New grad nurse - purposely work part time?

[SoCal student]

I'm graduating (BSN) in a few weeks. Don't regret going to nursing school, but I know it's not what I want to do forever (this applies to healthcare in general). I have various other interests. The problem with these interests is that they could never sustain a livable wage. My wife and I are financially stable and will likely remain that way, as long as I can bring in at least 40k.

So, I'm really interested in just nursing part-time from the get-go. I'm interested in public health, psych, non-profit (I suppose "less traditional" (read: hospital) fields?). Between the amount I can bring in doing my passion (i'll leave it purposely vague since it doesn't matter what it is) and working part-time, I'm pretty confident I could easily make enough to live happily.

Now, the question is: is getting part-time work (in those fields) as a new grad feasible? Is it something that NEVER happens? Is it likely?

In all honesty, if this worked out, I would likely leave nursing once the other stuff picked up enough to sustain my quality of life.

And, please, I'm not looking for anyone questioning my decision to enter this field in the first place (if that's the direction your response takes, you're not the kind of person I'm looking to for answers) - just hoping a few people might be able to address this particular situation. Thanks!

[saera]

Hi! Those of you who said you found part time jobs as new grads--are any of you in the NYC area? If so, what facilities? I'm a new grad trying to get a part time job at a hospital.

Thanks!

[MommyandRN]

You might be able to find one, but remember you should be oriented for 3 months full time before going part time. Make sure you tell them that you have no problem with working FT during orientation. And don't say you want PT because you aren't thrilled about working in health care. Say that it's because of your kids, or wife's schedule. Something like that. If you just want PT because you don't want to work that much, it doesn't look good in an interview.

[missx]

Am considering similar out of necessity, so found your question. Concentrating on getting the A.A.S now, becoming an RN, and working part time as an RN while going for the bachelor's, as a bachelor's seems necessary to take the MCAT /enter med school, and not sure if

one can work as an RN part time when they are fresh out of school.

For people that have to work their way through school, I don't see another way than working at least part time.

Because I did well on the practice MCAT as someone who never studied the material and hasn't covered most of the material on the test yet (in class), other than classes I had over 27 years ago! Gotten great encouragement from med students and dr. about taking the MCAT. (I know you can probably take the MCAT without a bachelor's, but why if you don't plan on trying to get into med school?) Don't know if anyone has any thoughts on that.

[Wrench Party]

I'd say work full time a few years, get that under your belt, then think outside the box for per diem work. Office, school nursing, home health, psych, agency, consulting, etc. could work. Have you also considered travel nursing? Do a few of those a year, have the rest of the year off for hobbies. Conversely, be a travel nurse where you can do your seasonal hobbies (i.e. resort town for skiing, beachside town for watersports, etc.)

[medg]

Human beings aren't meant to do just 1 thing 24 hours a day 365 days a year so it's normal that you have outside interests but you still need to make a living & support your self & family. The awesome thing about nursing is that you can work 8, 12, 16 hour shifts 3-5 days a week or go PRN. You can work 3 twelve hour shifts, 3 days a week, which should be considered full time w/ benefits & at least 40k pay. Then the other 4 days you're off, pursue music. Hope that helps. Keep us posted. Good luck!