NYC nursing agency work for new grads??

[smallwoof]

Hi,

Does anyone have good experiences with nursing agencies in NYC and would you recommend one for a new RN?

I am a new RN. I obtained by BS from an Entry to Practice program (I also have a Masters in Social Work) and will be starting my MS in Nurse Midwifery next month.

Since the Midwifery program is full time, and since I just learned that I did not get an essential scholarship that I applied to, I am now considering part time/ per diem night shift work with an agency to contribute to my home and family.(school during the day, work a night. Tough-but a "kids gotta do what a kids gotta do"!!). So far, most agencies offer a 3-4 day orientation thru the hospital, but I am not sure that they offer any more support. I am getting desperate as classes start soon and I need to figure things out.

All info will be really helpful.

Thanks

[cannoli]

Will they hire you without experience?

I'm not in New York, but most agencies want experience, it used to be at least a year, maybe less now, I don't know.

Working agency you are pretty much on your own and expected to function pretty independently.

[Gompers, BSN, RN]

Will they hire you without experience?

I'm not in New York, but most agencies want experience, it used to be at least a year, maybe less now, I don't know.

Working agency you are pretty much on your own and expected to function pretty independently.

I agree, I don't think agencies anywhere hire nurses with no experience. You really need to get a job at a hospital and go through a full new grad orientation like everybody else, and get at least a year or so of work experience under your belt. With agency nursing, you get sent to a hospital and are expected to hit the ground running and blend in with the unit you've been sent to. You can work part-time or per diem on a hospital float pool, but at least for your initial orientation and preceptorship, you are expected to work full time. It's kind of hard to get into the swing of things only working 1-2 days a week, is what they say.

Why don't you try for an L&D position in the meantime? That kind of experience can only help in your midwifery program. Gotta work your way up to the top!

[mischievium]

Hi small woof,

I think we know each other in real life, in fact I'm pretty sure you're a friend of mine, I'll send you a PM to reveal my identity. One thing that may not be ideal (or even an option at this point-- who knows? ) would be to take a leave of absence for a year, work, get experience, then go back full time (since they require that) and work for an agency on the side. Something to maybe consider (or not)??

much love!

-mischievium