Hospital Nursing Versus Private Practice Nursing

Hospital Nursing Versus Private Practice Nursing While it’s true that a nurse is a very important part of any medical facility, there are significant differences between working in private practice, and working in a hospital environment. Hospital nursing positions can be relatively similar regardless of which hospital you work in; however, private practices can range significantly.

Benefits of Working in a Hospital Working in a hospital has its advantages. The job descriptions for nurses are generally laid out in a design that is easy to follow. Hospitals hire nurses very often, so the training and new hire process is organized, and very routine for the hospital. You will most likely be assigned to a mentor upon being hired, and the job should be an easy adjustment if you have previously worked in a hospital setting. You will always have co workers to rely on for assistance, advice, and anything else you may need. There is variety in a hospital. Generally, patients change on a daily, or a semi daily basis, so if you enjoy meeting new people, a hospital environment could be a great fit. There are also a variety of coworkers that may change often as new nurses are hired. Hospital nursing jobs are great for anyone that enjoys working with a group of people, and likes change; new patients are generally assigned on a daily basis.

Benefits of Working in Private Practice Private practice is considerably different than working in a hospital. Job responsibilities in private practice can range depending on the size of the practice. The larger the practice, the more likely the job will be routine.

Private practices usually assign one or two nurses to one physician. You will work closely with the physician, and will get to know the patients, as many patients are regular visitors to the practice. You will most likely need to call patients with lab results, and doctor's orders, and you may be assigned a day or portion of a day during the workweek, that you return calls to any patient that calls in leaving a message on the nursing line. The most appreciated benefit for most nurses in private practice is the work schedule.

Related: All the Things You can do with a Nursing Degree In private practice, you generally work with the same people, and see the same patients, so if routine is your preference, private practice would be a great option. A very small private practice can differ significantly. Working in a small practice, you may be expected to take on duties other than nurse

related. Administrative duties are often common for nurses in private practices. If the practice is very small, you could assume the role of receptionist, administration, and nurse. If you enjoy different tasks and not nursing 100% of the time, a small practice could be a good fit.

Satisfaction in Job Choices The ratio of job satisfaction upon nurses is close to the same between private practice and hospitals. The turnover ratio, however, is much higher in hospitals. It is presumed the high turnover rate in hospital nursing positions may be due to long shifts, and rotating schedules. Much of the choice on what type of position to take, depends highly on personal preference. In general, there is a higher probability of promotion within a hospital setting; there is a limited number of positions for nurses in private practice. You may also have more opportunity for attending specialized trainings when working in a hospital, however, in private practice you can search out opportunities on your own and take advantage of them. Assess your personality, and your working goals, this will help you decide which position to seek out.

Working in the Private Sector In addition to working in private practice, there are jobs for nurses working in the private sector. Some nursing positions outside of a hospital setting and private practice are: • •

Public health department Schools- elementary, or high schools

• Private companies- some companies have a regular nurse on staff for their employees •

Centers for disabled adults

•

Nursing homes

•

Retirement communities

These are a few of the private sector nursing positions. Most of these positions would involve working on your own, or with a small group of coworkers. You will be responsible for making more decisions on your own in the private sector, if you are comfortable with that, there are some advantages. If you enjoy being in charge, it's more likely to occur in private practice. If you dislike any administration work, it's probably not the best choice.

Related: How to Handle a Complaint That’s Been Filed Against You Disadvantages of Working in a Hospital • Less personal than private practice •

Nights, holidays, and weekends are probable

•

High turnover rate (you may have to adjust to new coworkers often)

•

Working with more than one physician (it can feel like you are pulled in many directions at times when multiple doctors have requests)

Disadvantages of Working in Private Practice • Less training may be provided •

Less chance for promotion

•

More administrative work

•

More phone calls and conversations

•

Less variety, fairly routine, regular patients

Both working environments are equally important, and one is not better than the other, it mainly depends on your work surrounding preferences.

Explore your opportunities, and decide which is the better fit, and which position is more likely to work well with your available schedule. The private sector jobs have much less support than those of a clinic or hospital, and the private sector often puts the nurse in charge of everything within the clinic, so administrative work would likely be expected.

In a 2014 survey, out of 15,000 nurses that participated, the outcome was as follows: •

Prefer working in a hospital

46%

•

Prefer working in private practice

45%

•

Prefer working in private sector

%5

•

Undecided

%4

It was almost the same for private practice and hospital nursing, and the reasons noted, were most often based on personality type, and personal preference of regularity or variety. Nursing is a highly respected position,

and regardless of where you may opt to work, it is very important. Lives depend on you daily, as do the physicians and coworkers that you work with.

Regardless of what sector you work in, you hold a very important title, as a nurse.

Related: Leading Registered Nurse Cynthia Russo, RN, BSN, CRNA, CLNC, EJD to be Published in the Worldwide Leaders in Healthcare as New Member of the International Nurses Association Please follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest and Twitter