paramedic to RN through excelsior - question

Hello,
I've been following threads on allnurses for a while but have not yet posted. I am a full time firefighter/paramedic, and would like to remain so as I pursue my education as a nurse. I also have a bachelor's degree in bio. What I have learned is that a rotating 24 schedule is great except if you want to take classes. I had thought about doing this one year paramedic to RN bridge program at Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester, MA . . . but it is 1 1/2 hrs from where I live, and meets 2-3 very long days a week, which would require me to get many many shift swaps for a year . . . which could be very challenging bordering on impossible. So I think excelsior is the answer. I would like to continue being a firefighter after I become an RN and work per diem or part time as an RN. Someone recently told me that many places only want to hire new grads as full time employees. Is this true?? Would it be a waste for me to persue my RN if I wasn't planning on jumping into a full time job right away?? Ultimately, I would like to further my education and get a master's and possibly even look into DNP. UMASS has programs that are part distance learning in both of these areas. I don't want to be spending time and money working toward an impossible reality. Anybody have any experience with this?? Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated.