How is the job market in NYC?

MeganNYRN · Sep 8, 2009

I'm sorry to be blunt but the job market it really tight, I don't know of any hospitals that will hire over the phone especially when they can get 10 or 20 people to show up in person for an interview. I graduated in May with a BSN, passed the NCLEX in July, I've had 3 interviews so far and I'm waiting to hear back(fingers crossed). Its really tough for everyone right now, I have a friend with 1 year of Peds experience and it took her awhile to find a job in NYC, a handful of interviews before she got a job. I would not suggest moving without a job and if you can't afford to fly for an interview it could be tough. If you have connections and can get someone to seriously consider your resume/application you may be able to speed up the process a bit but its hard. Good Luck, I hope you find a job that you'll love.

Great_time · Sep 22, 2009

Thank you, Megan. I am surprised noone else wanted to discuss this situation. Maybe I should have been more specific... like "How do I get a job in NY living in another state?" or "Out of state candidate... what are my chances?"

Anyway, I am willing to give it a try, and perhaps I will share my experience on here. If it does not work out I will use my plan B and C.

dking821 · Sep 22, 2009

I totally agree with megannyrn regarding the situation in NY for new RNs. If you still want to try, I would suggest researching upcoming job fairs. One source to use for this is advance. They usually of listings of upcoming jobfairs and the states in which they will be held. This way you get to network with many places instead of just flying out to meet with one. Another option is to go on wikepedia, do a search for NY hospitals. You will get a listing of all hospitals in NY, go on each website and search employment opportunities and apply.

Erica_B · Nov 26, 2009

I'm a little late with this reply, but you could also try going with an agency... it might be easier to get hired and then when you're there, you can spend more time looking for a job in person... I've talked to some recruiters with some agencies and it seems this could be a good way to transition into living in the city! Hopefully you've found a job there by now, though! :)

Hex, LPN · Nov 26, 2009

I'm a little late with this reply, but you could also try going with an agency... it might be easier to get hired and then when you're there, you can spend more time looking for a job in person... I've talked to some recruiters with some agencies and it seems this could be a good way to transition into living in the city! Hopefully you've found a job there by now, though! :)

That's the route I was thinking of taking myself since I'm employed by MSN locally and I know they got a couple of offices in NYC.

I ultimately decided to travel-nurse (with RnNetwork) my way to the city and once I'm there I plan to look for a job and a permanent place to stay.

Like they say: there's more than one way to skin a cat :)

cracksbacks · Nov 30, 2009

I am a newly licensed RN with an ASN degree. I also happen to be a chiropractor with 10 years of experience in my field. But the fact is I still have only an associates and no experience. There is your ace in the hole.

At this point, most of the hospitals I have checked with have told me that they are looking for BSNs. Associates nurses reduce the ratio of BSN to ASN, which has a negative affect on the hospital attaining magnet status. I am not too sure what this means, but I had a good conversation with a recruiter at a hospital and she told me that it is an issue.

Another problem I have had is using recruiters. Again, they are looking for experience. Look at careerbuilder and monster and get your name out there. I am sure you will get something.

Good luck, and I hope you don't get the job that was meant for me

EMTYankeeFan · Dec 4, 2009

i heard Indeed.com has a few jobs as well

Erica_B · Dec 5, 2009

Cracksbacks... well, the agencies usually do want you to have some experience... at least two years... but I know someone who has been working as an RN for 6mos now (in PICU).. and she said that Aureus had offered to help her find travel positions in a general unit even before she started working... so maybe you could look into that. Although, I'd say that it's probably better to wait until you do have some experience before traveling.

.... as for those job fairs I heard that they won't give you the interview if you do only have an associate. I have an associate and will finish my bachelor by 12/10... supposedly they'll consider you if you will graduate within a year, but I haven't had luck finding an interview yet for a staff position within one of the major hospitals, but I also haven't been aggressive with that since I am more interested in traveling at this point.

And, Hex, a couple of agency recruiters have told me it's great in Manhattan to go as a traveler and find your own place because you can make a lot more money that way... since they'll reimburse you so much for your housing. How was working with MSN? I am talking to one of the NYC offices and very interested... they've been very helpful so far!

The agencies do look very promising, though, if you have experience, especially in my specialty (peds/picu)! So I'm keeping my fingers crossed! But I'm also so nervous! :/