How far in advance to apply for jobs?

Nurses Job Hunt

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Specializes in ICU.

I'm currently an ICU RN with a little over 2 years of experience as a nurse and in my specialty in Texas. I'm really looking to move out of state, and am going to try applying to CVICU jobs in multiple places. My question is how long before I'd be ready to move and start a job should I be applying? My lease isn't up until Jan, so I'd like to try and wait until December or January before leaving. Is now way too soon to start applying?

Also for states like California that my Texas license wouldn't work for is the expectation that I have a license in that state before I even apply, or just that I have one before the start date? I know Cali can take months so it would seem applying a couple months earlier than when I can start would be a good thing.

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in my experience, California employers want a license before they'll bother with you. The state is known to be tough and take a long time. If someone has a job to fill, they don't want to wait three months for a "maybe". Someone with highly specialized skills might be an exception.

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Specializes in ICU.

I do devices ( CVVHD, IABP, VADs) and I should start doing ECMO soon. I'm hoping that and getting my CCRN in the next few months will make me an appealing candidate

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

It's not too soon to start. Talent acquisition staff are accustomed to working with clients just like yourself over a few months.

With 2 years ICU experience, you are very marketable. Be sure and ask for relocation assistance :)

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Specializes in Peds, Neuro, Orthopedics.

I just got an interview for a position I applied for in January. So, apparently, 7 months isn't too far in advance!

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