Lost new graduate moving to another state

[Marynochka]

Hi, everybody! I'm writing here the 1-st time. I REALY need your advise, because I'm completely lost at this point.

I'm new graduate from RN program, AZ. I don't have RN-license yet. But I do have LPN license (in Arizona). I have 8 month experience in long-term care facility. In the current moment I'm separating from my husband and plan to go with my child to Iowa, Des Moines to my relatives.

There are my questions:

1. AZ and IA are compact states. How will I be able to exchange my AZ LPN license to IA? I looked at IA state board web, but found information for NON-compact states. I even don't know where to start.

2. What is LPN salaries range in Iowa, Des Moines?

3. Could you recommend me a place where to work? I had never been in Iowa; and my relatives are in the process of moving to Iowa too. So, I have nobody to ask advise except you, experienced nurses of Allnurses.com.

I'm frastruated and lost right now: marriage problems on the top of problems with moving/finding job/settling down make me realy overwhelmed.

I APPRECIATE ANY ADVICE FOR MY SITUATION! THANK YOU FOR READING MY POST.

[TazziRN, RN]

Regarding the license, call the BON. I think for compact states all you have to do is provide a copy of your license.

[Marynochka]

TazziRN, I appreciate your fast reply. I'll definetelly call Iowa State Board of Nursing. If do not need to deal with paperwork&fees for license exchange, then it's a gread news for me: less stress. Thanks again.

[KR]

Might want to check out the IOWA nursing forum on here and see if they have any ideas on where to work. Best of luck to yoU!

[Marynochka]

KR, thank you!