moving across state after graduation?

[Portlandsun]

Hello!

I moved to a rural part of Kentucky from Portland, Or for school and needless to say it was a complete culture shock. I just don't like Kentucky. The state policies, beaurracucy and lack of diversity just doesn't fit with my values. My dad was born and raised in Louisiana so the south isn't the problem just my particular location. Anyways, I have no desire to stay after graduation, not even to gain experience.

I know Kentucky is compact state and Texas is a desired location. Atlanta would actually be a first choice but I'm not sure about moving across state hoping to get an endorsement from Georgia. I would move back west but since I'm not married with no kids I want to experience the states first before settling down but I also heard Washington and Oregon have some of the highest paid nurses.

Has anybody moved across state right after graduation and landed a job? Or did you visit and secure a job before the move? Any advice?

I work as a CNA for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities so although I would prefer hospital setting, I wouldn't mind doing long term work.

im currently in a BSN program

[tsm007]

You don't have to get licensed in the state you live in. If you know where you want to move you could just apply for licensure in that state in the first place. You can test in Kentucky even if you are applying for your license in Georgia or Texas or whichever state you were thinking of moving to. If you're sure you're going to move save the $ for a Kentucky license and apply to the state you want to move to in the first place. Just my thoughts.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

I can certainly understand the importance of 'cultural fit'. It's a very important aspect to consider with any relocation.

Texas continues to grow in population... and it's driving an increase in the number of hospitals in major metro areas. But most of those areas are pretty much "BSN only" for new grads, if that is a consideration for you. ADNs are still welcome in community & suburban facilities, but many of these cannot afford a formal 'new grad' program so they just have an extended orientation instead.

Please make sure you have sufficient cash reserves & support system before relocating. It may take you quite a while to land a job and bank that first check.

Best of luck on starting your new career!

[BeatsPerMinute, BSN, RN]

I had a friend who moved from MN to Del Rio TX right after nursing school and she had a job lined up before taking the NCLEX and relocating. She worked med-surg. Not sure what hospital, but she said her floor was short staffed and the interview for the position was easy (strengths, weaknesses, why do you want to work here, and that was it basically it. and all by phone). Good experience, but stressful (high patient load, 4-6:1 on days). Worked there for about 6 months and then moved back to MN. She applied for a TX license first, which she says was a mistake, because getting your initial license out of state is a pain (took longer to process everything). She said it would have been better if she had gotten her MN license first and then applied for TX by endorsement. Just a tip. Might be different for you b/c of the compact. Good luck!