Travel Nursing in Compact States

[granadina]

Hi all,

I am looking to start a career as a traveler in 6 short weeks! My plan had been to work in California, as it seems to have a plethora or travel jobs available. I recently realized there had been an error in my CA license application. Now I am worried that I won't have a license in time to get a job there.

I currently hold a compact license. The agencies I am with each have 3-4 compact state jobs available, some of which require previous travel experience.

So the question---does anyone know of a smaller agency that specializes in compact states or at least has more options to work in one? I have searched the web, but finding smaller agencies online is proving difficult.

Thanks so much for your help!

[21strawberry]

Thanks, NedRN. I didn't apply for the temp license which was dumb I guess. Of course my state is non-Nursys. I probably have like 3 weeks before I start biting my nails...so we'll see what happens. Again, I appreciate your prompt response!

[NedRN]

Good luck! They have gotten better on their times. The issue is often being able to scan the paper fingerprint cards which is out of the BON's control.

Long before Nursys, I applied to a state requiring all licenses to be verified first and transcripts. I very carefully filled out all the forms and sent them to each jurisdiction. Four weeks later it came out that I hadn't signed one of the checks for license verification. I got lucky and it only delayed my assignment by one week. Lots more paperwork in general these days, but the good old days were not so great either. Expensive long distance, no cell phones, and much dependence on mail, FedEx, and paper checks.

[21strawberry]

I can imagine...sounds awful! At least this is one good thing about the rise of the internet.

[RDUNCAN]

So if I got Live Scanned yesterday and applied for endorsement online yesterday as well, we could be talking as little as 48 hrs? Assuming they received my out of state license verification and transcripts?

The BON received my application, check for fees, and fingerprint card on July 31. They've already received my transcripts (about 2 weeks ago) and my Nursys verification (about 2 weeks ago as well.) Unfortunately, I couldn't take the time or spend the money to go to Cali for the Livescan. When should I expect to get my license? Thanks!

[NedRN]

With luck, in a few days. Without it, there is no way to predict. If you check daily online for your licensure status, that will probably precede your physical card by a good bit.

[~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN]

I have a compact license and work with a big agency, when my last contract fell through because of hospital budget cuts, (it was a renewal that fell through) I had another placement by the next day which ended up being a really good gig. I do ER nursing so I don't know if that market is better or not.