New RN in Docs office; Will it screw me??

Jolie, BSN · Jan 31, 2013

Why would you want to return to a clinical setting that is making you miserable? If you believe you will enjoy the office job, take it.

I don't know many nurses who have left the hospital for other settings who regretted their decisions. Most of us plan to never return.

Hospital nursing is not necessary the pinnacle of one's career.

melissa_rn · Jan 31, 2013

I never worked in a hospital after graduating nursing school. I worked at a residental treatment facility (psych), then a family practice clinic, and now a rheumatology clinic. While I don't plan to work in a hospital any time soon, I do wish I would have gotten some experience there right out of school. The recruiter for the local hospital has even told me that they do not hire nurses without hosptial experience. I've considered going back to school for my Masters, but even that, they want hospital experience. At one point, I was laid off and scrambling to find a job. The hospital was hiring, but since I didnt' have hospital experience, I was out of luck. I LOVE working in a clinic, but I do wish I would have tried hospital nursing for a little while at least. (In other words, I think I did screw myself for the future.) Also, I know more and more clinics are getting away from hiring nurses and only using MAs, which makes me worried for my job security in the future.

Hey all! I'm in need of some advice on my career path. Well here goes...Basically Im a new grad and have been working in a hospital on a busy ortho/neuro floor for 10 months. To make a long story short, its made me a wreck. Ive found myself depressed, stressed and really dreading the job. I know the first few years as a floor nurse are challenging, but its changed me mentally and its even effected my life outside of the job. Im only 25 years old and feel like I shouldnt be sacrificing my happiness and mental health for it anymore. So heres my real question; I was offered a position in an RN Ambulatory setting, and even though I want to get out of the hospital very badly, I'm wondering if its a good move to leave with such little experience in acute care. Another RN I work with told me it would probably screw me in the future if for some reason I ever wanted to return to the hospital. I'll also mention that I would eventually like to return to school for my masters, possibly NP. Tell me what you all think! I would really appreciate the advice and personal experiences! Thanks )

NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN · Jan 31, 2013

I've been a nurse for 27 years this year. I work med/surg. I talked my daughter (26) and my oldest son (32) out of going to nursing school. Since you are in it, I won't say QUIT, but I commend you for recognizing the fact that floor/hospital nursing is not for you. Heck, it's not for me either, but I don't want to sit behind a desk. I don't know how great the other position is for you but I would recommend that you keep your hospital job for another 2 months to equal a one-year clinical experience on your resume. Then I would try to go PRN at the hospital to keep your skills current even if you only do one day a week or every two weeks or even once a month. Most positions/employers want to see that clinical experience on your resume no matter what area you are going in. And as far as the certifications go with the ANCC if you should desire such in the future, I think they want to see 2 years clinical experience before allowing a nurse to become certified in any particular area.

That's just my opinion and as soon as I finish with my BSN, I'm out!!! Health Department (even with the desk) or something of the like because I'm nowhere near retirement age but too old for a career change in this economy and being a nurse in the first place was NOT my decision. It was my Dad's idea and back in those days, we did what our parents told us to do. I didn't realize that my brain was mine and NOT his until it was too late. LOL!!

Good luck to you!!