I want to relocate but need a job first

JeanettePNP, MSN, RN, NP · Jul 4, 2013

It's the relocation catch 22 -- if employers are going to intervie a long distance candidate, they want to see at least some commitment to staying there in the long term, but you can't show concrete plans to move if you haven't found a job there yet. I encountered this again and again when I was looking for my first NP job. I cast my net far and wide, but during phone interviews I'd get questions like, why are you moving to XX? Do you have family in X? How soon do you plan to move to X? All very difficult quesetions to answer if my moving to X is contingent on getting a job there. In some cases I applied for jobs that were a little way out and planned to live in the closest big city and commute (up to an hour each way), which they also snuffed out during interviews. In some cases I lied about having family there (hey, my family is 3 hours away, that's not close enough?).

I think you're ahead of the game because you've already narrowed it down to two cities and have strong reasons ifor wanting to live there. I would not go ahead and apply for licensure right away but in your cover letter explain why you're looking to move there and that you'll have your license within 6 weeks or whatever. Find out from that state's board of nursing what the application process is like and how long it takes once you submit. Also, get all necessary paperwork together and anything else you need to do for the application up to the point of submitting and paying, so when you are ready to move it will only take dropping an evelope in the mailbox.

As to getting a hem-onc job with telemetry experience, first of all congrats on landing the telemetry job! My advice would be to stay with the job at least a year before applying to other jobs, unless you have really pressing reasons to move now. The longer you stay on the first job the more experience you'll have and the more attractive you'll be as a candidate. You may not have hem-onc but you will have basic nursing care, and you will be using that regardless of which specialty you move to.

calivianya, BSN, RN · Jul 6, 2013

I got a job nine hours from where I live. In the interview they asked, "why here?" I was perfectly honest with them and told them they had an opening on my dream unit and I would go absolutely anywhere to chase my dream; that the unit I worked on was much more important to me than where I lived and I'd be happy to relocate for the position. It got me hired, so I think that's a great answer if anyone asks.

Scarlettz, BSN, RN · Jul 6, 2013

1.Do you even attempt to apply for a job if you don't have a license in that state?

Yes - I have done it before. I received a call back from a hospital in ND without having a state license there. That is the only hospital to ever call me back out of state without their license, however. I honestly think that most facilities want their candidates to already be licensed in the state. It is worth a shot to try - but your odds may not be as high without the license. But since you have some experience as a nurse, this will work in your favor, I think.

2.Do I go ahead and apply for a license .. but why fork out the dough for a license if I am not going to get the job?

I do believe you have a better chance of being noticed/called if you already have the license. Besides my home state, I have licenses in two other states. One is a neighboring state of mine and the other state on the opposite side of the country. The state on the opposite side of the country is one that I was truly interested in working and thought would be a cool place to live. Well, I have received 3 calls from facilities in this state- and I think having the license helps alot! I would highly recommend getting a license in a state that A) You really want to work/serious about relocating B) Think you may have a good chance of getting some calls back. It is a gamble. So, just pick 1 or 2 other states and be persistent with them. It stinks not having multi-state license privileges.

3. If I do apply, what is the best way to explain this in my cover letter... I worry cause what little nursing experience I have is not hem/onc.. I will be immediately discounted... my current job was the only offer I got despite working in medicine for 15 years in the primary care setting.. I felt I had to take it in order to get SOME nursing experience.

I suppose just try and show enthusiasm for the field. Perhaps, if you can, do some shadowing/volunteer work on this floor at your own hospital if it exists. Work hard at your job, don't discount your experience, and be persistent and patient.

RN119 · Jul 9, 2013

Thank you for the advice...this is sooo helpful

Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN · Jul 12, 2013

Recommend you get your license in the State you're interested. These are very competitive times for nurses seeking employment.

As a hiring manager, I wouldn't interview a nurse for an experienced-required position until she had her basic credential. And I would only hire an individual who interviewed in person.

Good luck!