Help a bewildered nursing student find her place

[Mzjez]

I'm confused about where I would like to go/am able to go when I graduate. I have some questions about NYC though as I do not have a car, do not wish to drive, and I assume this is the best area for a walking lifestyle...First of all if I lived outside of manhattan in queens or somewhere else (I'm up for suggestion) could I find an apartment for 1500 dollars or less or am I dreaming? Secondly what is the average untility bill for a single person? And, how much of your check do you typically get to keep at the end of your pay period? Finally given the current economic climate is it even possible for an ADN to obtain work in the NYC area? I know I have a lot of questions but I'm pretty clueless here.

[guiltysins]

You can get a studio or a 1 bedroom apartment for about 900-1200. I don't think you'll have much problem with that and the city is good for biking and walking and then there's the public transportation which most of the people rely on since gas and parking is too expensive in New York. As for utility bills, gas on average would cost maybe $50 or $60 bucks, light bills will run you around $100. Most hospitals would prefer you to have an BSN right now however hospitals still do take nurses with ADN's but there is a difference in pay for some hospitals of about $1000-$1500 and some require that you be enrolled in a BSN program.