Which state for initial license?

Nursing Students General Students

Published

Looking for some feedback. I live in one state, but go to school in a bordering state because their program was just a better fit for me. I live close to the border so working out of state is something to consider. Anyway, I was originally planning to apply for licensure in my home state because that would be my preference. However, I have heard rumor that I might be able to get hired at the hospital (out of state) that I am attending for capstone. If offered a job I would surely take it, but not sure if the hospital would still be interested if they have to wait for me to apply for licensure in home state and then endorse to their state. Not even sure if I can apply to initial licensure in a state you are not a resident of. I am driving my poor husband crazy because I am getting this far ahead of myself. I don't even know if I will like this hospital or if they really are interested in offering a job, but the info came from a reliable source. If I do not get offered a job here I would definitely be looking in my home state. I have a little time, but will be needing to submit my paperwork for licensure in a month or so. Thoughts? What would you do if it were you?

Specializes in NICU.

Are they both compact states? Then it wouldn't matter if you applied for a compact license.

If you live in a non-compact state, then determine if either offers a temporary license while you apply for your permanent. Then apply for your initial license in the state that doesn't offer the temporary license. That way if you get a job offer, it would only take 3 weeks to get a temporary license. Most employers will give you 3-4 weeks to start working anyway.

Are they both compact states? Then it wouldn't matter if you applied for a compact license.

If you live in a non-compact state, then determine if either offers a temporary license while you apply for your permanent. Then apply for your initial license in the state that doesn't offer the temporary license. That way if you get a job offer, it would only take 3 weeks to get a temporary license. Most employers will give you 3-4 weeks to start working anyway.

Thanks for the info, going to see what I can figure out. No they are not compact states. Going to see what I can find out about a temporary license.

+ Add a Comment