DEA license, apply now or when offered a job?

Jules A, MSN · Jan 16, 2017

Get it as soon as you can.

rnkaytee · Jan 16, 2017

My employer paid for it and it was completed (by them) during my on boarding process.

tellabella21 · Jan 17, 2017

Flipper, like you I thought I had a job, two in fact, lined up for me when I completed my NP program. One employer had to the the fill the position sooner and the other one gave me a similar excuse as the one that was given to you. I'm finding that every job that is posted requires experience and a DEA number. I live in Austin where the need for NPs is not so great and all the jobs I interviewed for where given to another applicant with experience...grrr... I finally found a job that is not ideal however it seems like a good starting point. It's a per diem position so there was no benefits or perks other than the flexibility of the schedule and the work itself. Texas requires that we have a supervising physician so I could not get my DEA number until I accepted a job that provided a supervising physician. I'm not sure what the job market is in your area but if it's similar to mine, I had to pay for my own DEA number. It did make me more marketable when applying to companies and I found getting interviews a little easier.

lhflanurseNP, APRN · Jan 17, 2017

As per Jules...get it if you can. It is not cheap, but if you can swing the $731.00, it is nice to have. You just have to update your work area as necessary.

flipper628 · Jan 17, 2017

I have been applying everywhere and working with a couple recruiters. I also reached out to some preceptor and professors. I actually have a phone interview tomorrow, so fingers crossed!

There are lots of positions posted for my area, just seems impossible to break through the new grad barriers.

I'm still waiting for my state license to be processed. I feel like I'm at a standstill, no interviews lined up, no studying, I'm just waiting for someone, anyone to contact me!

JellyDonut · Jan 17, 2017

I did my DEA before having a job and glad I did because it took forever.....I did not actually get the DEA number until I was in credentialing process for my position

tellabella21 · Jan 18, 2017

I know what you are talking about. As an RN I've always received an offer for every job that I applied for. As an NP I received a fair amount of offers for part-time work, (some where kind of ridiculous... one day a week position) every full-time job I applied and interviewed with as an NP I've never heard back from despite sending thank you for email and doing what the experts recommend etc. Because I was not getting hired for a full time position I when ahead on an excepted a PRN position that provided me with a supervising physician so I could get my DEA. After having my DEA I found that it was easier for me to get job interviews but again no offers. After four months I of looking I am now working one part time position and three other PRN positions which I hope combined will consistently add to full time hours.

Purrsx2 · Jan 18, 2017

When applying for DEA license the form requires to state the address of the practice where you are prescribing. What do you put there if you are not working/prescribing yet?

curly76 · Jan 28, 2018

Hi, looking for my first NP job in Oregon. Did you find out what address to use for DEA application if you don't have a job yet? Thanks.

monarch989 · Mar 20, 2018

So frustrating! Has anyone gotten their DEA recently? Approximately how long did it take?

djmatte, ADN, MSN, RN, NP · Mar 20, 2018

Mine surprisingly took about 2 weeks from the day I started. Signed up somewhere around March 1st and had my number by the 14th or 15th. Getting it before applying can be beneficial for getting hired. But if you wait until, they may be more willing to pay for it.