Primary care dilemma

[phosophorus]

My passion is primary care. I've worked in primary care and in hospitals before nursing school, and what I really want to do is community based primary care. Unfortunately i go to an expensive school, but got a full ride scholarship for 2yr of work at the university hospital or clinics.

In my clinics I've enjoyed the care element of floor nursing, but the work loads and the acuity take out much of what I want to do. I am passionate about long term interventions and preventative care/education. My favorite job was working in an STD clinic. I'm curious if anyone has recommendations for a floor that might be more similar to primary care? I know I'm asking for too much :)

I have thought about working at a university outpatient clinic, though that doesn't unfortunately include any community clinics. They have urology, cardiology, diabetes research, and outpatient oncology clinics.

[Jolie, BSN]

Mother-baby involves primarily the care of well mothers and newborns, all in need of support as they transition to a new role, assistance with breastfeeding and lots of teaching.

Pediatrics also involves providing lots of guidance and teaching.

Of the clinics you mention, I think diabetes and cardiology have the potential to enable you to develop long-term relationships with a consistent client base andprovide preventive care as well as teaching on prevention of complications.

I admire you for having such a strong interest in primary care. Perhaps when your "pay back" time is over, you might want to consider a county health department in either prenatal care, well baby or peds.

[phosophorus]

Those are good points I hadn't thought of. I am more directed towards adult health, probably because I haven't had much experience with children though I'm open to that changing. You nailed me, I would love to go into county health :)