How does one handle the licensure issue when applying to multiple states?

[biogeek73, BSN]

New grad here! I'm a career changer, former biology teacher with a BA in Biology, now have my BSN, and passed NCLEX in Nov.2013....Applying, applying and more...and NADA!

I've my PA license and have been looking near Philly area, I know silly, NO LUCK.

From the many posts on here re: GN job outlook is that relocation is a big probable...? But when applying to multiple states, do you need to apply for the license prior to applying? Seems a bit costly and wasteful w/ $$$...and I'm broke :) It seems many apps want that license # on app or want proof that you are indeed applying for said state's license.

Thanks for your advice!

[LucyWill]

Hi, hope your job search starts picking up. I applied to jobs all over the country after graduating in May and I have a compact license. The only places that offered me interviews were compact states. The non-compact states I applied to sent rejections pretty quickly. That could be coincidence or it could be a license issue, I don't know. Is it possible for you to get a license in a compact state and maintain your PA license? That would at least open up a wider geographical area for you to apply.

[biogeek73, BSN]

Thanks Lucy for the info! I didn't know of such a thing! I checked it out....may look into that. Thanks again....and, big fat nope to the job search picking up, unfortunately...but I march on :)

[elkpark]

Employers are getting pretty tired of getting lots of applications from people who are just randomly applying all over the country, and have become less welcoming of applicants from other areas. The times that I have job-hunted in another state without having a license (yet), I have explained in my cover letter the reason I was definitely relocating to that city, and I had no difficulty getting interviews and getting a job (of course, that was before the economy tanked).

You can't get a "compact license" (license with compact privileges) unless you permanently reside in a compact state. If someone living in a non-compact state (and PA is not a member of the compact) applies for licensure, you'll get a PA license, but it will only be valid in PA; it won't have compact privileges, and won't be recognized by other states for employment.

OP, best wishes!

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

The job market stinks in most places....elkpark is right without living in a compact state you have to apply to the licensing board like everyone else.