New Grad RN looking for a job out of state

[futurernmoe]

Okay guys, I need some advice or guidance:

I am graduating from a BSN program in May of 2020. I am currently engaged, and my fiance is in the Coast Guard. We are getting married in August of 2020, and he just received new orders for Virginia Beach, which he will be moving there in June of 2020. I will be moving from NC to VA in early September once married, and my goal would be to have a job waiting for me when I get there. Here are my concerns/questions:

1) I have noticed that alot of larger hospitals now require new grads to go through a residency program. Does residency programs have several start dates that I could join? because the ones in my area only have a spring and winter residency start time. And if residency programs will not be an option for me, would I be wasting my time applying for regular positions?

2) When should I start applying for these jobs? I am really worried that I am going to have a hard time getting a job because I am coming from a different state.

3) Will a job hold a position for me, since I pretty much cannot be in VA until the beginning of September?

I am just very concerned with getting a job in a different state, as I have never had to do this before. And I am afraid that with my situation, it will hinder me from getting a job.

If anybody has been through this, or can give me some advice that might calm my nerves about the whole moving and finding a job situation, that would be amazing!

You guys are awesome! Xoxo

[Cindyel, ASN, RN]

I just went through this. Make sure you have your licensing in order. If both states are part of the Compact then you are lucky. I had to get 2 separate licenses because my originating state is not part of the compact.

Most hospitals have many start dates for their nurse residency programs so that should not be an issue. I would keep an eye on the various hospitals websites and start applying as soon as the positions are posted. The early bird gets the worm!

I wound up getting an ED position and I am very excited!

Good Luck!

[luna9909]

1. Honestly all hospitals are different. Some have residencies and some don't. Start times are also all over the place. I would say apply to regular positions and residency positions. Many hospitals sometimes hire directly to a unit, even when they have a residency program. The worst thing that could happen is that they say no. Worth a shot!

2. I would apply early spring? Some hospitals have a very slow hiring process. If there is a residency program, try to contact the director and ask for their opinion. Just be sure to put on your resume when you expect your degree. Also put somewhere on your application that you are already planning on moving to VA and it shouldn't be a problem at all.

3. Virginia and North Carolina are both compact states. When you sit for the nclex, it will be easy to transfer your license to VA.

It will work out! I know many people that got jobs out of state after nursing school. If both states are compact states it is pretty simple. And when applying always err on the side of too early rather than too late. Good luck!

[Epidural, BSN, RN]

FYI: the main hospital systems in this area are Sentara and Bon Secours. Virginia Beach is not known for having good salaries for nurses.