New Grad needs advice on how to find clinic/doc office jobs?

LaughingRN · Jun 25, 2012

My first job was in a clinic.

I was aiming for hospital, but I was completely open minded.

I found the job posted on Craigslist, and it was one of those shady 2 liner posts-

Something to the affect of:

"Looking for fulltime RN for fast paced Dermatology office in XXX city, if interested respond with resume"

Turns out it was a very legitimate (not that I really cared at that point of my job search) large clinic affiliated with a major hospital in the area, with 34 Fulltime RN's on staff already.

I worked there for a year before I realized my diehard passion was still ER, and here I am today:)

Moral: don't discount Craigslist for those types of jobs!

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Jun 25, 2012

Pretty much the same way you'd look for and apply to a hospital job: check the job search websites, clinic websites, job listings in the paper, etc. Send a nice cover letter tailored to working in a clinic/outpatient office along with your resume. And most importantly, accept the fact that working in most clinics/outpatient offices means you won't be making as much as you would if you worked in a hospital. On the brighter side, your schedule will be sweeter :)

Best of luck!

whatdoIdonow? · Jun 25, 2012

Pretty much the same way you'd look for and apply to a hospital job: check the job search websites, clinic websites, job listings in the paper, etc. Send a nice cover letter tailored to working in a clinic/outpatient office along with your resume. And most importantly, accept the fact that working in most clinics/outpatient offices means you won't be making as much as you would if you worked in a hospital. On the brighter side, your schedule will be sweeter :)
Best of luck!

Thank you! I start looking at more than just company specific websites...it's just so overwhelming!!

mitral · Jun 30, 2012

I have always pictured myself in a family practice office. I'm totally fine with a lower pay grade, especially if it will keep me out of the hospital! (Hate acute care!) Is it possible for a new grad? All the listings I've seen thus far require 2+ years. Anything I can do to make myself more marketable?

happyclinicRN, RN · Jun 30, 2012

All my life I worked in a clinic setting. Starting with reception role, med rec, call center, lead,etc. it was only natural to work as an RN in a clinic. When writing your resume taylor it to job duties of clinic nursing. Do you have experience with people in an appointment setting? Do you know basic office nursing procedures such as EKG, point of care lab testing or phlebotomy? Do you know what EMR system they use and know how to use it? Any customer service awards you have received? Sometimes offices post the job as "prefer experience" but are willing to train the right candidate. An experienced RN with terrible people skills is no match for an eager grad RN who is peppy and fun who works hard and is willing to learn anything!

happyclinicRN, RN · Jun 30, 2012

Also time management skills are a must for clinic nursing. Emphasize that on your resume!