Question for nurses...only hospital jobs?

rita359 · Feb 10, 2012

I know nurses who did not start until their 40s or so and have seen students who are older. Yes there are opportunities for everyone. Maybe you have to start night shift to get your foot in the door. Maybe you have to look harder to find just what you want. Don't know that you will find a part time job with no full time experience right out of school but part time jobs are out there.

Frankie Slade · Feb 10, 2012

All hospital jobs are pretty much crappy. I've been doing it for 10 plus years. As a new grad, you will be offered the tele step down and also known as Progressive care unit. These jobs are dangerous, because the patient acuity is through the roof. That's why there are always jobs in the hospital.....high turn over rate. You will also be stuck on the night shift with the promise of a day shift when there an opening, this is a lie. They keep you on the night shift until you quit. The hospital will be very demanding physically and mentally, sometimes (most of the time) lunch break. Always carry enough water and energy bars to get you through the 12 hour shift. Good Luck, and remember, trust no one.

rn/writer, RN · Feb 11, 2012

Not every hospital requires full time. Nor do they offer only 12-hour shifts. The hospital where I work has a blend of 12- and 8-hour shifts. I graduated in '94 and have always worked part-time, 8-hours. Of course, it helps that I work noc shift by choice. But over the years, I would have had many opportunities to transition to PMs or days if that had been my preference.

Remember, what you see posted on hospital employment sites is often what's available after the in-house staff has gotten the first look. Better jobs and better shifts might not last long enough to even be seen by "outsiders," but that doesn't mean they don't exist.

Best wishes on whatever road you travel.