Looking broadly while only licensed in one state

kimsjc · Apr 15, 2012

I can't answer the licensure issue, it would depend upon the facility you are applying to. But I can tell you this, California is not an easy place to find a job, many graduates go 1-2 years before finding a job. It's really tough out here. As a matter of fact, I know several Californians who have had to take jobs in Ohio. Good luck to you!

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Apr 15, 2012

You can certainly look for jobs in any state in the U.S. without having a license for that state. But you do have to have the license in place before you can begin work...and endorsement is not always a fast process: it can take weeks to months depending on the state you are endorsing into. Also, I don't know how employers feel about your not being licensed before applying--I imagine their greatest concern would be your being able to get endorsed into that state in time to start. So keep that in mind when you start looking and applying for jobs.

CA is horrible for new grads: many can't even get hired into LTCs and SNFs. If at all possible, come out here with a year or two of experience first. Texas and Colorado may offer better chances for new grads, especially in the rural areas.

Best of luck!

foreverLaur · Apr 16, 2012

Well I have a job waiting for me in a CVICU in SoCal (my aunt runs the unit) but I would MUCH prefer to stay where I'm at (love the hospital, best retirement around, already work there as a PCA) and it's always nice to move somewhere new and start fresh :)

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Apr 16, 2012

With all due respect to you and your aunt, I wouldn't up and move to SoCal without an official job offer, and unless your aunt also works in management and in HR as well as running the unit, she can't make you an official job offer.

Also, it's likely that when the hospital learns of your relationship (through the application question, "do/have any family members ever worked at SoCal hospital?"), they may not allow you to work on her unit under her. You may be able to be hired into the facility though, but they almost never put family members in the same chain of command because of the potential for nepotism (actual or perceived) and conflict. So that's great that you have an "in" there, but please keep that in mind.

That being said, if you prefer to stay where you are, why not stay? If you're already working in a facility as a PCA, that's the perfect time to start networking and making contacts for new grad jobs.

foreverLaur · Apr 16, 2012

I will stay here, if I can. But the hospital is having funding problems and temporarily discontinued their new grad internship program, so it may not be an option. I'm not sure how that happened - they just got over $100 million donated and are building a new multi-billion dollar building to add on but hey...

I have no plans to move to California without an official job offer. I just spoke with my aunt a few weeks ago and she basically said that they will hire anyone that comes strongly recommended from her because she's been there so long and has built up a great reputation (won nurse of the year several times). But again - would never put plans in motion without a job offer in my hands.

I just know I have looked at several applications for new grad interships and they all require a valid active RN license in that state as a prerequisite. I wasn't sure if they would be OK with an applicant not having that but saying they would at the time of application... Applying is so foreign to me in the nursing world!

sailornurse · Apr 22, 2012

Look at which states are in the Nursing License Compact. You might consider moving to one of those states and taking your NCLEX in one of those states but you can work in any state that is part of the. compact. New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, Utah are in the compact. I live in NM & can work in Texas with NM license but you do have to live in one of the states that is part of the compact. Another reason they may require an active license is due to new grads being hired then not passing NCLEX so many hospitals will not hire you until you have your license. Also as to your aunt connection, I would caution you about accepting a job in a CVICU without experience. The fact that she is your aunt will not go un-noticed, be prepared for some backlash, hope it does not materialize but it may cause problems for both of you.

diana2520 · Apr 29, 2012

Some states require that you have your license endorsed before you start the job .... I got a call from Ohio Cleveland...they told me to have my license endorsed and she gave me a personal number to call as soon as i do that.:). i got discouraged after i found out it takes 6-8 weeks..if i dont find anything locate...that is my other option :)

foreverLaur · Apr 29, 2012

Can you be licensed in as many states as you want at one time?? Can you pass the NCLEX and then start the process to also have a RN license in several other states?

sailornurse · Apr 30, 2012

Can you be licensed in as many states as you want at one time?? Can you pass the NCLEX and then start the process to also have a RN license in several other states?

Yes, you can but it can get expensive maintaining all the licenses. So check to see which states are in the Compact and be sure you ask for multi-state licensure on the application.

foreverLaur · Apr 30, 2012

Yes, you can but it can get expensive maintaining all the licenses. So check to see which states are in the Compact and be sure you ask for multi-state licensure on the application.

Well I wouldn't bother renewing the ones in the states I was not working in. I just thought maybe it would help a little bit getting a job if you were already licensed instead of having that hoop to jump through.

NurseExorcist, BSN, RN · Dec 22, 2013

Well I have a job waiting for me in a CVICU in SoCal (my aunt runs the unit) but I would MUCH prefer to stay where I'm at (love the hospital, best retirement around, already work there as a PCA) and it's always nice to move somewhere new and start fresh :)

I just love hearing about new grads getting jobs because they know the right person.