Moving to Colorado Questions- Licensing and Centura

U.S.A. Colorado

Published

Hello all! Long story short I am a new graduate RN, ADN (BSN coming next May). I had trouble getting any consideration for a new grad position around Phoenix, as the census valley wide is low in the summer and a fresh crop of already BSN prepared RNs tend to get the majority of the consideration (Though I feel confident I bring something to the table, I just needed to get an interview to prove it!)

Anyways, I was lucky enough to notice and get an interview for an RN New grad ICU residency program at St. Mary Corwin's in Pueblo, Colorado. I love the outdoors- hunting, hiking, fishing, skiing, and I hate the south Arizona heat, so it seemed like a match made in heaven. I was fortunate enough to be offered the job!

I know there is quite the conflict when it comes to new grads in the ICU- rest assured I am conflicted myself. I am nervous, but it is where I want to be and I will make it work. I am the sort of person who will come home and research for hours if I come across something I'm not familiar with so I'm prepared next time. I understand I don't even know a tenth of what I need to be a successful critical care nurse at the moment, and that is intimidating, but I am looking forward to the challenge.

Anyways, I had a couple questions. I have done research on the topic but it still isnt quite clear to me. I was told I could practice on my Arizona RN license for 90 days since it is a compact state. Since Colorado will be my primary state of residence, I know I need to transfer/get a Colorado RN license. Am I correct in thinking I have to have a physical address in Colorado before I can do so? I am coming up next week to look at renting a home in the area, but am still currently in AZ. I just want to expedite getting my Colorado license so no hiccups occur with work.

Also, does anyone have any experience working for Centura Health/SMC they would like to share? I did my research before accepting, and it seems like a good training program and culture, and a very good ICU overall. Anyone have any first hand experience at this hospital or with this organization? It is a 3 year committment with the job I was offered (1 year new grad program and 2 year working agreement), but I didn't feel like I should turn down such an opportunity.

Thanks for any help on the matter!

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