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Discussion

Nurses who have relocated from one state to another

  • Experts

i am interested in hearing from rn's who have actually moved states to work, i would like to know if their experiences have been successful or not?

i moved states in september and it has been very unsuccessful and traumatic but i am hoping that this is not the norm especially as new grad rn's are considering it as a way of gaining employment.

i was recruited for my experience and my travel expenses were paid for.

when i arrived in ohio i found that i didnt actually have the job and had to undertake a screening tests and wait for another offer of employment. they ommited to say that i had to do an 8 week training course in cleveland which was 58 miles away from my new home. they ommited to say that said training was 5 days a week, which added to the travel which took me up to 2 hours a day each way. when i reached my home unit i found they lied in interview and said i was working 3 12 hour shifts instead i work 4 10 hour shifts. i could go on and on because believe me you would be shocked at what happened to me.

i would like this thread to be a learning experience to help other rn's know what to look for and how to prevent these things from happening to you i know we all learn by our own mistakes but we can benefit from other peoples experiences.

my advice

1) the jobs which pay for relocation tend to be jobs which nobody else wants to do. by this i mean they cannot find somebody who lives in the state to do the job.

2) make sure you have the licence of the state you are going to before you move, it can take months to recieve the licence even the temp ones.

3) make sure you get in writing everything that is important to you about the job for example

how many shifts per week

which shift will you be working ie day or night

benefits

4) find out where exatly you will be working and find out where you should live

5) find out about the area!

6) if possible fly in and look around before you commit

7) if your expenses are being funded-make sure you dont sell yourself short. if you are recruited by an agency you may be able to push for more money!

8) do not believe everything an agency will tell you-they will say anything to recruit you to a company or a hospital and there is no comeback.

9) if it is not in writing there is nothing you can do about it!!!!!!!

10) if in doubt pm me i have lots of knowledge and experience.

finally i relocated from england years ago it was easier than relocating accross america

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    • Featured Replies

    OMG, just OMG. I have always wondered how as you were mentioning, new grads can just up and relocate for their first job in nursing. Just the whole license thing, unless it's one of your compact states and your lucky. And the whole orientation thing for new grads.. just because you get hired it doesn't mean you get to keep the job... it's really only a trial during that time. What if you don't make it? You've got a new lease/home, etc. You are totally screwed!! It would seem that you'd almost have to go and live in a short term stay hotel situation, as they do in corporate america. You'd have to have a lot of cash, because you'd essentially be in such a precarious situation for a while, put your stuff in storage until you know you are stable. Nursing doesn't yield enough money for that kind of deal.

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    • Experts

    I've moved twice (to other states, and then moved back to my home state later in both cases). In both cases, I didn't move for a job, I was going there anyway for other reasons (in one case, for me to attend grad school, and, in the second case, for my SO to attend grad school). In both cases, I had no problems or hassle in relocating, getting licensed (although, as you note, it did take some time -- longer than you'd expect), or finding a suitable job. Sounds like you had a really bad experience with that particular employer -- my experiences were nothing like that.

    Both times, I (we) visited the new area in advance for a week or so, to check out the area, look for rental housing, etc. I also traveled for job interviews before making the final, "official" move.

    I just didn't have any bad experiences -- I think your experience was not typical.

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    like everything else - Buyer beware. Sorry it happened. Wonder what their turn over is like?

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    I have moved to different states three times in my more than 18 years of nursing-currently in my 4th and hopefully final state of practice.

    The move was always due to my hubbies job change so I had some time and normally he was in the other state first with a new address for me to establish for obtaining a license. I didn't leave my previous state until I had a license and a firm job offer.

    otessa

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    I moved as a traveler. Had every thing set up before I left and only a 13 week commitment if i didn't like it. Sorry you had such a hard time.

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    I'm not an RN I'm an LPN and over the course of almost 20 years I traipsed across the country - Oregon, Colorado, Ohio and Georgia and I hope to one day return to the NW when the economy picks up.

    I was a bit of a gypsy:D...Packed up my stuff in a truck and took off - I was travelin' light back then;). I found it an adventure and loved seeing the country at the same time. Of course there was no background checks and finger printing, you filled out an app, gave them a copy of your current license and bah boom...in a couple of week you were up and runnin'.

    If you stay in a compact state you are more than good to go and for those who have the itch to move around and explore I'd look into that.

    I loved being so mobile and right now I'm going through all my stuff that I've accumulated and selling or pitching the goal being...truck and utility trailer back to the NW.

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    When ever I have been offered a position, I ask for them to put their offer in letter. You have great points, an agency will be your best friend since they make a commission on your placement. You have to look out for your self, if a position seems too good to be true it probably isn't that great.

    Thanks for your insight.

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