minute clinic

[NJ-RN]

I need some feedback. I have been offered a position with a Minute Clinic. I have read some of the older posts on Minute Clinics, but nothing really recent. I know the down sides, ie - limited autonomy, etc.. but is it terrible that I consider this position b/c of the schedule and money? I have 3 small kids and need to work full time for financial reasons but am burdened with guilt working 5 days a week.

I guess my question is would taking this type of position hurt me in the long run? My plan is to do it for a few years until all of my children are in school.

p.s. - I have one yr of NP experience.

Thanks in advance.

[NurseAnneH]

I agree with you, and I'm perplexed at those above who say the job lacks autonomy. What more autonomy can you get by being at the clinic by yourself? Granted, I do get occasional chart reviews, but I do not always follow the SmartSet order sets, and as long as you document and validate your plan of care with evidence, I've never had an issue.

[NurseAnneH]

It's not cookie cutter at all. You have your own license and prescriptive authority. You can really do what you want at MC. What more autonomy can you get by being at the clinic by yourself? Granted, I do get occasional chart reviews, but I do not always follow the SmartSet order sets, and as long as you document and validate your plan of care with evidence, I've never had an issue. Perhaps it depends on if you are in a FPA state or not? I work in full-practice authority, so what I decide to do is up to me.

[NurseAnneH]

Interesting comments. I LOVE my job at MC, and feel it's a full use of my skills, and is totally autonomous. Honestly, I have found myself face-to-face with so many odd situations. I have sent a NSTEMI to ER via EMS, diagnosed a PE, diagnosed a severe LGIB, and recently a CVA. It depends on your background and how you want to use your skills. If you want to just give everyone a ZPack, that's cool, but honestly, I feel like I get so many crazy weird things at MC, it is interesting and a neat job. Plus, having a URI, flu vaccine and sports physical here and there keep me sane. I like it a lot, and plan to stay there. It is not a waste of my skills at all, and MC is expanding their scope weekly. We are still not "primary care", but we manage chronic care, and in many states now initiate treatment for DM and HTN. Its' a good job. No charts to take home, and it's hourly, so I make lots of OT.