Changing States For Employment

[Darrell23]

Hello everybody,

I'm currently a CNA working in Tennessee, but am interested in moving to the Central Florida, Orlando area. When looking at job postings online, all the jobs seem to require a current Florida CNA certification, while mine is only good for the State of Tennessee. I vaguely understand how reciprocity works, but my question is if I go ahead and apply for jobs in florida without having an active license in Florida, will the places I'm applying to immediately toss my application without looking at it? Or should I write on the application that I can transfer my license over if they are interested in hiring me?

If I do need to transfer my Tennessee CNA license over to a Florida one first, will I still be able to work as simply a nursing assistant until I find a job in Florida? Assuming that my place of employment is okay with this. Any help is much appreciated!

If it helps, I'm already BLS/CPR certified, have graduated college with a 4 year degree and intend on going back to nursing school in a few years.

Thanks in advance!

[onemoreday, BSN, RN]

I think you should go ahead and apply, I know my hospital will interview you before you even have a certification (if you're still in the course). They have offered, to both CNAs and RNs I now work with, a "position contingent upon your completion" of a certification or state licensure. But we're way out in Montana and actively recruiting for many positions from many states. I think your prior experience will stand out on your application. Maybe just call an HR department in some of the hospitals you're looking at, see what they say? It couldn't hurt.