Applying to other states, but not licensed by the state

**NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN** · Feb 12, 2011

I think your best luck is going to be in rural parts of states...the undesirable locations. Most states have too many new grads and no jobs now.

fireline · Feb 12, 2011

Nicki: I don't know which states to go to... Im hoping some people can give me an idea. I don't mind the small town feel.

AntMarchingRN, RN · Feb 12, 2011

Not to be Debbie downer, but I don't think there are 5 states that are new grad friendly...

Good Luck out there.

kacefaceRN · Feb 12, 2011

DC and Virginia seem to have a selection of new grad programs to choose from.

ckh23, BSN, RN · Feb 12, 2011

. The applications ask for a license, and I dont have one because I want to make sure I have a few job offers before spending money and time on a license.
Fireline, RN

Why do you think an employer would waste their time offering a job to a person that doesn't have a license in that state. In some states it can take weeks just to get a temporary license.

bagladyrn, RN · Feb 12, 2011

Do not answer "yes" to the license question if you do not have one. If the facility looks on that state's BON listing and doesn't see you the will consider that you lied and likely toss your application.

The proper way to answer this is to include a note "Currently licensed in CA. Will obtain (whichever) state license upon hire, prior to start date."

BrookeeLou_RN · Feb 12, 2011

Previous poster is correct about license answer. You need to look at states where you can get a license or temporary one in a short time...Some states take 6-8 weeks,, hard for someone to hold a job that long especially for new grad.

There are no magic states that welcome new grads.. most states have pockets of areas that will accept new grads or just specific hospitals. Some rural areas may be good but bigger cities who hire more nurses might have a program or a few extra slots.

I would pick an area maybe 3 that I would think would suit my lifestyle and then check into those throughly..Do not just use internet, call hospitals, LTC, etc and see who might talk to you. Try to get a NM name from calling a hospital and asking for an unit you think you could work..like ask for med-surg ortho unit and then be real nice on phone and someone may give you an actual name..then write to that person specifically and ask.. All they can say is NO.

I am in TN and I can tell you SE TN is not hiring experienced RN very much so new grads is tough.. But things are getting more open just the last 2 weeks. And there are several nursing schools here.. but Nashville, or Memphis may be different.. Maybe go to Regional part of this site and befriend other nurses.. networking works great.

To search all 50 states would be daunting so narrow it down to give youreldf a chance.

AwayWeGo · Feb 12, 2011

North Carolina has new grad programs...Charlotte, Durham, Chapel Hill. Good luck! :)

StillSliding · Feb 12, 2011

Well, I have over 75 applications out in Indiana to every hospital and outpatient clinic. I have a few bites with Nursing homes. I cannot get an Interview with a hospital. I am looking into multiple licenses also. I would go to any state any city in the country for a hospital job, but cannot find an add to send application to. I fill out on-line applications and send anyway. Sometimes they tell me to stop it. I think you should follow bagladyrn advice and tell them you will get the license immediately if they want you. Do you think a hospital is going to hire us over the phone? I can see traveling all over the country for a 20 minute interview competing with 10 other candidates for 1 position. Most of the time the position goes to an inside favor deal, they just need interviewees to make the process appear legitimate. We need a lot of nurses to retire, a lot of nurse schools to to put out less nurses, and legislation to stem the flow of foreign nurses in order to get a job. Sorry to sound like a bummer, but you are in a state of some odd 35,000,000 people. If there is no need for health care in Cali , you have to figure its worse else where. I talked to a few Nurses that want to try Cali, thinking the jobs are on the west coast.

BrookeeLou_RN · Feb 12, 2011

You could try internet search for hospitals in the area you are looking, call and try to get a real name or get thru to HR(almost impossible) and snail mail your resume or fax if you can find a good number.. Write an awesome cover letter.. get paid help for that if needed.

Post your resume on every site you can find..career builder etc. Sometimes I get call from resumes that are years old about experience that is totally out of date but that gives me a Contact!!

I know it is frustrating and depressing but you only need "1" positon. hang in there!

BrookeeLou_RN · Feb 12, 2011

Another idea..have you tried volunteering while you are searching....health dept, clinic, hospital, Red Cross. Blood bank......I know they will limit what you can do but it does give you a reference as to time management, organizational skills, people skills. All those things do count when it comes to getting actual job.. I know it does not get you the interview.

And yes you will have to travel to interview.. this is the way it is in practically any field, and even if experienced.