Have I overlooked anything?

[finallyRN7, BSN]

I'm going through a separation, eventually divorce and would oh so love to move out/away so the time can start ticking for my divorce to happen. This move can only happen (since leaving my kids aren't an option) once I find a stable job and have a support system that I can lean on for me and my kids.

I currently contemplate returning to school for the BSN. Not sure what good it'll do to help find work, since by the time I finish the BSN, I will have been an un-employed RN for almost 4 years! Yikes!!

So, here's my thing:

1. I can't find work as an RN where I'm located,

2. I'm oh so willing to re-locate to a state to be closer to family so that I'll have a support system, BUT,

3. The particular state in question only allows RN licensure by endorsement if you've worked for compensation for at least 3 months (500 hrs).

Therefore, if I move to this state, my license will be unusable, except for I think government employment. This is such a wild decision I have to make. If I move, I'm going to lose my license eventually right?? I have a friend who is helping me to get a job in this new state, but not one for RN.

Is it time for me to just swallow this difficult pill and move, so I can get on with my life, without practicing as a nurse, for which I busted my, and I mean busted my butt to attain the credentials to do so??? Or have I overlooked ANYTHING????

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

Apply for agency work through employers like Maxim.

I am not a fan but.. it will pay you 20 bucks an hour and give you experience.

Good luck.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

can you apply to be a traveler...and accept an assignment near your family? that should take care of the work/licensing thing, and you can start racking up the hours.

and if not, well, heck, just take the nclex again in your new state. it's only a couple of hours out of your life, and then you're all set. this too shall pass.

[finallyRN7, BSN]

Been there, done that,

The only problem with that is, I will be thrown out to the wolves. Temporary employment agencies are for nurses who ALREADY HAVE EXPERIENCE. An agency expects one to be able to hit the ground running once they give you an assignment. That would be negligent on their part to send me somewhere without proper training, neither would I ever do that to myself. I would NEVER risk my license in that way. I worked too hard to get it.

I truly appreciate the advice though.. Just not good advice for MY particular situation.

[finallyRN7, BSN]

GrnTea,

Thanks for responding. A traveler nurse is out of the question for me as well. To travel and practice nursing requires EXPERIENCE and proper training. No company is going to send me out to a facility to practice without preparation, nor would I EVER do that to myself. I worked too hard to get my license, to risk losing it.

As far as re-taking the NCLEX, wow-I've never heard that it's an option once you've taken it already and passed. Could I really do that??? I'm going to contact the board in that state today and find out. Thanks a bunch.