Nurse jobs: How does it all work?

Nurses Job Hunt

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I am a nursing student. I am wondering how do nursing students search for jobs after taking the NCLEX? For instance, let's say I am registered as a nurse in State A. But I've decided to apply for hospital positions in State A, State B, and State C. If I am guaranteed for a position in State B and have completed the interview process, do I switch my State A license to State B? Do I need to repeat the NCLEX exam if I am working in a different state?

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You do not need to retake the NCLEX, but you will need to submit paperwork for licensure in the state you want to work in. Requirements vary, as does how long the process will take. If possible, I recommend taking the NCLEX in the state you're most likely to work in.

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You do not need to retake the NCLEX, but you will need to submit paperwork for licensure in the state you want to work in. Requirements vary, as does how long the process will take. If possible, I recommend taking the NCLEX in the state you're most likely to work in.

Yes. But I am planning to apply to different states to increase my chances of getting hired. Do you suggest this plan or I should be applying in only one state?

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Yes. But I am planning to apply to different states to increase my chances of getting hired. Do you suggest this plan or I should be applying in only one state?

You can only apply to a single state for initial licensing by examination. Then you endorse to other states. As far as jobs you can apply any state you wish to relocate to but may be delayed until you have a valid nursing license

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You can only apply to a single state for initial licensing by examination. Then you endorse to other states. As far as jobs you can apply any state you wish to relocate to but may be delayed until you have a valid nursing license

If there's going to be a delay, do you suggest that nursing students apply/search for jobs before taking the NCLEX?

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
If there's going to be a delay, do you suggest that nursing students apply/search for jobs before taking the NCLEX?

Depends on the area. Northeast metropolitan areas (Boston, NY, Philadelphia , NJ) unless a new grad program applications submitted without a license won't be considered. New grad programs start applications before graduation (and before NCLEX eligibility therefore) and would look at a student's record and recommendations. The offer would be conditioned on passing NCLEX & getting licensed.

Some areas of the country facilities recruit during a student's last semester so obviously this would be pre-NCLEX & pre-graduation.

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Specializes in Registered Nurse.

If you live in a compact state, your license may be used in a state that also has compact license. i.e., original license in AZ and you can also go into New Mexico and get a job. It's easily to look up which state licenses are compact licenses online.

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I agree with PP, the answer varies significantly by region. Some cities/states tend to recruit very early and other start late. For instance, I graduated from a school in NC in May, and most of my applications were due by January or February; the earliest I heard back was in March. In contrast, a few of my peers applied exclusively in other states (CO and CA), and the process didn't begin until late spring or even the summer.

In addition, the licensure process will probably vary by state. I'd say, first check to see if your state is a compact state; if so, you might only want to apply in other compact states. If your state is not a compact states or you want to apply in other non-compact states, you need to do some research on licensure policies through the Boards of Nursing the specific states that you're interested in.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

OP is getting great information & advice from AN'ers.

But - I am wondering why schools are not providing adequate information to their students. It would seem that they could do a much better job of preparing their graduates for the processes involved with obtaining initial licensure and dealing with out of state relocation.

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I agree with PP, the answer varies significantly by region. Some cities/states tend to recruit very early and other start late. For instance, I graduated from a school in NC in May, and most of my applications were due by January or February; the earliest I heard back was in March. In contrast, a few of my peers applied exclusively in other states (CO and CA), and the process didn't begin until late spring or even the summer.

In addition, the licensure process will probably vary by state. I'd say, first check to see if your state is a compact state; if so, you might only want to apply in other compact states. If your state is not a compact states or you want to apply in other non-compact states, you need to do some research on licensure policies through the Boards of Nursing the specific states that you're interested in.

The current state I am residing is non-compact state but the states I am planning to apply are in "pending" compact licensure. Would these states be considered non-compact?

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