New grad working 2 jobs

[Imanurse05]

Hello,

I'm a new grad with a BSN. I got my license in May. I've applied to a good amount of jobs and have had 2 interviews for hospital positions and was not offered a position for either of them. I recently started thinking of applying for a part-time nursing position. I currently have a FT job in a non nursing field. I have been at this job for a few years, it is a good job with decent salary, and I work 9-5 Mon-Fri. I have been offered a position at an LTC facility that is part-time. I could work this around my schedule, it is a weekend position. Doing this would allow me to gain nursing experience and save money since I'll be working 2 jobs. However, I'd basically have no free time, since my weekends would be spent working. Has anybody ever done this, and if so, how was it?

Thanks!

[Dianna11]

Hi Imanurse05

I too had a salaried, well paid job, and thought about starting only part time as an RN.

After discussing it with family and friends who were already working in the field, I realized that it would be counter productive to start with part time work. You have to realize that the amount of training in LTC is not anywhere near acute care, and you won't be exposed to skills which acute care offers.

Are you able to take unpaid time off from your present job? If so, go on a leave of absence for a while and apply to a GN program in your area. The experience you will gain is amazing, and after 6 months/a year, you can go back full time to your present job, and work as an RN part time or PRN. You do need that experience under your belt though.