Community Nursing VS Clinical Nursing

[whiteglider]

this last year of my student nursing is crucial for me in having a 1 year nursing experience so i can work right after i grad, looking forward for a good paycheck...And right now, I have 2 offers: 1 in a government hospital and another a big social institution run by nuns serving all ages housing hundred children abandoned by their parents, normal and mentally delayed, babies,as well as those in the middle age bracket and the oldies...both of which i can function as a volunteer but with thorough training....

if you guys are on my shoes, which would you choose? i was once told by a CI that promotion is quick working as a Community Nurse ...Which one do you think is more challenging??? or boring?:eek:

[nursinghumor]

No question in my mind, I'd always opt for the clinical experience.

The main reason? Once you have bedside acute care experience, you can transition into almost any other type of nursing. Do 2-3 years of Med/Surg on graduation, ICU or ER, do your job well, and you'll be able to write your own ticket afterwards. It's fast-paced, exciting, challenging and usually the best training you'll get.

Start out in the "big social institution run by nuns," Community Health, Hospice, etc and you may find out options limited when you are ready to try something new.

If you're picking a job strictly for the paycheck, then I'd ask what are you doing in nursing?

See:
Nursing, Not For Everyone, Not For Most People by Andrew Lopez, RN:"Nurses are Licensed Professionals who's practice is regulated by Nurse Practice Acts, and the State Board of Nursing of each State. Nursing is a ..."
http://www.lopez1.com/lopez/nurses.v...pez.andrew.htm

The work is too difficult and demanding for it to be worth what you'll get paid. If you're doing it strictly for the money you'll make, you may quickly find out it isn't worth the money, burn out and quit nursing for an "easier" profession.

I do hope you're not going into Nursing for all the wrong reasons.

Andrew Lopez, RN
Nursing Scrubs, Medical Uniforms, Accessories
http://www.4nursinguniforms.com

[faviola]

I think community nursing is more gratifying for one and at times it is easier to get promotions. Government jobs do offer great benefits. I think it all depends on just what you need in your life right now..you will definitely get enough experience from both.