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Discover the Top RN Per Diem Jobs in NYC

If you're a registered nurse (RN) considering relocating to another state, you may be contemplating moving to the Empire State. In particular, New York City (NYC) is renowned for its bustling city life and its immense job opportunities for RNs due to its robust healthcare system.

In fact, with the New York-Newark-Jersey City area employing 182,710 registered nurses out of the total 190,740 RNs in the whole state of New York, you can rest assured that NYC has no shortage of job opportunities for registered nurses. If you’re seeking RN opportunities in NYC, keep reading to learn what this city has to offer.

In this blog post, we'll walk you through what you need to know when considering a move to New York as a nurse, from the cost of living to whether this city is a good place for nurses. We'll also share professional development opportunities and some tips on things to do in New York.

Cost of Living in New York

high rise buildings in NYC — The cost of living in NYC is higher than many places, but the high per diem pay rates compensate for this.

Considering the cost of living in New York before making the leap is crucial. Housing, food, and utility prices tend to be higher in major cities such as New York City, contributing to the overall high cost of living. Coupled with other costs such as high student loan repayments, living in New York City will require agile financial management skills, so if you’re looking to become an RN in NYC, it’s essential to consider the financial implications such a move will have on your lifestyle.

In fact, while New York is among the top 10 highest-paying states for RNs, it is the 44th best-paying state for RNs after factoring in the cost of living. Therefore, while you work towards your financial and career goals, it's crucial to budget so you're aware of your spending and savings—especially before making a big move.

Is New York a Good Place for Nurses?

New York boasts a variety of nursing specialties, including pediatric, electronic intensive care, emergency room, and long-term care nursing. Furthermore, being located in New York offers nurses many opportunities and advantages, with competitive compensation available due to the high demand for healthcare professionals. Find out what type of RN-to-patient staffing ratios you can expect in all states, including New York.

Top Hospitals in New York for Nurses

Nurses in New York have no shortage of top hospitals where they can work. In fact, New York City boasts three of the top hospitals in the country, which are, in order, the following:

NYU Langone (ranked top five nationally for cardiology, diabetes, gastroenterology, geriatrics, orthopedics, pulmonology, and neurology)
New York-Presbyterian (ranked top five nationally for cardiology, diabetes, neurology, psychiatry, rheumatology, and urology)
Mount Sinai (ranked number one nationally for geriatrics)

If you’re an RN in NYC, seeking opportunities at these hospitals—including per diem shifts—is a great place to start. New York City also has some of the country’s best medical clinics and health centers, so whether you’re looking to work in a medical spa or a private long-term care facility, you have dozens of top options to choose from.

While top hospitals are likely to be well-resourced, attract some of the best talent, and offer competitive salaries, you still need to do your research to ensure nursing staff are well-treated, have flexible work arrangements, and enjoy their work environment. Turning to forums is a good place to begin your research, and picking up per diem shifts at hospitals and facilities is also a great way to test the waters of a work environment while giving you the flexibility to create your own schedule.

Professional Development Opportunities

New York offers a thriving network of organizations, conferences, and nursing associations, such as the New York State Nurses Association, that foster networking and professional development. These events and networks offer the opportunity to connect with like-minded nurses and other healthcare professionals to share experiences, tips, and opportunities.

Continuously immersing yourself in these communities will help you expand your professional opportunities, stay updated on the latest advances in nursing, and open doors to new career paths. If you're looking to connect with nursing professionals in New York before moving, you can turn to platforms such as Nursa's online community to make connections, seek advice, and find out what it's really like to live in New York as a nurse.

Things to Do in NYC | Your Guide to Tourist Spots All Over NYC

NYC boasts a wide range of attractions that can provide much-needed relief from NYC's cutthroat daily life and can revitalize your leisure time.

Major tourist attractions include the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, Times Square, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Rockefeller Center.

Plus, here are our suggestions for some lesser-known attractions and activities in New York City:

Walk the High Line—an elevated park built on a historic freight rail line that lets you experience stunning city views.
Go on a food tour to enjoy the culinary paradise that is NYC, making sure to eat your way through Chinatown, Little Italy, and other neighborhoods.
Take a helicopter tour to get a bird's-eye view of the city and see its iconic landmarks from above.
Go on a sunset cruise to enjoy a view of Manhattan's skyline as the sun sets.
Visit the Tenement Museum to learn about New York City's immigrant history.

people walking across busy NYC intersection at nighttime — NYC registered nurses have the entertainment options galore for their days off work.

Whether you're looking to eat delicious and diverse cuisine, enjoy the city's many parks, experience entertainment and nightlife, or join a health or faith community, you'll likely find what you're looking for in this cosmopolitan city.

As you embark on your nursing journey in New York City, keep in mind that your experiences will vary depending on the area where you live and the type of facility where you work; it's best to do research and connect with folks, including other nursing professionals, to understand better the realities of living expenses and the day-to-day of living in NYC.