example, for clinical skills, communication (particularly documentation), patient education and interaction and customer service, etc. Nurses are greatly under utilized in the office setting, particularly since that is where the diagnoses begins, but where patient education should also be readily available at the outset (the doc's just don't have the time).

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Specializes in Occupational Medicine, Orthopedics.

I have a friend who is an LPN in a dermatology office. She LOVES it. She says it's very specialized and feels that her job is extremely rewarding in every way.

With all the new skin issues/treatments/surgeries becoming not only more popular, but more advanced, she says it's a wonderful field to be in.

I'm considering the field now, but in a different office.

But I'm probably sold mostly on the evenings, weekends, and holidays off. Currently I'm working full time in LTC and am on a continually rotating two week schedule which includes working every other weekend. I don't like working weekends, period.

I'm a tad worried though, because if I switch jobs now, it will be the fourth switch in 1 year. I'm just having trouble finding the right fit for my life and family.

Any one else with that problem?

Blue

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Specializes in OB, M/S, HH, Medical Imaging RN.

Yikes!!! This thread is 4.5 years old. I just noticed another MA vs Nurse thread revitalized after over 8 years. Is there a conspiracy here to drive me out of my mind. Why?? I think we've beat this issue until the preverbal horse is not dead but now lying in ashes!

ripthread.jpg

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Specializes in Occupational Medicine, Orthopedics.

Dutchgirl, you're funny.

But it is easier to reincarnate subjects than read through every single reply.

Blue

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Specializes in Peds, Med-Surg, Disaster Nsg, Parish Nsg.

Although this thread is 4 1/2 years old, it was not the intention of this being a MA vs Nurse thread. The OP was asking about office nursing....no mention whatsoever about MA's.

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Specializes in OB, M/S, HH, Medical Imaging RN.
Although this thread is 4 1/2 years old, it was not the intention of this being a MA vs Nurse thread. The OP was asking about office nursing....no mention whatsoever about MA's.

Sorry, my mistake. Guess I'm getting overly sensitive ;)

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Specializes in IM/Critical Care/Cardiology.
Yikes!!! This thread is 4.5 years old. I just noticed another MA vs Nurse thread revitalized after over 8 years. Is there a conspiracy here to drive me out of my mind. Why?? I think we've beat this issue until the preverbal horse is not dead but now lying in ashes!

ripthread.jpg

Maybe an old thread, but i always welcome new healthcare workers.

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Specializes in OB, M/S, HH, Medical Imaging RN.
Maybe an old thread, but i always welcome new healthcare workers.

Humbily said I was sorry :omy: and I do agree. Newbies are "always" welcome.

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Specializes in IM/Critical Care/Cardiology.
Humbily said I was sorry :omy: and I do agree. Newbies are "always" welcome.

Hey we all have been students, worked long hours, heard the same complaints, but that is similiar to the patient walking in with a cold..... we still take care of it.

No worries, no hard feelings, sometimes we just have to remember when.... ya know?:caduceus:

Sharona

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