Binghamton grads?

nursese · Feb 10, 2014

I graduated from Binghamton traditional RN track and It took me almost 8months-10months to get a job. Even if you go to school near NYC, it's very competitive at current job market. Going to school near NYC does not guarantee a job but it opens up your eyes to different hospital's environment and atmosphere. Honestly, I think it's all timing and luck. For example, I attended a job fair with my friend. She ended up getting an interview when I didn't. Binghamton BAT program is very hard to survive. Compared to NYU BAT program, Binghamton program is shorter. Even after becoming a RN, It's all based on how much effort you put in to get a job. I applied everyday to different hospitals and waited almost 2-3 weeks for each interviews. Also you need to think about how much debts you want to have when you graduate. Binghamton could be very lonely since there is nothing to do for leisure time and when you have a serious boyfriend in NYC. You just have to prioritize and count cons & pros. Hope I help you a bit. If you have more Qs you could PM me.

BeccaB2014 · Jul 13, 2014

I just graduated from Decker traditional program, and I would say that going to the NYU, Pace, etc is not worth it. Might be a bit biased here since I'm an alum... However, Binghamton is reasonably priced and has the reputation of being one of the best nursing schools out there and a heck of a lot less expensive--rent wise as well! I definitely felt like the program adequately prepared me for my NCLEX (Which I just passed!) and the program is small, so it's easy to become friendly with your fellow nursing students. The professors are all really compassionate and care about you, and the program itself really does prepare you as best it can to be a good nurse as well.

As I have been finding out, it doesn't matter if you go to school in NYC or in an upstate area like Binghamton. I have a friend who went to CSI who even did clinicals at NYP and she is experiencing the same level of difficulty as me finding a job. A lot of it is who you know in the Tri-state metro area. From what I understand, hundreds of "new grad" applications pour in for each position, so having a friend who is an RN, NP, Physician, or even somebody who works in HR to get that nurse recruiter's business card for you is a big deal. You really don't want to just be another resume in the pile--getting their contact info and calling is the best way to put a voice to a resume if you will and makes you stand out. Job hunting as an RN in the metro area is really a full time job in itself regardless of where you go to school.

I spent 4 years of Binghamton UG, and I had a friend who has been seriously dating a guy who lived in Upper Manhattan for 3 of the 4 years, and while I'm sure it was challenging, they managed really well. The nice thing is that Megabus has $1 bus deals pretty often to travel to NYC/Binghamton.

Side note, a LOT of traditional Binghamton grads come from downstate, do their requisite 4 years, and then move back to the Tri-state metro areas--LI/Brooklyn/etc. I can think of about 8 from my nursing program off the top of my head. BATs and traditional students have some classes together, which means you may come back with a bunch of new friends living in your area to show for it.

BeccaB2014 · Jul 13, 2014

Whoops.... just looked and noticed that you said the program started in May '14... best of luck and hope whatever you chose is working out :-)

dee789 · Jul 20, 2014

Hey! Just wanted to say thanks for your answer.. I did choose Binghamton, in summer session II and loving it so far! I think I definitely made the right choice. Good luck in your job search!