New FNP going from ED to Clinical Manager for BD-good idea?

Career Columnist / Author · Dec 22, 2020

Hello Nurse Beth -

I really need your advice and guidance! I am currently an ER RN and have a great job with a respected academic institution. I have great co-workers and a good boss. However, the ER environment is hectic, and I don't see myself in the ER forever.

I will graduate with my FNP from Chamberlain University in April 2021, two classes left to go! As I consider my options as an FNP, I feel less-than inspired by working at an Urgent Care or Community Clinic with the 15-minute appointments. I'm not sure I want to be a Hospice FNP ... and I'm not sure really what my goal is as an FNP quite honestly. Primary care seems a bit draining and not very flexible.

I recently had a job interview with a medical device company (BD) - and the role requires travel and some hotel nights. The role is as a Clinical Manager - and it is basically the nurse who works in collaboration with the Sales Associate as the clinical expert. The role has an education component and would require travel to hospitals that may be several hours away. This particular territory includes Hawaii, and the recruiter said that there would be about 3x/yearly travel to Hawaii. Sounds exciting, right? I am 45 years old, single with no family, and I've been a nurse since 2012. My career goals include lots of flexibility, no more nights/weekends/holidays, and a place where I can grow! How can I decide if this is a good opportunity for me? I'm not dead-set on working clinically as an FNP - so I am very open to options ... although I do eventually hope to put my Master's degree to good use. It "sounds" so nice to work in a less hectic environment - but I'm also wondering if I have a case of "the grass is greener." Each path has its pros and cons and it's hard to know until I am in it! Thank you for any words of advice.

Dear Open to Options,

Congrats on graduating soon and congrats on the opportunity!

Adventure is calling you! It sounds like a great fit for you at this time in your life. Yes, every career path has its pros and cons, as you say, and travel can be both a pro and a con. But many people enjoy traveling for a good amount of time before it becomes old.

Several years ago, I went to Oahu to train nurses on Cerner. It was an amazing experience. There are plenty of hours left in the day after work to get out and about and explore.

With your background in ED, you bring a lot to the role. The BD Clinical Manager for my hospital is an ED nurse. He was the lead when we converted to Alaris pumps. He was very relatable, a lot because of his background and personality. He still works shifts regularly in the ED to keep his skills current.

There will be new challenges for you, such as becoming an effective educator and supporting your sites. Again, after 8 years of ED nursing, the timing seems perfect.

Good luck to you with your decision,

Nurse Beth