Expanding job hunt to other States

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Specializes in Med Surg, PCU, Travel.

I am still avidly looking for a job in my current State which is a non-compact state. I'd like to know for those who have expanded their job search to other states, or who landed a job in another state did you apply for endorsement with those states first then start your search in the new states. I was considering joining one of the compact states which would really expand my job hunt. Or should I just keep trying my own state because there are still other hospitals I am yet to apply to even though they are 3-5 hours away.

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Specializes in NICU.

I think that you should keep applying to hospitals within your state, especially if you haven't applied to them all. I have applied to just about every hospital in my area, and I have an idea of those who require BSNs and which just prefer. I have started to apply to other state hospitals as I was looking to relocate any way for my Master's. I figured it doesn't hurt to see what are my chances. I have my license in a compact state though.

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I can speak positively for receiving a job in another state than I was originally licensed (Alabama). I applied for nearly 80 jobs or more in my original state and then recently begin expanding my search to two other states. I expanded my search to Georgia and Florida and received more phone calls and interviews in these two states than Alabama. I have relocated to Georgia and will be starting a new job in two weeks at a hospital. I did apply to 200+ positions easily in the three states combined therefore if you are willing to be flexible...I think some hospitals will take a chance on you...especially if show a willingness to relocate.

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Specializes in NICU.

Nice!!! Congrats, BabyNurse14. Did they provide any relocation assistance or did you have to pay for that all on your own?

I can speak positively for receiving a job in another state than I was originally licensed (Alabama). I applied for nearly 80 jobs or more in my original state and then recently begin expanding my search to two other states. I expanded my search to Georgia and Florida and received more phone calls and interviews in these two states than Alabama. I have relocated to Georgia and will be starting a new job in two weeks at a hospital. I did apply to 200+ positions easily in the three states combined therefore if you are willing to be flexible...I think some hospitals will take a chance on you...especially if show a willingness to relocate.
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Nice!!! Congrats, BabyNurse14. Did they provide any relocation assistance or did you have to pay for that all on your own?

Unfortunately, I will be paying for relocation costs out of my own pocket. New nurses come a dime a dozen and employers know this. A motivator for me to move was money (I didn't get into nursing for money), but my base pay is two to five dollars higher than most of the nurses that I graduated with and the night/weekend differentials will eventually help me level out some of the expenses I have incurred.

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Specializes in NICU.

Got it!! I understand..I was just wondering as the process of moving can be expensive..which is one of the reasons I'm reluctant to move..but i guess I need to start saving up now :)

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Got it!! I understand..I was just wondering as the process of moving can be expensive..which is one of the reasons I'm reluctant to move..but i guess I need to start saving up now :)

Yes, moving can be expensive, I also chose to move because I didn't want to lumped with new nurses graduating in December. Some of my classmates who got hired later (in late September or October) had nurse managers asking them what have they been doing since they graduated? Their response was uhm...waiting for you to call me for this interview?...not really, but you don't want too much time to lapse without putting yourself out there as much as possible. Good luck!

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Specializes in Med Surg, PCU, Travel.

babynurse14 generally how long does endorsement license take to get in Georgia?

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Two weeks. Make sure you read the directions and include all the necessary paperwork. The longest part was the fingerprinting because that's done with an outside company.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

I know it's not a primary concern for those of you who are in the midst of a job search, but all those expenses are probably deductible on your Federal taxes, particularly if you have to relocate for a job. Talk to your tax preparer or just do a quick Google. It may lessen the pain a bit.

Best of luck to all of you!

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I know it's not a primary concern for those of you who are in the midst of a job search, but all those expenses are probably deductible on your Federal taxes, particularly if you have to relocate for a job. Talk to your tax preparer or just do a quick Google. It may lessen the pain a bit.

Best of luck to all of you!

Thank you for the tip! I have a family member who is an accountant and hopefully they can guide me when it's time to file.

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Specializes in NICU.

lol..it is definitely concern. However, I really want a job in the hospital setting before I'm no longer considered a new grad nurse so I'm willing to relocate. Thanks for the advice!!

I know it's not a primary concern for those of you who are in the midst of a job search, but all those expenses are probably deductible on your Federal taxes, particularly if you have to relocate for a job. Talk to your tax preparer or just do a quick Google. It may lessen the pain a bit.

Best of luck to all of you!

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