Working LTC vs. clinic?

[kimmyj74]

Hi everyone, I'm a new LPN. Been working in LTC for 6 months but I would rather be working in a clinic (Dr's office). When I went into nursing, that is where I wanted to be but there were no jobs at the time so I had to accept a PT position in a nursing home. Now that I have 6 months experience and there seems to be clinic positions opening, I have been trying to get one.

I have 2 problems:

1- Nobody will hire me because all I have is LTC experience. (even though they will hire a NEW grad with NO experience over me)

2- When I talk to friends that work in clinics; it seems they don't do a lot. They do vitals, injections and paperwork. No treatments, no assessments, no nursing judgement needed, etc. It seems so boring but I still want the M-F, no weekends, no holidays schedule.

Should I continue to look for a clinic position? I'm getting frustrated because I've had 7 interviews for 4 positions and can't get any of them. Some are with my same facility and I think my DON is keeping me where I am d/t a nursing shortage on my unit. I can't even get into another facility though. (Also the other place doesn't pay as well as mine, and it's farther for me to drive).

I really don't think it's my resume or interviewing technique. I have heard "the manager really liked you but there were other candidates with more experience".

Any suggestions?

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

I have been working in clinics at my hospital from the moment I obtained my license and I would not trade it for the world. In order to keep my nursing skills sort of fresh, I did work at my hospital's med-surg unit for overtime occasionally, until I got burned out from the politics.

I felt it was a blessing to work in a clinic because most new grads have to wait years for such an opportunity. I am off weekends and holidays. Some of our clinics are open on Saturdays (our satellite clinics that are off the grounds), but, those nurses usually alternate, so, unless one really wants to work each Saturday, they usually work either one or two Saturdays a month. Depending on what clinic you work, you may do other things...I currently work in GYN so, occasionally, I do catherization (not often, though), dressings post c-section and have assisted in procedures if the CNA is busy. We do a great deal of teaching, however, and that is a positive benefit to the patients. Assessments (or 'data-gathering'), well, it does occur, because patients call to ask questions and the front desk will transfer the call to ANY nurse and most of them, I can answer myself, or confer with a physician or RN if I'm not sure.

I feel that I have more of a human life working in the clinic and they would have to set the place on fire before I leave. What you may consider is seeing about getting a clinic position and work per diem in LTC...that may balance out that need to use more of your nursing skills.

[liberty_bell]

Just keep at it if that is where you really want to work. Be preapred for a paycut though as most Dr office's pay you like an MA.