Applying for a job in a different state- should I move before or after?

[b_m_prosepct]

I'm currently an ADN working in a LTC-subactue nursing home in NJ. Have about three years experience now. I'm planning to move to one of the South states: Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona, Texas. Whichever place I can find a hospital position. I'm in the process of applying for the licenses of these states, knowing it would be advantage to have a license in hand first.

I'm single, no family, have enough savings for at least one year without working. My questions is: Should I apply jobs online in NJ, only to move after securing a hospital offer? or should I quit my NJ nursing home job first, move to one of the southern states physically, and then look for a hospital job locally there?

I'm afraid that staying in NJ and applying online will hurt my chances, but also worry about moving first to a place that I know nobody and then find no jobs will get me depressed.

Any suggestions?

[MySonIsAdorable]

I don't think you should move first unless you have another reason for moving. Because you don't know which state you will choose yet and what city either. Texas for instance is where I live and its HUGE and the bigger cities are pretty far apart from each other.

I don't have any experience in this but my Mother has moved from state to state, hospital to hospital several times and every time she did phone interviews first and then traveled to a 2nd interview if her hiring was likely. Then we would move if she was hired (for sure hired, start date and all) Usually jobs know people need to give at least two weeks notice so that gives you some time to decided & at least secure a hotel that you can stay for a week or two until you find a place you will be staying long term. Hope this helps.

[b_m_prosepct]

Thanks for advice.

Your mother is a very experienced nurse. In my case, I'm an ADN and don't have hospital experience yet. I'm afraid they are not going to hire me if I stay out of the state. That said, it is very risky to move to a place that I don't konw I have a job or not yet.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Personally, I would be afraid to relocate out of state with limited experience and no firm job offer lined up in the new state of residence, especially in this poor economic climate. However, this is just my opinion, and I like to avoid financial risk.

I currently live in a major metro area in Texas that is saturated with a glut of new and experienced nurses. I know that the major metro areas in Nevada and Arizona are also saturated with many nurses. Perhaps you should check out other states located southwest of you such as Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Louisiana, Arkansas, etc.

[Jory, MSN, APRN, CNM]

There is no way I would go to the expense of getting a license in a state where I don't have a job or move and get caught in a lease and then be left with no income. Total waste of money.

It is understood that you'll need to get licensed in the state if you are moving...if they call you for an interview, that is understood.

[b_m_prosepct]

Thanks for the advices. However I'm thinking. The worst case, I should not have any problem finding a sub-acute or Skilled Nursing job in one of these states.

So the worst case scenario would be working in a nursing home in Texas instead of in NJ, which makes no difference to me. Still worth a try.