Is it possible to work in NY area with an ADN?

[allthingsbright]

Hey guys--I am an associate degree nurse working on my BSN. Just wondering how hard it is to get a job in New York City and surrounding areas w/ an associate degree? I work L&D, Postpartum and antepartum and can circulate in the OR during a c-section.

What do you think?

[Shanny4]

Based on my recent experience, having an ADN only in NY means NO JOB for you. The first question is always do you have a BSN, even for those with a previous BA in a non nursing field. Many of us new grads are still without work after 9 months of applications. The job market in NY is TERRIBLE. The only way in to a hospital is knowing someone high up in the organization. Even with a BSN, without 1 year of med surg experience it is nearly impossible to land that first job. My fellow grads have taken case manager positions, desk jobs, doctor's office jobs, etc... Very few (4/65) are working in a hospital and 5 in home health, with the rest returning for a BSN. Do your BSN and get an externship/internship. Apply for every residency program you can find while in senior year and be sure to save some money for the months you are job hunting. There are a lot of us still looking that graduated June 2010 and soon a whole new "new grad" batch will be out there competing with us. It is difficult to keep your chin up, but what choice do we have.

[smily nurse, BSN, RN]

39 yrs ago I interviewed and then worked ICU @ Einstein. First question was "do you have a BSN?" It can't hurt to get the degree. You will always be "more marketable" Good luck!!! :heartbeat