New Grad Nurse in NY...advice on landing that first job!

U.S.A. New York

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It seems that NY is a tough cookie to crack.

Here is what I have going against me...

I currently have an AAS in nursing. (not the coveted BSN)

I have terrible credit from putting myself through nursing school.

I am in a catch 22 about pursuing my BSN due to not being able to get loans because of the aforementioned bad credit, and not having a decent (or even livable) income.

Here is what I have going for me:

I hold a bachelors degree in something else.

I graduated with honors from nursing school.

I was awarded best nursing student of my graduating class.

I LOVE BEING A NURSE.

I know...we all love it, right? I am becoming a little discouraged though because I have finally found something I love to do, and yet I cannot seem to catch a break.

So any NY nurses out there with any good advice for me? I would appreciate anything you could tell me.

Also, I am incredibly interested in Bellevue. I have loved the hospital since my very first clinical. Tomorrow I am going to talk with someone to begin volunteering there, is this a good idea? And when the volunteer dept asks me about my reasons for volunteering do I include that I am a newly graduated nurse who would really love to pursue a career there at some point?

Thank You!

lol...seriously..NYP just sent me an email saying "thank you for your CONTINUED interest"...lol..yes...I will continue applying and flood your application pool until you see my name in your sleep..just kidding..but seriously..something has got to give!

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That's quite interesting. I don't want to elaborate on why i'm saying this till later. You may want to look at your resume and cover letter. Also, I hope you're a BSN. If you are then, i say look at your resume. My schools had professionals who would work on your resume with you so start with your school, even if you've graduated most places will help. I externed at a hospital in philly and they also helped with resumes and cover letters so I say even if your school doesn't have that, try the hospital you work at.

lol...seriously..NYP just sent me an email saying "thank you for your CONTINUED interest"...lol..yes...I will continue applying and flood your application pool until you see my name in your sleep..just kidding..but seriously..something has got to give!
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Specializes in OB/GYN.

hello everyone, i have been in the same boat for a year now, passed my boards last May 2011 in NYC and still looking, personally and directly applying into local hospitals and nursing homes, including home care agencies VNS, MJHS. I have a BS in another major (Hospital Mgt) with experience in managed care and yet still no hires. Any advice, hints, directions as to how to land that first job (any dept as an RN) would greatly and sincerely be appreciated. Good luck to all the new grads!

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Hey everyone

I work @ LIJ and just finished my nursing program at Nassau Community College.

I'm taking my boards within the next 3 weeks.

I've been networking around and seems as if I won't get hired without a BSN, gotta admit I'm kinda bummed.

Even if you work here the recruiters don't call back.

Anyways all advice is appreciated.

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My 2 cents. I was a new grad back in August 2011 and landed in an ICU setting as a Staff RN 2 months after graduation. Also received MANY offers from other hospitals to work for them (this was not happening to my friends). What did I do different? First, I made sure my resume was written by a PROFESSIONAL resume writer, I also had f/u letters and thank you notes written professionally. After that i submitted applications online BUT what really worked for me was going to hospitals and knocking doors down.....yes...you read right! I went to hospitals and presented myself to prospective employers, I worked 24 hours for those two months after graduation and finally landed MANY interviews and my dream job. Recently I got accepted to start the Acute Care NP at NYU in the Fall 2012. Moral of the story. Be pro-active, don't do what everybody does (online submissions, they write their own horrible resumes....blah....blah...blah). Be creative, but among all, stop spending too much time on boards complaining and take that precious time to take action. BTW, i'm not saying that you guys are complaining, I mean it in general, it's a saying :). God luck!

where did you go to get it professionally done any websites you recommend?

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Hey everyone

I work @ LIJ and just finished my nursing program at Nassau Community College.

I'm taking my boards within the next 3 weeks.

I've been networking around and seems as if I won't get hired without a BSN, gotta admit I'm kinda bummed.

Even if you work here the recruiters don't call back.

Anyways all advice is appreciated.

NS-LIJ announced their all BSN scheme awhile back now, there are several posts scattered here in the NY group. Considering the vast reach of the NS-LIJ system from Lenox Hill in Manhattan to Staten Island University hospital to facilities on Long Island the effects of the BSN decision are going to be felt mostly every where in the NYC region.

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Does anyone have any updates? Able to land a job in NYC?

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Specializes in Home health, Med Surg, LTC.

Hey folks, any updates? Where are you guys working now?

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Don't know if this helps but live near Lenox Hill and run into plenty of nurses who are either new hires and or report the place seems to have beefed up their nursing staff. A few close friends who work there tell me LH has done a good bit of hiring especially for nights where it seems a number of nurses have left.

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Interesting, I applied to Lenox hill a few times since this summer as an experienced nurse and never was contacted. I noticed more new grads are being hired , including new grads and 1yr exp nurses from out of state. Idk it seems private hospitals prefer out of state nurses experienced or not lately. It's discouraging as when I was new grad 2.5 yrs ago they say once u get experience it should be easy to move to other hospital or unit. But it hasn't been the case.

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This is an old post but bumping it.

Graduating from NCC on the 18th and hopefulyl going to be cleared to take the boards late june or july. My friend works at LIJ as a NICU nruse, told me they will hire with an associates provided you get the BSN. I also think Brookhaven and Mercy hire associates nurses. Keeping my fingers crossed and remaining optimistic that my future is bright (just as bright as a BSN nurse LOL)

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This is an old post but bumping it.

Graduating from NCC on the 18th and hopefulyl going to be cleared to take the boards late june or july. My friend works at LIJ as a NICU nruse, told me they will hire with an associates provided you get the BSN. I also think Brookhaven and Mercy hire associates nurses. Keeping my fingers crossed and remaining optimistic that my future is bright (just as bright as a BSN nurse LOL)

Hi! I also graduated NCC in May... How is the job search going for you?

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