Advice on NYC Hospitals

Medora · Mar 27, 2006

It's a shame no one replied. I have the same question. I'm considering Lenox Hill, Mt. Sinai, NYP-Cornell, and NYU Tisch. Anyone have some advice? I would like to work in a step-down unit or possibly in L&D.

epiphany · Mar 28, 2006

Staffing, funds, and attitudes? That's a million dollar question. Within a hospital, staffing on each floor differs. Most nurses are stuck in their specialty and can only tell you patient ratio on the floor at the most. Funds? If you are talking about salary - contact the hospitals directly, or look at their website, or even better, interview. As for attitude, the environment depends a lot on the floor and the NM. I can tell you one thing I do know - most of these magnet hospitals are not as great as one might think. NYU Tisch throws new grads on the floor in two weeks. I heard horror stories. I have a friend in a neuro unit in Mt.Sinai and she was/is totally miserable. I myself had an externship on a GI floor there, and I didn't think it was too bad. For my own personal reasons, you couldn't drag me to work in Cornell.

My advice - go for lots of interviews so you can see if you are going to like your manager and policy on the floor, at which time you'll find out how much they pay. All I, or anyone can give you is hearsay and gossip.

suzanne4, RN · Mar 28, 2006

Each person is going to like different things. Best bet is to tour the unit and actually speak with some of the nurses there. Do not rely strictly on what HR tells you. Personalities also play a big part of this as well.

Some other things to consider: Length of orientation to a facility as a new grad, it should be at least one month; type pf preceptorship, are you going to be one to one with the same preceptor for the length of your training, or paired with someone new each day. For the first few weeks, you should really be with the same person.

epiphany · Mar 28, 2006

Each person is going to like different things. Best bet is to tour the unit and actually speak with some of the nurses there. Do not rely strictly on what HR tells you. Personalities also play a big part of this as well.
Some other things to consider: Length of orientation to a facility as a new grad, it should be at least one month; type pf preceptorship, are you going to be one to one with the same preceptor for the length of your training, or paired with someone new each day. For the first few weeks, you should really be with the same person.

I agree with you. But IMO, you have very little control over preceptorship, no matter what they tell you. If you are lucky, you'd get a great preceptor. Sometimes, they go on vacation, or take sick leave, or scheduling makes it hard to put you with the same person. You're not going to find out until you are actually on the floor. A friend of mine was promised six months and got four. Be wary of that, is what I am saying.

suzanne4, RN · Mar 28, 2006

Exactly, you still need to get it in writing, not just a verbal agreement. On the floor, unless you are in the NICU, or something similar, four months should be more than adequate.

And yes, preceptors do get sick. But if you are in orientation, you are not counting in their counts. And should not be, until you are able to be on your own. If they are doing that before, then they are making others shoft staffed.

CityKat, BSN, RN · Apr 3, 2006

I am still in nursing school here in NYC, but i did my clinical rotation for med surg at Kingsbrook jewish center. I know after talking to the nurses on the telemetry unit and the vent unit, that kingsbrook has a VERY GOOD orientation program for new grads. It's a place to start and everyone there is suuuper NICE:)

NurseJacqui · Apr 18, 2006

Whatever you do, if you plan on working in ER stay far FAR away from Columbia Presbyterian.

Lilnurse0803, RN · Apr 19, 2006

Hey TerraRN,

Why is that??? I will start looking for a job within a few months (graduate in December) and I'm gathering as much information on ER and L&D units in the city.

You can send me a PM if you prefer. Thanks!

Melody