New grad looking for a job in a new state--HELP!

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Hello All!

I am a senior nursing student in IL. In May, I will be graduating from a four-year BSN program. I have lived in IL my entire life, and after graduation, I would really like to set out and explore a new city, but I would also like to immediately begin my search for a job. My current interest is in the Milwaukee, WI area. However, I am confused (and frustrated!) about the RN licensing and what I need to do. I am a resident of IL, so upon graduation I will likely have to take the IL RN boards (and thus receive an IL license). Is this correct? If so, can I also apply for a WI license, and have an RN license in two states? Wisconsin is an NLC state, but IL is not, so if I get an IL license I would not qualify for a NLC multi-state license. If I have an IL license and begin my search for jobs in WI, will WI employers even take the time to consider my application without a WI license (if I tell them that I applying for a WI license?)? Are they going to take the time to consider a new grad (without experience) AND without an WI license? This whole process is confusing and frustrating, and I feel like I haven't been able to find any concrete answers in my research. If anyone has any insight or advice, I would GREATLY appreciate it. Thank you!

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Specializes in Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergy.

Your best bet is probably to apply for a WI license, and make a day trip (or however long you can manage) up to WI. Drive around the area you'd most like to live and work and deliver your resume in person. Showing up in person shows you're committed to the area and you're serious about moving. If you try to apply long distance they may not consider you because they don't know if you're actually going to move there and stick around.

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Thanks Jeanette73! Do you know if its possible to apply for a WI license even if your a resident of another state?

Also, I noticed that your speciatly is in pediatrics. I am in the middle of my pediatric rotation now and I lOVE it. But I am already set to have my final "role transition" (extended one-on-one preceptorship) in the adult medical ICU--it will be a GREAT learning experience, but I would love to work in peds after graduation. What's my luck breaking into the peds field without any extended experience in peds?

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Specializes in Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergy.

Hi, I'm a new grad myself. My experience in peds is limited to doing volunteer pediatric homecare and pediatric long term care. Unfortunately at this point it has not helped me get a paying job in pediatrics. Sorry if that's misleading -- but I do function as a nurse even though it's volunteer.

i suggest that you google Wisconsin board of nursing, as every state has its own rules for applying for licensure.

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There is a website www.nurseresidencyprograms.com that lists new graduate programs by states. When I graduated I checked out these programs and then contacted the nurse recruiter for the hospital. It seemed to work best for me.

Good luck.

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Specializes in cardiac.

i'm in the same boat. illinois license applying for out of state.

you will want to sit for il boards since you have gone to school in illinois; other states may have different qualifications/classes that need to be met to make you elidgable for boards. once you have taken the nclex and pass, you will not need to take it again in any other states.

since illinois is not a compact state you will need to apply for a wi license after you have a il license. illinois seems to take forever getting your verication sent to other states so give yourself a month plus before expecting to hear back from wi saying they recieved all your application information.

i agree that the best thing to do is check out the area and pass out resumes in person. it shows you are serious, but also fill out applications online. i have heard of some companies paying to fly applicants out for interviews, but do not count on that being the normal. if you are applying for new grad positions you may be able to do that without a license and they might hire you license pending... again this is only a might.

good luck!

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