New grad RN jobs best during NP program

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Specializes in Rheumatology NP.

I am currently getting my BSN and considering going straight into an MSN program for my NP. I am an older student and my intention in returning to school all along was to get a graduate level education. However, I plan to get my MSN part-time so I can gain RN experience. Here's where I am a bit confounded.

All of the hospital jobs around here require entering through a nurse residency. They are two year commitments, which is fine. However, they all state in their FAQs that they do not recommend their nurse residents attend school at the same time as their program. I realize they cannot *make* anyone do anything, but I am curious about the real time commitment these residency programs require. One, for example, says they are full-time, which can be anywhere from 32 to 40 hours per week for at least the first year, perhaps the full two years.

I am looking for some advice regarding best jobs for those in graduate programs...in particular jobs for new grads. What types of jobs do you all have? What RN jobs have you gotten directly from your BSN, while being able to start your MSN? I am not asking for the world here. I recognize sacrifices will need to be made. I simply want to gain some type of RN experience that will be beneficial to my practice and resume', even if it is outside the hospital or not full-time. I am willing to get creative.

As far as the hospital, I am most interested in ER. I have an excellent GPA and believe I would be considered for those residencies if I applied. I am concerned, though, about life on night shift, etc.

Thank you!

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Hello OP! You sure sounds gutsy and that is awesome. Let me give you a little advice...

I STRONGLY recommend getting at LEAST 3 years in an ICU, ER or Med/Surg. This is help you so much for school. I am currently in an FNP program but I've been a nurse almost 6 years. I struggle at times. I couldnt imagine going straight out of nursing school. You learn most of nursing on the job. Maybe get some experience under your belt and then knock it out! Also a lot of school require experience. My program required at least two years of being a nurse to even APPLY.

So when you finally get down to getting into the program....I worked 32 hours a week at a LTC facility during the first fee semesters of just the classroom portion. Once clinicals started, I went down to 24 hours a week dur to having 2 clinical days a week. I used weekends to study (my daycare is closed on weekends) and to just relax...in between chasing my kids that is :) Best of luck to you and keep us posted!

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Specializes in Rheumatology NP.
Hello OP! You sure sounds gutsy and that is awesome. Let me give you a little advice...

I STRONGLY recommend getting at LEAST 3 years in an ICU, ER or Med/Surg. This is help you so much for school. I am currently in an FNP program but I've been a nurse almost 6 years. I struggle at times. I couldnt imagine going straight out of nursing school. You learn most of nursing on the job. Maybe get some experience under your belt and then knock it out! Also a lot of school require experience. My program required at least two years of being a nurse to even APPLY.

So when you finally get down to getting into the program....I worked 32 hours a week at a LTC facility during the first fee semesters of just the classroom portion. Once clinicals started, I went down to 24 hours a week dur to having 2 clinical days a week. I used weekends to study (my daycare is closed on weekends) and to just relax...in between chasing my kids that is :) Best of luck to you and keep us posted!

Thank you for this info. I know I am moving fast. I just happen to know what I want to do and really want to get started.

The MSN program I'm applying to does not require experience. It is a top-ranked B&M program that has an option for non-nurses as well, those graduating from BSN programs, and experienced nurses. There is a part-time curriculum plan that I intended to take, so that I can work as an RN and gain experience while I am in the program. That is my hope!

Was your MSN program FT or PT? I wonder if I can find a job that will allow me to work FT in the first year and go PT in the second year, when clinicals ramp up. The residencies are two year commitments, but I am curious if any of them would allow a change to PT hours in year two...or if I need to stay away from hospital jobs in order to do this.

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er prob most useful if you want to do outpatient

icu if acute care

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You'd have to do some research about the residencies to find out about the PT. And my program is full time, hence why I work just under part time. And I admire you for being so driven, heck fresh out of nursing school I had no idea that I'd ever be going for my FNP

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