Any Independent Nurse Contractors in NYC?

Please share your experience with me with regards to working as an independent Nurse Contractor in NYC. I am currently a student and am starting my research now with regards to working as an Independent RN contractor.

Do you work solely or do you contract yourself with an agency?

Also please provide the going rate that you bill for NYC (hospitals, nursing homes, etc.) Also, do hospitals prefer that you have some work experience or can I contract myself as a new grad?

Also, I've done some searching on the is site and on the web and have found little concrete info. about this career. Could you please provide me with a reputable website and or other resources that might help me get started on eerything there is to know about Independent Nurse Contracting.

Thanks,
Cee Cee