Circus Director

Pros - Acuity typically isn't high in primary care, you get to work directly with the providers most of the time, no weekends/nights/holidays Cons - Not really that exciting, pay is generally not as good as inpatient, often short staffed due to low pay, work with CMAs/LPNs vs all RNs...not always a con but not everyone is on the same education level. Overall its just different. Not better or worse. Just depends on what your preference is similar to those who choose to work OB vs Med/Surg. Different worlds with unique challenges. Good luck.

I went from managing inpatient units to outpatient clinic departments. It is definitely a different kind of work. I think some people come to the clinics thinking it will be an easier job but its just got different challenges. I really like the outpatient world. You get to see people when they are healthy and in a good place as well as when they are going through an illness. Its a nice balance to be honest. Its not as "exciting" as acute care nursing but it can be stressful. Working 5 days a week from working 3 12s was a transition when I went from bedside work to management work but in general I enjoy it. I like being home with my family in the evenings. When I was doing 12s I really just slept, ate and worked on the days I worked. Its a better balance for me personally but I do miss my long stretches off without vacation.

I hate to say it welcome to middle management. The providers are upset because "you" haven't provided adequate staffing. The staff are upset because they are overworked. Your boss is annoyed because you can't get anything completed. And most importantly you are tired. Its getting worse because of the nursing shortage. Particularly in the outpatient world where salaries are less for front line staff. The ANA just issued a letter to the Director of Health and Human Services asking to declare it a national emergency. I don't mean to sound doom and gloom. Despite all the challenges I enjoy my job most days. I have flexibility in when I come and go most of the time. The days can be long but rewarding. You have to ask yourself if you are doing it because you like the type of work or if you are doing it for the money. OR maybe it really is a tough position and you need to work to find yourself something that is better for you. There are a lot of tough leadership jobs but you also have to have work/life balance.