New Grad RN | Struggling to Land First Interview in Manhattan, NYC

[Giulia Anne]

Hi everyone,

I'm a recent BSN graduate, dual-licensed in both California and New York, currently based in Manhattan. I've been actively searching for my first RN job since receiving my NY license in April, and I'm feeling increasingly discouraged.

I've applied to over 50 positions, including several new grad programs, without landing a single interview. My primary interest and passion lie in Maternal-Newborn and NICU, but I've since broadened my search to include Emergency, Critical Care, and Med-Surg roles, still with no luck.

In addition to job applications, I've:

- Started attending networking events

- Reached out to recruiters on LinkedIn

- Sent direct follow-up emails

Despite all this effort, I haven't had a single callback.

If anyone has advice, guidance, or connections in the NYC area, especially in Manhattan hospitals, I'd be incredibly grateful. At this point, I'd love help with breaking into the field, securing an interview, or even just hearing what worked for you as a new grad in a similar position.

Thank you so much in advance 🤍

[Okami_CCRN, BSN, RN]

The NYC nursing market is incredibly over-saturated at the moment, with multiple healthcare systems either in the midst of lay-offs or hiring freezes. 

You might have better luck expanding your pool outside of the NYC area and into North NJ or Long Island. 

[Emergent, RN]

I think the nursing job market is in a low point as far as hiring. It goes in cycles. The bottom fell out of the job market when I was in nursing school. I ended up starting out in long-term care. I eventually transitioned to acute care when the nursing shortage revved up again. 

What with Medicaid cuts and the economy simmering down, this isn't surprising. Have faith, patience, and realize that you are not going to get your dream job right out the gate. But things will definitely turn around.