Nursing Student looking for out of state jobs

Aymese · Apr 25, 2011

I guess choosing which state to sit for boards would depend on how long you think your job search may take and how long you plan to study prior to taking NCLEX. I am not sure if the CA will allow you to start working pending boards. Some states no longer allow new grads to do this.

If you think it will be say, 4-6 months, before you move, I would plan to take the NCLEX in FL. You will get the results in 2-3 days. At that point, if I remember correctly, then you can choose which state to apply for a license. If you end up getting a FL license, to transfer it to CA probably just requires documentation and paperwork (you won't have to sit for the NCLEX again).

Some states take a while to issue your license. When I transferred my license from IL to GA, it took 8 weeks!! So make sure that you find out your potential employer's requirements for you to start work as a new grad.

Congrats on finishing up with your program! Good luck!

Newrnca · Apr 26, 2011

Hi Everyone!
My name is Jackie and I am finishing up my last two semesters in nursing school in South Florida. Knowing how fast the program has gone so far, I wanted to start researching graduate schools, but mostly hospitals in the San Francisco, CA area. I was just wondering how the process is to be a new grad and a new resident in another state regarding getting a first time RN job. Is is much harder since I would be coming from a different state? And also, do I need to take the NCLEX in Florida and then in California again if I move?
Thank you for your help!
-Jackie

I do not recommend coming to San Francisco as a new grad unless you have excellent connections and have a lot of other in hospital experience in any other capacity. I am a new grad in this area with a bachelor's in another field and the job market is brutal. There are hundreds to thousands of people applying for a few positions and right now the people getting jobs either already work in the hospital they get the new grad job in, they did their capstone in that hospital, or they have friends in high places. There are a few instances here and there of pure luck but that is far and few between. Once you get your license in florida (I would recommend that unless you are planning on staying in california forever), you can fill out some paperwork to get your license endorsed in california through the board of registered nursing. The only time you would have to retake NCLEX is if your license expires in all the states you hold a license in.

PACNWNURSING · Apr 26, 2011

Stay in Florida and get a job first and gain experience then apply in other in other states. The competition is fierce every where.