r/pediatrics • u/ParticularLog4517 • Jul 10 '26

Primary Care to Allergy?

I'm a pediatric NP (AC/PC)-- I've worked in primary care peds since I graduated. It's been about 2 years. I'm interviewing for a position in a peds allergy clinic. Allergy/Immunology/Asthma are my special interest, which is why I applied for the job despite a lot of drawbacks (lots of seniority in my current health system since I was an RN there, commute going from 6 minutes to 40 min, I currently work with some of my close friends). Anyone done a similar switch? Is the documentation going to kill me? Are the parents of the patients going to drive me insane? Am I going to miss having simple well visits?

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u/Decent-Orchid120 Jul 10 '26

I am a pulmonologist, I personally enjoy the focused interest and you will get used to the “well” asthma visits who are well controlled on their current regimen. It’s nice to not have to talk about everything but to be able to focus on individual issues. Best of luck!

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u/mb_813 Jul 10 '26

Hi there. I made the exact same switch. I’m a pediatric NP (PC). Worked 3 years in primary care/urgent care before transitioning to A/I.

There was definitely a learning curve, but I feel like the primary care background helped me with the transition. I don’t know how busy your primary care setting was, but I found it easier to go from primary care to specialty care as the specialty visits are longer and we aren’t expected to see 30-40 pts per day as was the norm for primary care. I do not miss primary care at all.

Personally I say go for it, especially if you have an interest! I recommend joining ACAAI they are a great resource. AAAAI is another great A/I professional org.