New grad job question (part time or per diem)

[Nursingdreams77]

Hi everyone,

I'm seeking some honest advice. I returned to school in January 2021 to switch my career from marketing to nursing. After over 20 years in corporate marketing, I wanted a more rewarding career with flexibility. I'm passionate about medical and health education, so I decided to pursue nursing.

Now, in 2024, I have one prerequisite left before I can apply for a part-time nursing program. My husband travels 3-4 days a week for his job, which is a family business, and I need to care for our 7-year-old, so part-time school seemed like the best option. I've maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA and volunteered over 400 hours at our local hospital to strengthen my application.

However, I've now realized that once I graduate, I can only work when my husband is home, which would mean seeing each other only four days a month if I work 3x12 hour shifts. Honestly we never talked about it and he just encouraged me to go back to school.

My question: Is it possible to find a part-time or per diem position as a new grad? 

For context, I'm 47 with three kids. Two will be heading to college in two years, and my youngest just turned 7. The 7 year old would need to be 14 before I could trust to get to/from school and stay home for hours while I'm working. We have no family support nearby; the closest is my father-in-law who lives an hour away and is not interested in helping with our kids so I can't ask or count on him  

I'm considering quitting school because I don't want to strain our marriage further if I were to complete the program and find a job. 

TBH I'm sad and struggling with this potential loss. The only way I would move forward is if there's a chance I can get a part-time or per diem position after graduating, but I'm unsure if that's realistic, so I'm reaching out for your insights. 

Thanks!

[chare]

In my opinion, as a new graduate nurse a part time position with an appropriate orientation, would be a much better option.

Per diem positions are most frequently offered to experienced nurses.  These positions, in my experience provide minimal orientation to the unit, with the expectation that these nurses are capable of functioning independently.  

Best wishes

[FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN]

My first nursing job was a part-time position.  It is doable. Per diem is really not, as someone else posted.