New grad and moving, looking for advice!

[SNJessica]

Hi everyone! This is my first post so I hope I'm doing it right!

Here is my situation, I am in my second to last quarter for an associate RN degree. I currently live and attend school in Cincinnati, OH. 4 months ago my husband was offered and accepted a new job in San Diego. He has already moved out there while I stay here to finish school. My graduation date is January 21st and I really wanted to start looking for a job now. My long term goal is obtain at least my BSN and my career goal/dream is to work in pediatric critical care. If I could somehow start in pediatrics I would be ecstatic but I realize that chances are slim (The Childrens in SD has a very high demand new grad internship program). So I guess what I am really trying to ask is:

• Does anyone know if I will need to sit for my boards in the state that I graduate (OH) or the state that I plan on working in (CA)? I am pretty sure CA is more particular about there licensing so I think I'll need to sit there.
  
• Any recommendations for steps to take on looking for/getting a job. I'm really worried that as a new grad AND an out of state grad that I am at a major disadvantage.
  
• Any and all advice is welcome and appreciated!
  

Thanks!

Jessica

[Blossom Girl]

I was actually in a similar situation. My husband is in the military and was stationed in Florida while I stayed in Maine to finish my degree. I took the NCLEX in Maine, but applied for a Florida license. (From what I understand), because it's a national exam, you can sit for the boards anywhere, even if it's not in the state which you are applying for a license. Each state has different standards for licensing, though. For Florida I had to take a Medications Error course before applying that I wouldn't have had to take in Maine. Luckily it was on-line :). I would suggest going to the web-site for the state board of nursing where you want to work and checking to see if that state has additional requirements. (you might be able to find this information under the region section, in the stickies, on this site, too, but I don't know how often that is up-dated).

As far as being an out-of-state grad, I don't think that will matter. The new grad thing puts you at a disadvantage because everyone is looking for experience. This is the problem I am having right now finding a job But it also varies a bit from area to area, so don't let that discourage you! You will find a job, it may just take a little longer than you want. You can start looking for new grad programs or internships in the area you want to work and start applying to them now, I would definitely suggest that!! Also, start working on your resume and cover letters and have your professors or even nurse recruiters in your area now look them over and give you feed-back. Anything you can do now to prepare can only help you out.

Hope that helps you a little bit!!