HELP PLEASE! Received a job offer in NJ but I only have a NY license. What do I do now?

[xxMichelleJxx]

Hi everyone! Help please!! I'm a new grad RN. I was at work today (LPN). My workplace has a strict policy where they don't want anyone with their phones on them. They need to be in the locker.

Anyways, I just got outta work at 11PM. My phone died while in my bag (had a lot of apps open). So I just got home about a half hour ago. Charge it.. and saw I had a voicemail!!

I listened to it and its from a hospital in NJ with a job offer - the lady informed me they currently have opportunities for new grads. She asked me to call her back so we can further discuss it. Of course its too late for me to call her back at this time. I will call her back tomorrow morning.

So my question is, how do you think this recruiter will take this? On my applications and resume i clearly stated NYS RN. I hope she saw it. I really want a hospital position. I'm a RN with my ASN so getting a job offer in a hospital is like stricking gold to me! Honestly! I would love to work at this hospital.

What should I say to her when I return her phone call tomorrow morning? I googled how long it usually takes for a NJ license endorsement .. it said around a month. Will they be willing to wait this long? What can I say in my defense? I don't want her to get mad/take away the offer.

The only reason I didn't apply for endorsement right away is because 1) I just received my license on July 17th, and 2) Its $300. Thats a lot for a broke college student (with loans) So I didn't think it was smart for me to waste $300 on a license and not even have a job.

I don't know what to do now. I don't know what to say to her tomorrow when I call? What can I say so that she doesn't retract the offer?

HELP PLEASE!!

[xxMichelleJxx]

Sounds like an awful employer who knows they are taking advantage of their staff. Keep applying. If you are going to apply out of state I would start the process of getting a license there. I know it is expensive, but it doesn't make sense to apply to jobs you cannot have.

It really is. I really want to quit. That will be the happiest day of my life. I am going to try to get all my paperwork gathered by this week and submit my application for a NJ license by Friday. It is expensive, but you're right.. Theres no point applying to NJ without a license.

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

At least I can wish you a Happy Birthday anyway

Yeah, the Nurse Practice Act holds you accountable for the full extent of your scope of practice, education level. You can work in a "lighter" capacity (such as the duties of an LPN), but you are just as responsible if something hits the fan for one of your patients as if you were being paid for that function. You are required, by holding that license, to act on the level of expectation one would have for any Registered Nurse. Ah, the joys of higher licensure

[xxMichelleJxx]

At least I can wish you a Happy Birthday anyway

Yeah, the Nurse Practice Act holds you accountable for the full extent of your scope of practice, education level. You can work in a "lighter" capacity (such as the duties of an LPN), but you are just as responsible if something hits the fan for one of your patients as if you were being paid for that function. You are required, by holding that license, to act on the level of expectation one would have for any Registered Nurse. Ah, the joys of higher licensure

Thank you

[BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN]

Dumb question? Why are you applying for positions that you're not "qualified" for, by way of a license?

[xxMichelleJxx]

Dumb question? Why are you applying for positions that you're not "qualified" for, by way of a license?

Because I applied everywhere in New York and I'm not getting any luck. Everyone I know said that NJ is a bit more lenient with the whole ASN vs BSN thing. So I applied. I am in the process of obtaining my license. I had hopes that if I did have a call back for a job, I could have my licensure completed before orientation starts. Also like I mentioned in a previous comment.. I'm a college student with loans. $300 is a lot for me to waste for a license especially if I don't even have a job. So in my opinion its not worth it.

I'm going to wait about a month until September. If I still don't hear back from anyone in NY, then I will apply for a NJ license.