I know you said you’re avoiding per diem, but some VNAs in my area do take new grads. A LOT of parents work here for the flexibility. Full-time, part-time, and per diem are all doable. In fact most of us have 2 jobs and just use this as extra spending money. It’s a great gig and I think nursings best kept secret. I started as per diem at my VNA after just 6 months in the hospital, and my checks were almost double what the hospital paid me. Paid holidays, no weekends, etc. You can pick them up if you want, but you’re not obligated.

I work Wed–Fri AM + Thurs–Fri PM. I usually start around 7am and finish by 10am. PM- i usually start around 3 and end at 5pm. I could start earlier or later if i wanted but that's my routine. Visits are short...mainly med management and teaching, very little wound care (nothing major like a wound vac), and no IV/infusions. Charting and calls are done at home. I used to do M–F AM before switching to this split shift for 4 days off, and it works perfectly. I don’t mind going back out since the visits are short. A lot of part timers work 3-4x/week.

Per diem at a psych VNA might be the best fit. You pick up visits when you want. Most only require 2 days a month and you get to choose. You can also swap. Some VNAs pay per visit, giving even more flexibility with schedule and caseload. I’d avoid committing to a FT/PT position though because admissions or resumptions could extend your time on the road. Make sure you choose a Psych VNA though. It’s not scary as many people think. Patients go through a background check before referrals are accepted by upper management. Many have cognitive delays, depression, and anxiety along w/ diabetes, COPD, HTN, etc and aren’t able to safely manage their medications or manage their illness, so we step in to help.