Ok need advice

[NuNurse<3]

Hi everyone,

I'm an RN of 4.5yrs and live in MI. I've always worked for the same facility which is a 300 bed hospital. I've done medsurg/tele and L&D both of which I don't particularly want to go back. I'm in outpatient surgery now. Anyway, I'm considering moving to Tennessee. I'm married and have 3 children so it's a big decision. My husbands pay is a bit higher there or possibly the same, but more jobs, mine I've heard would be a bit lower. Cost of living seems close from what I can see. No propert taxes though. Anyway, I know I'd have to get my license there, Id be going from a non-contract state to a contract state so I'm not positive how that works. But I'd like to get that part started ahead of time but I don't want it to inactivate my license here in MI in case we changed our minds and decide not to move or something. Also I have heard recently from a friend that's a travel nurse that I should work with an agency and they'd help with my relocation or id make more money? I honestly don't know anything about agency nursing. I work in outpatient surgery right now part time by choice and I absolutely love it. Not sure I am willing to give up my position either. I don't want to go back to floor nursing. I have a day shift now, no call. I completely love it. But I hate MI weather and the economy is awful here and we kinda just want a fresh start and experience what else is out there. Any advice on the best way to make a relocation happen regarding just applying to a hospital there or using an agency. Any advice from nurses that love in TN, how is the nursing world there? Ratios? Opportunity? They seem to have a ton of hospitals from what I've found online. Would you risk giving up a position you loved?

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Your MI license would not be 'inactivated' by obtaining a TN license. Rather, you utilize your MI license to obtain a TN license via endorsement. Visit the TN Board of Nursing website to read up on the steps to obtain a TN license by endorsement. You can hold both licenses at the same time or allow one to lapse if you choose.

The only way your MI license would become 'inactivated' is if you request an inactive license and/or fail to pay the renewal fees, thereby letting it lapse.