1st job in clinic

[mernurse]

I just started my first job as an RN in an outpatient clinic. I thought I would like it because I worked in clinics before and enjoyed it, but I found that at this clinic I am doing almost exactly the same work I did before nursing school. It feels like a waste of my education to be scheduling patients all day. At least I'm not still filing medical records like I used to, but I just don't feel like I am using anything I learned.

So I don't know what to do. I feel bad looking for another job while I still work for them, but I need the money. I haven't decided for sure that I don't want to work there, but I would feel guilty taking their money while they train me if I am thinking about leaving. Should I quit now or wait it out longer until I a) have another job or b) decide I like it there. ?????

[psalm, RN]

Have you read the job description, or had it explained to you? There may be days when there are flu shot clinics, immunization clinics, coumadin clinics, well baby clinics, etc. ASK before you quit!

[thenurse2b08]

I just started my first job as an RN in an outpatient clinic. I thought I would like it because I worked in clinics before and enjoyed it, but I found that at this clinic I am doing almost exactly the same work I did before nursing school. It feels like a waste of my education to be scheduling patients all day. At least I'm not still filing medical records like I used to, but I just don't feel like I am using anything I learned.

So I don't know what to do. I feel bad looking for another job while I still work for them, but I need the money. I haven't decided for sure that I don't want to work there, but I would feel guilty taking their money while they train me if I am thinking about leaving. Should I quit now or wait it out longer until I a) have another job or b) decide I like it there. ?????

don't quit yet. Remember you are new, and you may be in probation. Read the job description

[abundantjoy07, RN]

I just started my first job as an RN in an outpatient clinic. I thought I would like it because I worked in clinics before and enjoyed it, but I found that at this clinic I am doing almost exactly the same work I did before nursing school. It feels like a waste of my education to be scheduling patients all day. At least I'm not still filing medical records like I used to, but I just don't feel like I am using anything I learned.

So I don't know what to do. I feel bad looking for another job while I still work for them, but I need the money. I haven't decided for sure that I don't want to work there, but I would feel guilty taking their money while they train me if I am thinking about leaving. Should I quit now or wait it out longer until I a) have another job or b) decide I like it there. ?????

You know, the main reason I'm in the hospital setting is because I wanted to use most if not all of the skills I learned/was taught in nursing school. I just had that desire to do technical things be it assessment or skills. It's stressful, but I enjoy it for the most part.

So, you just started. I'd say give it some time. Maybe if you really want to expand your horizons you can keep this job and do it PRN or part time. And have a full time job elsewhere. I'd give it a few months and if it's not for you, it's not for you. There's lots of areas out there to try. It's just finding that right area that can sometimes be a struggle. Maybe day surgery, a dialysis clinic, or a public health clinic would suit you better...but again, give it some time.