Full time or Part time as a New Graduate

[AmyLou0202]

My career as an ADN nursing student is coming to an end in two short weeks! I have accepted a job already, pending NCLEX of course, that will be part-time. This was my decision based on the fact that I will be having a child in March. My question is, as a new graduate, did I decide the best? Should a new graduate start the race slow and steady part-time or just jump right in? I have always worked a part-time job while attending school full-time, but with the new addition to the family, I do not want any regrets! Any advice from those of you who have been through this would be greatly appreciated.

[Red Kryptonite]

This post is confusing, your career is ENDING in two weeks, with a new job and pending NCLEX?

[AmyLou0202]

Sorry about that, I edited it. I am just finishing school.

[Red Kryptonite]

Ah, okay. I think family comes first and while it's challenging, you'll never regret putting your children's formative years before career advancement. They'll be in school soon enough and then it will be easier to work full time if you wish. But even if you never work full time....so what? You're still a nurse, and you're making the choice that's right for you and your family. Just keep your family at the center of all your decisions and you'll be fine. Because your employer, ultimately, won't be there when you need people to love and support you. That's what family does. Good luck on NCLEX. :)

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

Congratulations on the baby! If you're able to find a part-time position as a new RN, that's great and given your circumstances I would do it in a second. Just know that it will probably take you longer to get comfortable as an RN than your typical new grad working FT. But there are worse things than needing more time to learn a job.

[Loo17]

My opinion is that it would be optimal to work full-time as a new grad however I do not think it is career suicide by any means. Family should come first.

[nursefromcali]

Well it depends to your job offer :)

[Emergent, RN]

You'll never regret working part time while you have young ones. If you can afford it, do it! You'll be fine.

[Curious1alwys, BSN, RN]

Go part time! Believe me, when that little one comes, you will be so glad you did!! Congrats!!

[mluvsgnc]

I would say definitely P/T- you are still working, getting paid, gaining experience, and (hopefully) you will still have time left over for yourself and your baby. There is always time to move into full time once you are comfortable with managing a family and a new job. Congratulations and good luck! :)

[OneHappyRN]

I agree w/ the majority. You have the best of both worlds - part time work and enough time to be with your baby. Sounds like a great plan. :)

[icuRNmaggie, BSN, RN]

A Pediatrician I know advocates for keeping children out of daycare centers until at least 12 months of age.

A lot of Moms work all weekends and Dad takes care of the children to protect the child from communicable diseases, chronic ear infections and to save on daycare bills. Your coworkers will love you if you can work a lot of weekends.