I am interested in a career as a nurse. Is it possible to work part time as a nurse and make the same hourly rate that a full time nurse makes?  Part time as in around 15 to 20 hours a week.

Working per diem usually pays more than full time or part time hourly rate (example - regular rate = $30 per hour, perdiem = $45).

 But as was said, zero benefits.

Most employers here pay part timers the same rates as full time.

I can't speak for every other place, but you may not be able to be hired into a part-time position as a new grad.  We certainly will not hire new grads into anything but a full-time position.  Orientations are long and expensive and you will not get experienced enough to function independently if only working part-time hours.