The work of a nurse is an important and noble profession that deserves a great deal of respect. However, not all nurses are the same. Depending on the setting, the role of a nurse can vary widely. One of the most significant differences is between an outpatient nurse and an inpatient nurse. While the core principles of nursing remain the same, the environment, patients, and duties vary greatly between these two settings. Outpatient nurses provide care to patients who are seen in an outpatient setting like a clinic or doctor’s office, while inpatient nurses care for patients who are admitted to a hospital or other healthcare facility. In this blog post, we will discuss the differences between an outpatient nurse and an inpatient nurse, including the roles, duties, and responsibilities of each. Furthermore, we will explore the unique challenges and benefits of working in each field, so readers can gain an understanding of the distinct nursing specialties.
Outpatient nurse vs. inpatient nurse duties
The differences between inpatient and outpatient settings for nurses have an impact on their primary responsibilities and how much time they spend with patients. Below are some common duties for nurses in each setting:
Outpatient nurse duties
Nurses at outpatient facilities usually perform the following duties:
Inpatient nurse duties
At inpatient facilities, nurses often perform the following duties:
What is the difference between inpatient and outpatient settings?
The duration of a patient’s stay within a medical facility is the main distinction between inpatient and outpatient settings. Patients typically stay at healthcare facilities in outpatient settings for a shorter amount of time. Usually, a patient receives the necessary care over the course of a few hours or, at most, one day. Clinics and urgent care centers are a few instances of outpatient facilities.
A patient receiving inpatient care frequently stays for at least one night and frequently longer. Depending on their needs, they might stay at a facility for a few days or several weeks. Hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and nursing homes are examples of inpatient facilities.
Inpatient nurse work environment
Nurses may work a variety of hours when employed at an inpatient facility, such as a hospital. Because hospitals are open around-the-clock, nurses may work days, nights, weekends, and holidays. Additionally, shifts may last longer than the typical eight-hour workday, with some lasting 12 hours or longer.
In these times, inpatient nurses spend a lot of time working and standing. When they are not dealing with patients directly, they frequently work on administrative tasks. Finally, because of the frequently demanding nature of their work, inpatient nurses form strong bonds with their coworkers. This often results in a collaborative work environment.
Outpatient nurse work environment
Most outpatient treatment facilities operate during normal business hours. There are some that go beyond these hours or are open 24 hours a day, such as urgent care centers. Additionally, these facilities frequently operate at a reduced capacity or are closed on holidays. In contrast to inpatient nurses, outpatient nurses can anticipate generally having a more structured work schedule regardless of the facility.
An outpatient nurse’s employer determines the kind of work they do. For instance, a nurse working in an urgent care facility might see more patients each day than a nurse employed by a physical therapy office. Compared to a nurse who works at the same facility every day, a nurse who makes home visits may travel more.
Patient relationships in outpatient and inpatient nursing
Although nurses care for patients on a daily basis in both outpatient and inpatient settings, inpatient nurses tend to build closer bonds with their patients. This is because they frequently spend more time interacting with patients and their families. Additionally, they frequently offer direct care to patients who remain in medical facilities for a longer period of time.
A patient may only be seen by an outpatient nurse once before they depart. The patient may return on occasion for treatment, but they are not typically as frequently seen by a specific nurse as an inpatient patient is.
Outpatient and inpatient nursing skills
While outpatient and inpatient nurses have some differences in their responsibilities and frequency of patient contact, both types of nurses share some skills. Both inpatient and outpatient nurses typically possess the following skills:
Communication
Nurses use communication skills with both their patients and colleagues. They frequently have conferences with patients or their families to talk about issues and worries. Additionally, nurses talk with patients about available treatments and give them clear instructions. They share these details with doctors, whose decisions about the best course of action are based on reports from nurses. Lastly, nurses use their written communication skills to produce thorough and understandable patient reports for follow-up care.
Attention to detail
Nurses often display attention to detail when caring for patients. To ensure a clean and safe environment for patient care, they carefully adhere to industry standards in healthcare. Additionally, they closely monitor their patients to look for any indicators of a potential emergency. Last but not least, nurses make sure that patients take their medications as prescribed and meticulously record all patient information in their files.
Empathy
To establish a connection with their patients, all nurses, both inpatient and outpatient, demonstrate empathy. A large portion of a nurse’s duties involve making sure a patient is comfortable. In order to do this, nurses must connect with and empathize with their patients.
Time management
Nurses typically care for several patients simultaneously. In order to ensure that each patient receives adequate attention and care, this calls for effective time management. Strong time management skills are especially important for outpatient nurses because they frequently assist patients in receiving their care in a single day.
Inpatient Vs. Outpatient Registered Nurses & common MYTHS DEBUNKED!
FAQ
What is the difference between outpatient care inpatient care?
COMPARISON OF INPATIENT VS. OUTPATIENT CARE If you receive inpatient care, a medical staff will keep an eye on you in a hospital during your recovery and treatment. Outpatient care, also called ambulatory care, does not require hospitalization.
What do nurses do in outpatients?
Outpatient nurses take blood pressure, check vital signs, keep an eye on temperature and pulse, and make sure IV lines are kept clean. An outpatient nurse may also be needed to support surgery, supplying doctors with the necessary surgical equipment and supplies.
Is outpatient nursing stressful?
Nursing is, unquestionably, a very high-stress environment. Although the majority of nurses are aware of the difficulties nursing presents from the outset, many professionals are occasionally caught off guard by just how stressful being an RN can be.
What is the role of a nurse in an inpatient setting?
Being a patient advocate is one of the nurse’s most crucial roles in a hospital. Nurses spend more time with patients than their doctors do. Due to the particular circumstances of their patient, nurses may frequently be required to intervene and advise the doctor to take a different course of action.
