Trying to figure this all out...

[JenRN1983]

First off, thanks for reading! I am a fairly new ASN nurse with 3 months as a graduate nurse and 13 months experience as an RN. I am moving from FL to NYC, and have been trying to get a 13 wk contract beginning in November. I think this will give me enough time to decide if NY is for me, even though I was born there and visit all the time. Real life is not the same as a vacation! Anyways, it seems as though all contracts are night. I have been told NYU nights $34/hr and I would have to take their housing. MSK nights for $24/hr and 2000 a month in housing stipend. It just seems like I would make more with a staff position on days since new grads at sloan-kettering are starting at $70,000. Am I wrong? If a travel contract DOESN'T work out, then I am just going to apply for a position at either MSK, NYU, or Presbyterian, and try to find an apartment. Does anyone know about how much nurses with my experience are making?? Would you say that you are struggling having a 65-70000 salary and a $2000/month apartment? What schools are good for adn-bsn? I need some guidance! If anyone has done a travel contract in nyc, I would REALLY appreciate your opinions!!