nursediesel

Thank you for your reply. Unfortunately I didn't get that position, but continue to have strong interests in derm. It seems like there is a lot of turnover in derm clinics and I can't seem to figure out why. I wondered if it was task related or possibly wage, because I would think hours would be like any other clinic.

That is my family's thoughts as well, however, I am trying to tell myself it wouldn't be so bad as it is only 3-4 shifts per two weeks, with the worst being 3 days in a row when it's your weekend??? Idk. In response to Yamamama, my heart says the hospital role is rare where I live and may not have another opportunity.... and my head says don't be away from your family on holidays and weekends. My husband feels I would never adjust to that schedule, but will support either decision. We also have a teenager at home who drives and is in sports. I wonder if this is a role that LPNs and CSTs can work in while furthering their nursing degree (which isn't something I am considering at this point in my life)? Maybe it isn't a role people tend to stay in for many years? I also am not a fan of high pressure roles, but once I learn a particular task, I tend to do it well. Trying to find fulfilling work that does not equate to a ton of stress both on the job and at home, but still provides enough of a challenge is a full time job!

So I did not get the dermatology position, and figured I had not heard back on the OB scrub position a month after interviewing, so I assumed I was not being considered. Last week, I interviewed at an outpatient cancer clinic. Not sure if it is my ideal fit, but it is a meaningful position and they are offering a decent starting wage, M-F and no holidays. For the most part, I would be drawing blood and running labs prior to treatments. Now the clinic made an offer for this position, and to add to it, the hospital has called offering a part time, every other weekend position in L&D scrubbing mostly for c-sections and assisting with vag. deliveries as needed. My biggest fears at the hospital is day/ night rotation never having done it before (I am an early bird which I have read has the hardest time with night shifts), and dealing with the pressure of emergencies and fetal demise. I also know this position is hard to come by and I am thrilled to be in this position. It now comes down to a tough decision, both of which are new areas to me so I cannot base my decision on interests or past experience. I realize both positions can be emotionally sad or draining. Which position do you think could lead to burnout? I am not an adrenaline junkie, but I don't want to sit at a desk all day either. I have a big heart and aim to please. Which would you choose and why?

Thank you. That really helps. I will also be cross trained as a histo, so I will see the process from beginning to end. We have a plastic surgeon in our department as well, so I assume he may close the more complex or delicate areas.

Thank you so much for the info. From what I understand, some procedures can be quite deep and extensive. Do you feel that each case is different and that keeps it fresh, or is it more of a "you've seen one, you've seen 'em all"? In my area, it seems that there is somewhat of a higher turnover in derm clinics and I don't know if it burnout, salary, or people continuing their education, etc...

Hello, Looking for input on dermatology clinic nursing. Is there variety or do you find it gets monotonous over time? How about the procedures typically done ex) moles and MOHs?

Yes, I didn't mean to post this in OB/GYN, but under a general or LPN corner, but I did post another question under this topic on the OB scrubbing itself. My biggest fear is actually never having done shift work and holidays, but also wondering the pros and cons to the position and if anybody stays in it long term. I think I would enjoy both, but they are very different. thanks :)

Anyone out there doing or have been trained in Mohs skin cancer surgery? Is it hard to learn to assist with that and what is the role of the LPN/nurse? How about processing the tissue (histotech) for the surgeon to examine borders and margins? Any feedback would be appreciated.

If you had the chance to be an LPN at a hospital as a c-section scrub, which would also include some pre/post care of mom and newborn hearing testing in the nursery. 12 hour day/night rotation, every 3rd weekend and e/o holiday. OR... Specialty clinic LPN working with Dermatology, Plastic and Vascular Surgeons 3-4 days per week, no nights, weekends or holidays. Work with one Medical Assistant and one RN for each provider. Assist with MOHs, mole removals and minor procedures, sclerotherapy, and surgical consults. Triage, rooming, etc. Same pay, similar benefits and overall hours......

No plans for school at this time, but who knows if I really liked the hospital setting, that may change. My biggest fear is shift work. I have never done it other than being a CNA for a short time in LTC, but that was mostly days, and occasionally 2nd shift. The fact that it is only about 2 days a week doesn't make it seem as bad?.. Are there any OB nurses or scrubs out there that can give any feedback good or bad? How about burnout? thank you!

If you had the chance to be an LPN at a hospital as a c-section scrub, which would also include some pre/post care of mom and newborn hearing testing in the nursery. 12 hour day/night rotation, every 3rd weekend and e/o holiday. OR... Specialty clinic LPN working with Dermatology, Plastic and Vascular Surgeons 3-4 days per week, no nights, weekends or holidays. Work with one Medical Assistant and one RN for each provider. Assist with MOHs, mole removals and minor procedures, sclerotherapy, and surgical consults. Triage, rooming, etc. Same pay, similar benefits and overall hours......

Thank you everyone for your insight. I am leaning towards the school position now. The hours and salary are guaranteed, where the other could vary, and that seems risky. I think the stress of the long and unpredictable commute along with being solely responsible for keeping the office running smoothly, and not being able to easily take time off, is a concern. I hate to pass up the opportunity because I may never get another chance in this specialty, but like the first post said, I need to do what's best for my family.Thanks again.

I have quite a few years yet to work and I tend to stay at my jobs awhile. I do have insurance through my husband, but it would be nice to have double coverage and retirement savings if I went with the school. I do enjoy kids, but it's hard to say if I would stay in it long term or not. On the flip side I have strong interests in plastics with additional training in aesthetics, but adding 2 hours and 45 minutes a day in drive time for a job is what scares me, especially in the winter. I know it would be good experience and as the practice grows, maybe I could do more in the aesthetic area down the road when/if these services are offered there.Both positions are so different, and that is what is making this so hard. I just happened to have connections at both places and that is how I ended up in this predicament.

It is with an independent surgeon, and I would be his only employee, so that is why no benefits. I would get minimal sick, vacation and holiday pay, but no medical or retirement until his practice grows. I would do everything from nursing to insurance, scheduling and check in.With the school I would get 14 vacation days, 9 holidays, 9 sick days, pension plus 403b, paid medical and dental. The salary would come out about the same for either place, but the school is 12 minutes one way and the clinic is just over an hour.Both positions are hard to come by, and both have their pros and cons. I just don't know what to do.

School nurse, summer's off, pension, decent pay, close to home, low stress or A solo nursing position for a plastic surgeon, long drive, no benefits, crazy busy, but great pay and experience?

I have been a LPN at a public school for almost 10 years. It is very close to home and my youngest attends the school I work at. The pay is higher than most clinic jobs and I have a pension and paid medical, even though a nursing license isn't required to work in the health office in the district that I am in. This was my dream job for many years, but over the past year or two, I worried about losing my nursing skills and experience, therefore being unhirable outside of this. At times, I feel I am there for the summers off and to be there for my child for anything from lunch money, to rides home from sports and activities, and I love the autonomy of the position.Recently I attended an esthetics program to pursue an interest in derm or plastics nursing in the clinic setting. Prior to becoming an LPN, I went to school for surg tech and also worked as a surgery scheduler in an ASC, so I clearly have an interest in this area. I was recently offered a position as a solo nurse in a private clinic working with a plastic surgeon and know this is a rare opportunity that many nurses would love to get. The pay and hours are great, but I would not have benefits to start out at until I hit full time and would have roughly an hour drive one way. While I would not have summers off, I would have 1-2 days off during the week.Part of my feels torn to stay where my child is, so that I can be home during the summer and after school, even though she is old enough to be home alone. At the same time, I also need to think about retirement benefits and pension as we all know social security won't be there 20-25 years from now.I am curious if anyone would pursue their dream, or stay where they are comfortable? There are many pros and cons to school nursing that I could go into detail about. Another concern is that pensions and unions may also be a thing of the past and we haven't had raises for 4 years due to state budget cuts. What would you do?

Thanks for your response. Can you tell me any other pros and cons of the job?

I am an LPN that enrolled in an esthetics program that starts next week in hopes of finding a job with a derm or plastic surgeon to work as a nurse esthetician. In the meantime, I have been offered a position in a dermatology clinic where I would eventually be trained on lasers, it's close to home and in a brand new clinic. I don't know what to do and I have to accept or decline the position this morning. Please offer any insight.

I am an LPN and was all set to go back to school to get my esthetician license. While waiting for the semester to begin, a poasting came up at a dermatology office which is brand new and fairly close to home. I have been offered the job and don't know if I should take it knowing that I wanted to work in derm or plastics once I got my esthetician licence anyway, or should I go to school with hopes of getting into a plastic or derm office as a nurse esthetician????