Job Advice for new grad!

[seattleguy]

Hello, I recently graduated and just obtained a license for the state of Idaho. I am however interested in working in Washington. When a job says a Washington license is required, but right now only have Idaho license, should I apply for Washington license before applying or is it ok to apply for the license later? Any help would be grreat!

thanks

[Annaiya, NP]

It's fine to apply for the license after they make you a job offer. All postings say they require a license but you don't have to have it before you apply. Good luck with the job search!

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

You must be licensed in the state of Washington before you can start working as an RN at any of these jobs which is why it's listed as a requirement. Explain in your cover letter that you currently hold an active Idaho license and are in the process of applying for a Washington license. I'm wondering why you didn't just get the Washington license when you took NCLEX though if you have no interest of working in Idaho?

[rumwynnieRN]

You must be licensed in the state of Washington before you can start working as an RN at any of these jobs which is why it's listed as a requirement. Explain in your cover letter that you currently hold an active Idaho license and are in the process of applying for a Washington license. I'm wondering why you didn't just get the Washington license when you took NCLEX though if you have no interest of working in Idaho?

OP could've made decisions at the last minute when everything was said and done. I decided, after some personal issues, to move to another state, but when I made that decision, I had already paid for everything in my home state.

That's one possibility.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

It's appropriate to say you are in the process of obtaining a WA license by reciprocity.

Start now, as these things sometimes take a lot longer than you think. Eight weeks is not uncommon; the fastest one I ever got was 10 days (yay, Nebraska!) but California took months. Different states have different requirements for this, too-- you may need to have (and pay for yourself) a CORI check, fingerprints, specific CE in one subject or another (NY requires an online course on abuse), etc. Everyone wants a certified copy of your school transcript (fee). Some want Nursys verification of your current licensure (another fee). Good luck!