Time off after graduating

I feel your pain. Is there any way you could work part time ? There ARE plenty of part-time jobs out there, but they tend to be with smaller practices, etc.

I have thought about this, and I have been looking, but I'm coming up short. Since I am a new grad, i have that going against me to begin with...

Ok, time to change your mentality. I was in your shoes about 5 years ago. Once I unapologetically made it clear I was looking for part-time work i swear I had like 3 part-time offers falling out of the sky. You need to start networking specifically to smaller offices. Put on a suit, make some great resumes, make it clear about the part time status and start dropping in at offices. Email all of your former faculty and let them know you are back in the game....most of your faculty only work pt at their offices as well and they are likely to know providers who need pt NPs as well. You can do this! I have to go get ready for work.....my pt job I've had almost 5 years now, lol!

What would a part time schedule even look like in an office setting?

As a side note, I took nearly 5 months post graduation and 3 months post-certification to decide on a job. It was a lengthy process full of offers that were less than desirable. I'm glad I waited because I just accepted by first job and it has great potential. In addition, most larger health systems have a credentialing process which takes multiple weeks (I've heard between 6 weeks and 90 days) so unless you are going with a smaller, private practice, you may have additional time off.

I have seen part time jobs in various schedules over the course of school and job searching. One ANP worked 9-3 M-F so that she could drop off and pick up her kids from school. I've seen postings for just Monday and Tuesday (or whichever days tend to be the busiest), some including half a day Saturday which may work out if you have a partner who doesn't work Saturday so that child care is covered. Some offer just mornings for several days a week, etc.

This is something I feel I will runs cross too!!!! Has anyone taken 2-3 years off after graduating for whatever reason…? And if so…was it difficult to find a job? Did they feel it was bad of you to take time off?

Just as NewFNP2015 said if you go with a large health system the credentialing process is lengthy (it took me 3 months to go thru the credentialing process), so you would have more time off with that. Don't quit your day job until your credentialing goes thru. Based on what I've seen with PT positions, most places want NPs with experience because they are looking to fill gaps or someone to help with a large amount of pts. With that being the case they want NPs who need little training and guidance who can just jump right in. However, as another poster said, there may be more opportunities if you network with you faculty, many of whom work PT, who may know of places looking for PT NPs and who can put in a good word for you that the new grad status won't matter so much. Good luck!