Wanted: out-of-the-box summer job ideas for an new grad RN

[lukegail, RN]

I'm an LPN who will graduate from an ASN/RN program in early May 2012. I am going on a cross-country bicycle trip from August to December, so I need to find something to do this summer. After the bike trip I'll buckle down and get a real job.

I'm trying hard to figure out a way to do this because I figure that once I start working at a good job, it will be harder to take off to do something like this. And a cross-country bike trip is something I will never regret, regardless of how logistically difficult it is.

Does anybody have ideas for what I can do in an RN capacity this summer? I know that my self-imposed situation precludes me from my dream jobs for many reasons. I'm just looking for out-of-the-box ideas.

A couple nurses I know suggested volunteering in Haiti (they said new grads are welcome). I've also considered taking my NCLEX in the fall, and working at a nursing home as an LPN this summer, which would be a pretty easy hire. Another idea I had is taking some ACLS/PALS/etc courses, but I'm not sure that's such a good idea, for obviou$ reasons. I do have the option of a part-time (16hrs/wk), private-duty job, so I could do something else that supplements that.

***I know it's tempting for the realists(pessimists) out there to give me an earful, but please stay positive/helpful :redpinkhe

[k1p1ssk, BSN, RN]

If you have any summer camps near your or have the luxury of moving, I would suggest looking into that. They hire new grads all the time. I know Camp Laurel in Maine is actively hiring nurses. I was basically offered a job after simply sending an email asking for more information.

Good luck!