PRN Nursing Jobs in New York State: Ultimate Guide [2024]

Want to pick up high-paying PRN jobs in New York? Nursa is a marketplace that connects nurses and CNAs with shifts near them.

It's essential to remember that earnings in New York can fluctuate, contingent upon variables such as a nurse's professional background, the precise geographic area within the state, and the healthcare facilities where nursing professionals work. Below, you'll find a table illustrating the yearly average incomes across various cities in New York.

Table created based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Imagine eating an ice cream cone while walking through Manhattan, seeing your first Broadway show, or hitting one of Long Island's beaches on the weekend. This image could be of your life if you live in New York. Keep reading to learn more about PRN nursing jobs, the cheapest cities, average salaries for nursing professionals, and nursing schools in this state.

How Much Do Nurses in New York Make?

In the pursuit of nursing careers within the state of New York—be it the noble path of a Registered Nurse (RN), a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), or a Patient Care Tech (PCT)—the discernment of potential earnings assumes great significance. In the grand expanse of the Empire State, the average hourly remuneration for RNs approximates a noteworthy $48.14, a vital benchmark for assessing the financial prospects that your nursing journey in this state may hold.

To truly comprehend how your nursing income aligns with your chosen lifestyle and financial needs, a clear understanding of the cost of living in New York is indispensable.

The minimum wage prescribed by New York is $14.20 per hour. However, the living wage statewide is $21.46 per hour working full-time. This last figure considers an array of expenses, ranging from housing to medical expenses to food and transportation. 

Finally, we unveil the annual incomes corresponding to each category of nursing licensure:

• RN Salary: $100,130
• LPN Salary: $57,560
• CNA Salary: $43,450

With a population of over 20 million, New York State is one of the most dynamic and populated regions in the United States. Stretching across a diverse tapestry, from the throbbing heart of colossal cities like New York City and Buffalo to the serene and idyllic expanses of rural landscapes, working in New York unfolds many prospects for nurses.

New York State, renowned for its diverse cultures and vitality, also offers nurses an array of per diem nursing jobs. While the mighty New York City commands a spotlight, the state's allure transcends the confines of this urban citadel. Within other remarkable urban gems such as Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Syracuse, you will unearth various career possibilities tailored to your aspirations and preferences.

Best Hospitals & Other Healthcare Centers in New York

Amidst the bustling expanse of New York's healthcare realm, nurses pursuing jobs within specialties such as MedSurg, Pediatrics, the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU), Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Emergency Room (ER), and TELE find themselves awash in a sea of choices. 

New York State, distinguished for its iconic clinics in the heart of NYC, boasts robust healthcare and health insurance systems.

Since enumerating all the exceptional medical centers throughout New York would be too extensive, we have curated a list featuring some of the top hospitals and broader healthcare systems that shine as leaders within their respective domains.

1. NewYork-Presbyterian Healthcare System: This system is a shining example of academic research and patient care, bearing an array of specializations and a geographical spread that crisscrosses the expanse of the city. It has earned the distinction of being ranked fifth among the nation's best hospitals and the best within New York's healthcare pantheon.
2. NYU Langone Health: Acclaimed as one of the nation's foremost bastions of medical pedagogy, this medical center stands out for its excellent patient care and groundbreaking research. 
3. Mount Sinai Health System: Aside from its sheer size, this system is known for research excellence and a commitment to equitable healthcare.
4. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: This center is at the forefront of global cancer care and research.
5. Northwell Health: A healthcare colossus, it is the numero uno hospital in New York as per the Fortune Best Workplaces in Health Care™ 2022 list.
6. Montefiore Health System: Its forte lies in urban and community health, consistently championing the cause of underserved communities. It is an exemplar in the employment of Electronic Medical Record (EMR) technology.
7. Rochester Regional Health: A bastion of healthcare services spanning the breadth of Western New York, it is home to revered institutions like the Lipson Cancer Institute and the Sands-Constellation Heart Institute, each a luminary in its own right.
8. Stony Brook Medical Health System: Besides being named one of America's 50 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades, this health system received praise for its cardiac care, stroke care, and hysterectomy procedures. It provides cutting-edge medical care, education, and research. 
9. NYC Health: The city's public healthcare system, distinguished for its focus on accessibility and community well-being, is the nation's most comprehensive municipal healthcare delivery network.
10. Samaritan Medical Center: Nestled in the northern reaches of New York, this nonprofit healthcare establishment is renowned for its unwavering dedication to the welfare of the local community.

These healthcare facilities across the expanse of New York State encompass a wide array of specialized services, from the diligent care of cancer patients and the vigilant stewardship of trauma centers to the devoted provision of community-centered health services.

Becoming a Nurse in New York State 

Becoming a nurse in New York State involves a straightforward process. It begins by completing an accredited nursing program, whether it be a practical nursing program, a diploma program, an associate degree in nursing (ADN), or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Following your education, the next step is to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) (or NCLEX-PN for practical nurses).

After this, you can initiate the application for your nursing license through the New York Board of Nursing. The application typically entails providing your educational transcripts and evidence of your NCLEX passage. 

Once you have your license, you must keep yourself updated to fulfill the state's requirements for license renewal. If you need to check whether your nursing license is active, the New York State Department of Education's website offers a convenient nursing license lookup service.

Best Nursing Schools in New York

Once you have decided on a type of nursing license, the next step is to choose a nursing program. Although the cost and location of the schools will be important factors influencing your decision, make sure you also choose a program with a high first-time NCLEX pass rate since this demonstrates the quality of the program and its ability to prepare students to begin their nursing careers.

Nationwide, BSN programs had the highest first-time NCLEX pass rates in 2022. With this in mind, here are the BSN programs in New York with the highest first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates.

Source: New York State RN NCLEX Results: 2018-2022

When exploring CNA, PCT, LPN, or RN jobs, in New York, it's essential to remember that New York City, Jersey City, Newark, Ithaca, and Rochester are among the highest-paying cities for nurses in New York.

Cheapest Cities in New York

Just as income disparities exist across different locations, New York also witnesses discrepancies in the living wage necessary to cover basic expenses within various regions. In the following section, we outline the hourly income needed to achieve a comfortable lifestyle, beginning with the cities that offer a more affordable cost of living:

1. Binghamton: $15.21
2. Utica, Rome: $15.52
3. Syracuse: $15.65
4. Glens Falls: $15.80
5. Rochester: $15.86
6. Elmira: $15.97
7. Buffalo, Cheektowaga, Niagara Falls: $16.24
8. Watertown, Fort Drum: $16.33
9. Albany, Schenectady, Troy: $17.08
10. Kingston: $17.43
11. Ithaca: $18.26
12. New York, Newark, Jersey City: $22.51

Source: Data from the MIT living wage calculator

Things to Do across the State

When experiencing New York State, the mind often conjures images of the bustling cityscape and iconic Wall Street in Manhattan. Nevertheless, this extraordinary state boasts numerous cities, such as Amsterdam, Auburn, Batavia, Carthage, Cobleskill, Lowville, Patchogue, Rhinebeck, and Oneonta, as well as rural attractions. 

Each city we're about to introduce offers unique charm and various activities catering to residents and visitors.

• Outdoor Adventure in Upstate New York: The upstate region of New York presents a breathtaking backdrop for those seeking outdoor escapades. Cities such as Hudson, Rhinebeck, and Cooperstown are blessed with natural beauty. You can hike in the Catskills or paddle in the Hudson River.
• History in Sleepy Hollow: If you like history, Sleepy Hollow can make you travel back in time. Washington Irving's Sunnyside and the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery—where the story of the Headless Horseman came to life—are a must.
• Arts and Culture in Saratoga Springs: The arts scene in Saratoga Springs offers a variety of classical and contemporary music. You can also visit the National Museum of Dance.
• Sports in Cooperstown: With a reputation as a baseball hub, Cooperstown is an exciting place to visit for sports enthusiasts. 
• Nature in Little Falls: Hiking, kayaking, and navigating the Erie Canal make Little Falls ideal for outdoorsy people.
• Scenic Beauty in Hudson and Croton on Hudson: Known to have beautiful scenery, Hudson and Croton on Hudson are both excellent options for hikers.
• Waterfront Fun in Oswego: Oswego is the place to be if you like fishing or sunset picnics next to the lake.
• Cultural Diversity in Corona: If you are a foodie, you have to eat in Corona, which is a melting pot of culturally diverse communities offering international cuisine.
• Rural Ease in Elizaville: Elizaville has beautiful rural landscapes to help you escape city life.
• Auburn's Historical Significance: Auburn boasts historical landmarks, including the Harriet Tubman Home and the Seward House Museum, offering a captivating window into the past.
• Coastal Delights in Patchogue: Nestled along Long Island's South Shore, Patchogue unfolds as a coastal haven. Enjoy beachfront splendors, partake in water sports, and immerse yourself in the vibrant downtown scene.

These cities within New York State exemplify the remarkable diversity of activities and climates that await beyond the well-known urban centers.

Fun Facts about New York

Dive into these five captivating insights that illuminate New York State's compelling history, vibrant culture, and natural marvels:

1. The Statue of Liberty's Unique Address: While the Statue of Liberty majestically graces New York Harbor, it's a common misconception that she's solely a part of New York City. In truth, this iconic symbol of freedom stands tall on Liberty Island, a piece of federal territory that falls under the jurisdiction of New Jersey. Thus, this globally renowned lady, in a sense, straddles two states, with one foot in New York and the other in New Jersey!
2. Former U.S. Capital Status: For a brief interlude following the American Revolution, New York City assumed the role of the United States' capital. This historical epoch unfolded from 1785 to 1790.
3. The "Big Apple": New York City affectionately bears the moniker of the "Big Apple." The phrase gained prominence in the 1920s thanks to John J. Fitz Gerald, a horse racing journalist who employed it to describe the city's most prestigious horse racing prize. Today, it serves as a symbol of the city's lively character.
4. Guardian of the Oldest Forest: Nestled within New York's Adirondack Park lies a natural wonder—the oldest known forest in the United States. In this venerable grove, ancient trees, some exceeding four centuries in age, continue flourishing, serving as a living testament to the state's unwavering commitment to conserving its natural heritage.
5. Origins of the Ice Cream Cone: The cherished summertime delight, the ice cream cone, is often believed to have debuted at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair. Nevertheless, the concept of the cone is frequently attributed to Italo Marchiony, an Italian immigrant and ice cream vendor in the bustling streets of New York City. 

Embark on Your New York Adventure 

After exploring New York’s vast possibilities, it becomes clear that this state provides many options, ranging from the vibrant urban tapestry of Manhattan to the picturesque splendor of its upstate regions.

Now, it's time to take the next step. If you're a nurse or nursing assistant considering working in New York, find your first per diem shift today.