Market for New Grads in NY

kemifair · May 17, 2013

Hi everyone,
I need some advice. I'm a new grad from Cali, and I've been out about 6 months, which I know to many people isn't that long, comparatively, but still, I'm not feeling optimistic about getting a job anywhere here..even the more "rural" areas. My question is, how is the job market for new grad nurses in NY, and even neighboring states like NJ? I'm thinking of getting a license in another state, and I'm not really sure where to start, but I would like to experience the East Coast as a change of setting. Any thoughts?

It's terrible I've been filling out applications since march, calling people. It's frustrating because you go to school and after school u can't get a job. They have a high demand for nurses so I don't know what is the problem.

coconutgirl14 · May 18, 2013

I definitely know the feeling. It's extremely bad in Cali right now. I'm a second-degree nurse, so I'm starting to feel like my education is being wasted..it's a terrible feeling. I guess I will try to get a license in a more high-demand state.

iliketosneeze · May 19, 2013

Hard to say. I've had my license for almost 17 months and had zero luck..... However, a few of my old classmates/students I tutored have been able to secure positions in as little as 3 months ( majority... If not all had connections ). It's truly frustrating knowing the amount of time and effort that I now feel has been wasted.... I truly was extremely excited to become a part of of this proffession. This whole situation is crazy.... Hospitals are demanding more from staff while cutting their nurse:patient ratios to bare bones...... Majority of my friends in the feild are starting to resent nursing as a proffession ( bs politics, lack of job security, dangerous nurse to patient loads and less resources, lack of suport and so on ). I'm hearing about proffessionals being cut back/fired and I'm starting to ask myself if pursuing a career as an RN was a realistic goal/ wise choice.

:End Rant

coconutgirl14 · May 19, 2013

It's ok to rant. Those are justifiable concerns, and I agree! It's definitely a test of patience, but I hope things will fall into place for all the unemployed new grads out there.

Erikadawn RN · May 19, 2013

Look in upstate NY I have seen posts about jobs there. Just not in NY city

avaloncar, BSN, RN · May 20, 2013

Yeah, NY may not be the place to go. As a previous poster said, upstate may be your better bet, or even surrounding states. Good luck!

savoytruffle, BSN, RN · May 21, 2013

There seems to be enough in upstate, the money isn't the same as the city though. Try alternative NY cities like Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Binghamton. Be advised these places have many hospitals, but they also have many nursing colleges. The job market is still tight. There is always a new in LTC/SNF if you are willing to try that, or off shifts on med-surg. Good luck

estrellaCR, BSN, RN · May 22, 2013

As a new grad, try other jobs besides hospital. It will take some time to find a hospital job, so just take other jobs such as in clinics, residential programs, community health, home care, etc so at least you are not idle for a long time (which does not look good to prospective employers) and also get paid at the same time and do not become broke. These jobs even in NYC you can find on craigslist healthcare job section, idealist.org or socialservice.com.

Da_Milk_of_Amnesia, MSN · May 23, 2013

- Well I hope you didn't go into this like so many other people did because they thought Nursing was a recession proof job. Well as you now know it is not. Unfortunately when the economy took a dump people lost a lot of money, and because of it people have waited some years to retire and unfortunately are holding jobs for many new grads. Now because this nursing shortage was so over-hyped by the media, everyone was thinking that there was going to be this surplus of jobs. Well sorry to tell you but currently there is NO nursing shortage, although technically if you do the numbers and extrapolate some data it shows there is a shortage. Weird I know. What does that mean for you? You're job search is going to be hard if you don't move. I would personally stay away from NY and NJ. There is a gigantic surplus of nurses here and some hospitals have not had a Bridge to practice program and some have changed their requirements to BSN only. Any hospital in NYC is pretty much BSN only. If I would you I would look in every single state and you obviously have no reason to be picky. Once you have experience then you'll be fine, but until then take hwat you can get. If that means working in a doctors office then do it. You are wasting your hard work, time and effort and your degree by not doing anything with it. Even if you are in an MD office it's still experience and counts for something. Good Luck.

- In response to the money and salary issues. NYC is where you will make the most money. I lived 1 hr outside of the city and drove to work and I made almost 20K more than where I was working prior to starting my job in the city. The farther you go upstate in NY the less money you will make.

coconutgirl14 · May 23, 2013

I didn't go into nursing because I thought it was recession-proof. I went into nursing because I wanted to be a nurse.. And still do. I was simply seeking the perspective of NY residents in my effort to do research in many states' markets......

There's nothing wrong with asking, or trying. I live in California, and the market is no better, but that doesn't mean I gave up completely. I'm definitely not being picky either.

Da_Milk_of_Amnesia, MSN · May 23, 2013

Yea in short NY is not the place to come to in all honesty. I get constant emails about positions in Texas. Look there.