Can I apply to RN jobs out of state or do I need endorsement first?

[esunada]

When I graduate from my RN program, I'd be interested in applying to other states as I'm open to moving and I'd like to up my chances of getting a good job. However, I heard it can take 6-8 weeks before you get an endorsement after applying and it cost around $100 for each state.

My question is will hospitals and nursing homes even consider my application if I don't have a license within the state first? Or would they hire me and be willing to wait the 6-8 weeks for me to get an endorsement. Do the hospitals even hire nurses out of state to begin with or prefer those who live within state already?

Thanks for any insight!

[klone, MSN, RN]

Do you live in a compact state?

[netglow, ASN, RN]

I think that because there are so few new grad jobs, you will have a hard time if you do not have all ducks in order before you apply. That means having passed your board exam and having an active license.

There can be literally 100s of apps per new grad job. There simply is no need to bother with those who don't have everything in place from the get go simply because there may be 500 other new grads just one phone call away that do.

Same goes with looking in another state. Those states don't need to wait for you either. I'd decide which state you think you want to go for first. Take the board exam to license in that state, then add on with new apps (these sometimes will take time too) and some not so interested in you if you did not pass your boards the first go-around.

[highlandlass1592, BSN, RN]

Depends upon the facility. Some will actually offer you a job pending licensure, others won't even look at your app if you're not already set. You need to investigate where you want to go then proceed accordingly. For the record, some states take even longer to get a license, when I was trying to get endorsed to New Jersey for a travel assignment, it took 14 weeks! Plus, they lost my stuff twice. (I hated dealing with that BON.) Others, like CA make it a bit easier. So, I'd recommend doing some homework before you try to reply. Good luck to you.

[rjflyn, ASN, RN]

Things a pretty competitive, we just hired a handful of techs and had 200+ applications to sort through. That said, just a few years ago in FL I worked with a new grad from New York who was hired and just had his license processed to there. Meaning he graduated from a school up there and moved during the process of waiting and testing. It did i might add take a few extra weeks to get thing pushed through as far as his license went but by the time he got it he was about done with his orientation and ready to go.