Licensure by endorsement, when should I apply?

Published

I feel like, I got my license...now what? I got my hard card and certificate so essentially I'm ready to go, only I'm not just yet. It's not that I'm trying to hold onto where I am, but kind of I am I'm ready to go but I want to stick around through the holidays. My goal is to be in Modesto after the first of the year depending on if I get relocation assistance, if not it will be later in the year.

My questions are:

How long after you applied did you get your job and when you did get it was your employer rushing you to get out there?

If my goal is to get a job in January, when should I apply? I have 5 years acute hospital experience. I was thinking I should start looking in November.

If you are a domestically educated nurse, did the hospital you work for offer you relocation assistance?

I am an ADN, I keep saying I'm going back to get my BSN and really need to get on that but am wondering if not having it will keep from getting a job. Here in KS it seems like certain hospitals such as Via Christi will only hire BSNs, wondering if there are hospitals in CA like that as well.

Side question for anyone reading this, what is it like working at Kaiser? I was a patient there for 20 years and as far as I remember it was a good place, matter of fact I hope to at least get insurance through them again. Is it a good place to work?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

anyone have thoughts on any of my questions?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

In my part of the woods (coastal CA), most hospitals will not hire you if you don't have a BSN. In fact, I recently learned that my own organization now hires ADNs and diplomas only if they are internal applicants. Otherwise, BSN is the minimum requirement.

You may have luck in smaller hospitals or hospitals inland or along the Mexican border (not counting San Diego).

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you :) So far the hospitals I've looked at say that minimum requirement is an ADN but that BSN is preferred so hopefully they actually will take me. Another good thing :):) I spoke with my cousin who lives in Sacramento and she knows of some hospitals that take ADNs so that gives me hope.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, RNC.

May I ask why you are wanting to move to Modesto? It is an extremely high crime city, super hot in the summer and cold in the winter, with some of the most polluted air in the country. Literally, non smokers end up with COPD due to the poor air quality. A huge percentage of children are on daily nebulizer treatments. Because of this, I have no doubt that you will be able to find employment, as it is not a desirable area to live and work. However, if you have a family, I would not recommend relocating there.

As far as when to obtain your endorsement, I would suggest sooner rather than later as it can take 3-4 months for it to be processed.

Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you, my best friend lives in Merced and after being away from CA for 11 years I'm ready to be close to her again. I have my endorsement, more just wondering how soon I should apply to hospitals. I think I'm going to start soon with the holidays coming up. I'm sure at some point I'll make my way back to San Jose, but this is my starting point back into the state. My daughter is 19 so at least she's not in her formative years in terms of development.

Thanks again, I really do appreciate your insight.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, RNC.

I'm in the central valley and they are very flexible with start dates. Most hospitals are desperate for RNs and experienced RNs are a rare find as they normally don't move to the area! So, if you apply now and they hire you, you can tell them that you don't want to start until Jan or Feb or whenever, and they will most likely be fine with that. I'm a new grad (or will be in 2 weeks), so it's a bit of a different situation, but my start date isn't until March 2017. I know others that are starting in mid-January.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you and lol I know it's not the greatest place to live but it's a good place to start and maybe since they are hurting for nurses I'll get what I'm looking for. Good luck with graduation and boards!! I swear I replied to this already but disappeared :facepalm:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment