Working in a Hospital vs. Independent Clinic

Mar 13, 2019 1:06:27 PM / by Voyage Healthcare Team posted in Voyage Healthcare News

Are you looking for a job in the healthcare industry? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there has been a steady rise in healthcare positions over the last few years, and that trend is predicted to continue with healthcare jobs increasing 30 to 40 percent over the next ten years. For those wanting to get into the healthcare industry, now is a great time!

providers-working-in-north-clinic-office

While it might be an ideal time to move into a healthcare position, deciding where to work can be a difficult choice. Certified healthcare professionals usually work in a clinic or hospital setting, but these two options provide very different career paths.

So, how do you know which option is right for you? Get to know the differences between the two, the benefits of each, and how to choose whether working in an independent clinic or hospital is best for you.

Clinics or Hospitals: Which is Better?

One of the most recognizable differences is in size. Clinics tend to be smaller than hospitals and can offer a more personalized work environment. On the other hand, hospitals may include a wider range of departments with more opportunities for career growth.

Clinics and hospitals each have their own advantages and disadvantages. We’ve compiled a list of some of the top pros and cons of working in an independent clinic or a hospital.

Working in a Clinic

Pros

  • Standard hours
  • Ability to establish a routine
  • Opportunity to create a patient-provider relationship

Cons

  • More paperwork and administrative tasks
  • Predictable routine may become tedious, repetitive, or boring to some

Working in a Hospital

Pros

  • Potentially less administrative tasks 
  • Ability to explore growth opportunities and multiple career interests within healthcare

Cons

  • Longer hours
  • Inconsistent and more varied schedule (day and night shifts)
  • Potentially exposed to difficult situations such as severe illness and death

For more information on the differences between independent clinics and hospitals, check out our blog: Debunking the Top 10 Myths about Independent Clinics.

Choosing the Right Career Path

Understanding the benefits of working in various settings can help you decide which option is best for you. If you’re unsure about where you want to specialize, gain more experience, or the route you want to take, think about these three questions. 

1. Where are you most comfortable working?

In any job you have, you’re going to want to be comfortable, not only with your coworkers but with your work setting.

If you are someone who is deeply affected by sad or difficult situations, a hospital, nursing home, or hospice may not be the right fit. However, if you’re able to cope well with these settings, you would likely be a great fit for one of these environments.

If you prefer working with patients with mostly less serious medical problems, and establishing long-term relationships with patients, a clinic may be a good fit for you.

Understanding workplace dynamics and knowing where you will be most comfortable can help you decide whether a hospital or a clinic is a better option for you.

2. Where do you think you will thrive?

Think about where you feel you will be most successful. If you like always being on the go and prefer variety from day to day, the fast-paced environment of a hospital would likely be a good fit for you. If you prefer a more predictable daily routine, a clinic may be a better option for you.

Knowing where you will thrive will be an essential part of your job search.

3. Will there be any long-term impacts on your lifestyle?

When determining your ideal work setting, consider the impacts it may have on your life outside of work.

Those working in hospitals may be placed on second or third shifts, or even overnights. If you have small children, these types of shifts may be difficult for your family. A clinic setting can be an ideal option for parents, those still in school, or those just looking for a bit more consistency when it comes to their schedule.

Working at Voyage Healthcare

While there are some great advantages to working in a hospital, consider whether a clinic may be the best place for you. With predictable schedules, family-friendly locations, and the ability to form patient-provider relationships, clinics offer a wide range of positions for you to choose from.

At Voyage Healthcare, our vision is to deliver compassionate and quality care at an affordable cost while forming strong patient-provider relationships and improving our patients’ lives.

If our vision resonates with you, we encourage you to take a look at our current job openings and apply.

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Voyage Healthcare Team

Written by Voyage Healthcare Team

Voyage Healthcare is an independently owned, multi-specialty healthcare clinic — guided by the doctors who care for families in the northwest metro area of Minneapolis/St. Paul.

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