Graduate RN relocating

[nerdynurse7, ASN, CNA, LPN, RN]

I am finishing up my LPN-RN program this spring and am looking to relocate to Florida. I am hoping for a Nurse Residency program and Florida seems to have a lot to offer. I have been wanting to move out of New England and into a warmer state for a while. I am single with a dog so I don't have a problem with picking up and moving. I will be applying to the nurse residency programs within the next couple of weeks and was not sure if they will consider me until I have a Florida RN License. Should I wait until I have my license in Florida? I also will not be getting an apartment until I know which hospital I agree to work for. Any tips on relocating? Nurse residency programs? Florida? Licensing? I would appreciate feedback. Thank you.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

I'd get started on that Florida license as soon as possible. Any chance you could take the NCLEX there? You're wise not to look for housing until you know where you'll be working. Florida is a big state, though, so are you looking at northern Florida? Southern Florida? Southern Florida is too hot for me, so I like northern Florida -- Jacksonville. But your mileage may vary.