Current student, moving after graduation

klsRN26 · Feb 23, 2017

Or is there anyone that has been in a similar situation? Moving to a new state after graduation before gaining experience?

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Feb 23, 2017

It's doubtful that any organization is interested in providing you with a summer externship prior to relocation in order to improve your chances of finding another job. These programs are expensive and an increasing number of organizations are requiring contracts as a condition of participation. So - you may not be able to carry out that plan.

I know it is certainly a reflection of my fuddy-duddy mentality, but I are you sure that you want to uproot everything - moving away from your support system - and travel cross country in order to accommodate your boyfriend? What if the relationship fizzles out when you find yourself stressed to the max, trying to cope with all those changes as well as launch your career? Keep in mind that Ca is not ASN-friendly, so this will add another challenge. Seems like the risk and effort are pretty one-sided here.

On a more positive note, the school where you receive your pre-licensure nursing education is not a huge factor when it comes to finding a job. We all take the same NCLEX. Are you planning on taking NCLEX before relocating? In my area, employers are usually not interested in even interviewing new grads before they are licensed and 'good to go'. Neither CA or WV are compact states, so it may make more sense just to take NCLEX in your new location if the timing works right. Otherwise, you will need to go through a reciprocity process and this can take some time.

Wishing you all the best on launching your nursing career.

secondlifenurse, MSN, RN · Feb 24, 2017

Virginia is indeed a compact state, which means if you were to move there, you would have a multistate license. And while it is a bit more difficult to get a job with an ASN rather than a BSN, there are many successful ASN programs in Virginia and plenty of people do get jobs with an ASN. One thing to consider: start researching hospitals near the base where your significant other will be located. Look to see what the hospitals' residency programs look like (if they have a residency program--candidates are paid as full-time RNs during these programs). Be sure you know when the application deadlines are as they may well be before the end of the semester. When you apply to different hospitals--regardless whether its located in California or Virginia--be sure you have looked at the hospital's website carefully. Know its mission statement. Cater each application letter to the specific hospital/specific program. While you will not have done any clinical rotations in the hospitals you will be applying to, consider using former preceptors (if they were hospital-based, particularly) as references. Virginia has *many* quality nursing programs that range from direct-entry Masters and BSN programs for people who already had a degree, standard BSN programs, numerous community college programs, and private associate-degree programs. Personally, I'm not sure I'd worry about an externship in Virginia. It's much more typical to apply for and get a new-graduate position. Landing a job can be challenging because there is a large pool of applications from various programs to choose from, but people new to nursing do it all the time. Be persistent. Be professional. You'll find the right fit

klsRN26 · Feb 25, 2017

Thank you for the information, this was very helpful! Definitely going to remain positive and put myself out there. I am very open to all areas of nursing and being a new grad I don't see myself getting picky. Just ready to start my career when I graduate! :)

secondlifenurse, MSN, RN · Feb 25, 2017

You're welcome, klsRN26!

Best of luck to you!