Outpatient nursing involves caring for patients in clinics, doctor’s offices, and in their homes. The process of becoming an outpatient nurse starts out the same as with any type of nursing, and includes getting the proper education and licensure. Once you pass the exam to become a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse, you may want to gain some experience working in an inpatient facility before applying for positions as in outpatient nursing. In many cases, however, this is not necessary.
All nurses are required to undergo a certain amount of training before they are eligible to become licensed or registered. Programs range from one-year programs that teach the very basics, to four-year programs and beyond. To go into outpatient nursing, you will at least need to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN), but should consider going on for your bachelors and becoming a registered nurse (RN). LPNs do have a better chance of being hired in outpatient facilities than they do in hospitals, but RNs are typically given more consideration for positions because they can perform a wider range of care.
Experience working in a hospital is not vital to go into outpatient nursing, but it can give you a wider range of skills that may make you more attractive to potential employers. While many procedures performed in a hospital are typically not performed in outpatient clinics, you will learn how to work under a higher level of stress and pressure. Working in a hospital is also a good way to meet a variety of potential outpatient employers, as many doctors come to the facility to perform certain procedures and monitor their patients’ progress.
When you are ready to go into outpatient nursing, consider the type of work you would like to do. If you want to work with patients in their own homes, contact a home health care agency to find out about openings. These agencies typically have a number of openings because patients are being sent home to recover more often today than in the past due to lack of insurance, budget cuts, and shortages of personnel or space at inpatient facilities.
If you prefer a steady schedule that allows you to have the majority of your nights and weekends free, working in a doctor’s office is a good choice. Most offices are open only during traditional business hours during weekdays, and just a few morning hours on weekends. Other options for outpatient nursing with relatively steady schedules include freestanding medical clinics and ambulatory surgical facilities.
