I just graduated in May 2010 with an Associate degree in nursing, and I'm having a hard time landing a job in NYC. I currently live in Maryland, but will be moving to the city in 2 weeks. I would really love some advise on how to get a RN job in NYC. I'm really interested in L&D or postpartum. I've applied to several hospitals, and have not heard back. NY Presbyterian keeps saying that I do not have the minimum requirements. I would really love to work there since I'll be living a block away from the hospital. I was a nurse extern at one of the hospitals in DC and did an internship in Rwanda as a midwife. I've graduated from my program and have pass the NCLEX, and should be receiving my license in a week. If anyone knows who I could contact or what to do, that would be extremely helpful . Really need help, I'm just so ready to give up...
you are shooting for the top elitist hospitals...columiba pres, cornell, NYU, Mt. Sinai, even Beth Israel are all pretty adamant now (even though they say preferred BSN)
they really want you to have BSN (at least) I have applied for the NICU at Cornell/Columiba etc and I have 5+ years of experienced with an ADN, and a BA/MA in another field...not only do I not get a personal reply and explanation, but a computerized letter, cold, impersonal, saying that I don't fit their requirements. However, when they list their requirements I meet every one of them and then some except for the BSN. which they say only preferred. Go figure. and to get any more info out of them is next to impossible.
Maybe, if you can afford it when in NYC, perhaps do a fast tract ADN to BSN/MSN; Columiba univ. has a real good program and it is near the hospital albeit very expensive, but financial aid and scholarships are availab.e. With those credentials it is almost a no brainer. However, you must have the time, $ and wherewithal to see it through. Takes alot of perserverance. The ADN which served us well for many years, especially on the East Coast is almost a thing of the past, especially in this current economy. Assuming you are young, and flexible, you should be able to pursue other options as they slowlly beocme available again without too much difficulty. Good luck
Thank you for the advice. I've actually applied for MSN in midwifery, as a back-up in case I couldn't find a job... so worst case scenario, I'll go ahead and get my MSN. Thanks for the info.
Sweetie I just wanted to say good luck to you I think you will be very successful in NYC . Wow reading this post has really enlightned me to what degree I should pursue I was going to go for a ADN but now I will look into some BSN programs here in my area.
Boy am I really glad you posted this question although I feel so bad about your situation. I'm pretty much in the same boat though (or will be). I'm a life long New Yorker who moved to Florida to temporarily help my elderly parents out but decided to stay and get my ADN while here. My plan is to go back to NY and work at a major hospital. I'm stunned at these responses. I had no idea things were so bad in NY. I was certain I would have no problem getting a job. Well, this post was quite a wake-up call - good luck to us both!
Congratulations on your upcoming marriage and your purchase of a condo in NYC! It sounds like you are making all the right decisions and, even though you may not be able to step into the nursing job you prefer right away, I have no doubt you will get there and you won't be sorry. The BSN (and in some cases MSN) is the key and those degrees are much easier to obtain as an RN.
Despite the recent hospital closures and flood of RNs in the marketplace, there will be jobs coming available within the next 1-5 years as many (and I do mean many) current RNs begin to retire. Although many of them will be available to do Per Diem work (I'm in that situation now) the hospitals will still be required to fill most positions with full-time staff so I suspect just about the time you complete your next level of studies there will be many jobs available.
It used to be that if you had an ADN plus any other bachelor's or master's it would be acceptable as a BSN, or so I was told by a couple of nursing school instructors. I find now they are actually wanted the nursing bachelors or masters. My BA is in social sciences so it seems to be helping me with any nursing job with a social services edge (like nonprofit and psych) but I'm already thinking on getting a BSN anyway.
I'm confused, you said you graduated in May with an ADN, now you're saying you have a 4 yr degree.........
I have a BS in biology and a master in public health.... Went back to school b/c I now want to be a midwife, so I graduated in may with an ADN and will start my MSN in midwifery in the Spring.
Except...welcome to NYC. This is how people interact with each other here... nothing personal, we just tell it like it is :)
The market here is horrible. I've been hearing horror stories of new grads sending out 50-75 apps, only to have to take a LTC job as a last resort 1-2 years after graduation. Thanks to the recession, the BSN push, hospital closures, and many nursing schools in the area, jobs are TIGHT. My manager tells me there are 500-1,000 new grads and ADNs on a NYP waiting list to be called back if HR gets desperate enough to staff a unit.
Sweetiie17
20 Posts
Thank you for the advice. I've actually applied for MSN in midwifery, as a back-up in case I couldn't find a job... so worst case scenario, I'll go ahead and get my MSN. Thanks for the info.