Wonder if I should have a part time job?

Nurses General Nursing

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I graduated in Dec 2007 from my ADN program. However, I wasn't able to go to work full time after graduation because of a personal circumstance. I still won't be able to go to work full time until May (that's when I will graduate from my BSN program). My ultimate goal is to work in the ER full time after finishing BSN. I have done my clinical in the ER during my last semester of nursing school and I love it. I think that's my calling.

Between now and May, I can work part-time and I was offered a part-time job doing pediatric home health. Here is the question: If I accept that job now, will it hamper my chance of getting into the ER later on when I can work full time? I consider this part-time job to be temporary only, but I don't want it to affect my bigger plan. Should I go ahead and do it? What's your advice?

Also, what is my chance of a "new grad" like me (who don't work for a year after receiving license) to get into an ER somewhere?

Thanks!

Specializes in ER, Peds ER.

Not working for over a year after graduating and receiving your license is going to hurt your chances far more than taking a part time job in home health care.

I'd advise you to take the part time position until you can work full time. Some experience is better than no experience and be prepared for your possible employers to ask why you didn't work for so long after receiving your license.

Thanks, I guess I'd better go ahead and get that job then. I couldn't work last year at all because of my visa status. It really sucks. I'm getting worried now...

Specializes in ER, Peds ER.

I wouldn't be worried, your reasons for not working seem legit. And if you got your ADN and then went into a BSN then it's very possible that your future employers could see that as a legit reason to stay out of work for a year after getting your license. I can tell you that it is possible to go into ER as a new nurse, because I went straight into ER. Don't sweat it, just take the p/t job if you can, like I said some experience is better than no experience. Good Luck.

Why not apply in an ER for a part time job? If that's what you want to do.

Specializes in Cath Lab, OR, CPHN/SN, ER.

I like the idea of working prn in the ER instead. It is possible- we had a nurse who hadn't worked in 8 years come to the ER to do prn. When she had worked before, she worked med-surg. She had taken time off to homeschool her kids. She was able to do it, but it wasn't easy.

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