Do I apply now or wait for new state license first?

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Specializes in ICU.

My husband accepted a DOD contractor position in SoCal. He has already moved out there to start his new job. I have sent off my paperwork this week to obtain a CA license (currently hold a FL license). I am wondering if I should go ahead and start applying for open positions or do I need to wait until the state of CA processes my license? Anyone work in HR or have any experience with this. The recording when you call their BON says to expect a 10-12 week turn around. This is part of the reason I didn't immediately go with my husband. I don't think I could afford to be out of work quite that long on top of moving costs all the way across the country.

Thanks!!

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Specializes in Care Coordination, MDS, med-surg, Peds.

I started with applications the second Iknew I was moving to a new state. I had a job before I had the new states license. Of course, they were contract states, so that made it easier to work there on previous states complact lic. Best wishes... I do hear the California may be hard to find work in, as they have a TON of nurses there already, many many many looking for positions. I would suggest being pretty flexible with diffrent places to apply to.

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I, too, have applied a few different times in my career for jobs in a new state (non-compact) before I had the new license in hand. I was sure to let potential employers know that I had already applied for licensure and it would just be a matter of time before I had it. Not being licensed (yet) didn't seem to affect my employability; people were eager to talk to me. Best wishes!

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Just say, "CA license pending" and they'll be fine with it. Every employer has seen this situation.

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