Information on tackling the job market in Washington D.C.

[Fitnessgal123]

Hello all!

I am currently a senior at a nursing school in South GA completing an accelerated program and will be graduating August 2, 2014. I have a Bachelors of Science in Biology prior to nursing school. I also worked as a CNA for a non-profit home health agency in Atlanta for over a year before starting school. I also volunteer at a clinic here providing non-direct nursing care aka vitals/triaging and have 6 years of volunteering experience at a huge hospital in Atlanta.

Anyways, my husband received orders today that we will be moving to Andrews AFB with a report date by Jan 2015. I have a lot of questions R/T what is the best approach to tackling jobs in this area?Can I have a license in D.C. and MD? What is the best way to go about this? Should I get my D.C or MD license first? I've noticed a lot of the hospitals have nurse residency programs, when is the best time to apply for them? What is the best way to network? How can I help to make myself stand out? If you were in the same boat, what did you do to get a job? I realize I need to start early to try and find a job, any tips or information would be greatly appreciated! Thank you in advanced!

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

You can have licenses in as many states as you want to pay to be licensed in. I would get MD first cause I found DC to be super fast to get endorsed into

[Fitnessgal123]

Thank you so much ChristineN! For DC, did you have to do anything extra to satisfy your endorsement?

[arockingroupie]

I started as a nurse in Maryland which takes a few weeks the MBON is really slow, so much you have to sit in their office and wait and wait because emails and messages wont be answered. DC took me less then 2 weeks to be endorsed.

You get paid more in DC but the hospitals are mixed and rush hour is a pain. I wouldnt recommend Doctors in PG county (sorta near Andrews). I'd say the drive to Baltimore would be worth it.

[Hpy_Vly_RNBSN]

My fiance is stationed on Joint Base Anacostia Bolling. Which is just South of Andrews. I am originally licensed in VA but I am working in DC. Getting a DC license by endorsement can be a process so I suggest you start that as soon as possible. There are lot of hospitals in the area and I would suggest applying to one of the RN residency programs at George Washington University Hospital, Washington Hospital Center or Georgetown. It will be extremely helpful to already have your DC license and it will be to your advantage.

[Fitnessgal123]

These are very helpful!! I definitely plan on applying once I have my license! I've called D.C. BON and they gave me a lot of info. About applying. MBON hasn't responded in anyway, I've heard they're hard to get a hold of and things take awhile there, unfortunately. Thank you all very much!! Everything you are saying is all very informative!!!