malenurz

Was the Nurse Externship as a student nurse, or were you actually an RN? If you were still a student nurse, they would not count it as RN experience, though it is a good on the resume - it just won't count as RN experience - unless you were actually an RN. Don't worry about the ASN (ADN?) vs BSN there are nurses here who work with an ADN. The tricky part is getting a job Entry level jobs can be difficult to find but not impossible. The first job is hardest to find. It would help a lot - if you're serious about moving to DC - if you get a DC license first. Most nurse recruiters will not call you back until you have a DC license and experience. Having the license in hand will open some doors - or at least get phone calls returned. MaleNurz

in 2009, I got a job at a DC hospital, and I have a 2-year degree. (Actually got a 2nd offer, too). It can be done, but you have to be patient. It also helps to have a DC license, so apply for that one you're done with your boards. Having the license in-hand will open doors. Be patient.

There is a civilian agency that supplies staff (experienced nurses) at Walter Reed. I don't know the name of the company, but they often advertise on Craigslist. Good luck! Malenurz

Consider coming a few days early to look on CList. CL can be a very difficult way to find housing in DC without being here. Also, beware - there are a lot of scams on this site as well We found several while looking for a place.

This was a similar topic with some ideas that perhaps you have not thought of... https://allnurses.com/washington-dc-nurses/any-hospitals-hiring-423882.html

I see a lot of RN-BSN experiences here. The input is definitely appreciated Can anyone tell me if you've had a good experience with a reasonably-priced, online RN-BSN program? Thank you. Malenurz

Hi All - This is a pretty old discussion, so I was looking for some recent experiences with reasonably-priced, online RN-BSN programs. Most of the postings I'm looking at here are several years old. I'm especially interested in hearing from anyone who has recently finished an online RN-BSN degree. Thank you. Malenurz

If you live in the DC area, take the time to drive to DC, once you have all of your paperwork together and bring the stuff into the Department of Health yourself, in person. You can get same-day service (or nearly same day service) if you have everything done, and you bring it in yourself. Otherwise, it can take months, and you get into issues like lost licenses in the mail etc. Again, be sure you have everything in order before going there. That can be the toughest part. Malenurz

I had my original license in another state (not MO) but the most important consideration is being sure that you have all of your ducks in a row. Make sure all of your t's are crossed and your i's are dotted once you have your license when you're applying to another state. Because if you are missing 1 piece of paperwork, or one endorsement, signature, etc, no one is going to tell you. Your paperwork will just sit in bureaucratic limbo. (In my case, I didn't know I had to go to the nursys website). If you have everything taken care of, you can either mail it in, and it takes 4-6 weeks, or you can stop by the office and have it done that day.

I agree it doesn't make financial sense, but, it is much easier to get the license in the state of your nursing school, rather than having to jump through the hoops of trying to convince the DC folks that your transcripts, application etc etc are legitimate. There is a fair amount of bureacracy involved while applying for your license online - and a lot of waiting for paperwork to go through, plus the background check, fingerprints etc etc etc. I just think it makes sense. At least it did for me. Malenurz

If I were you, I'd consider just getting your license in Missouri, then after you pass the NCLEX, applying for your DC license. I just started working in DC in October, and that's what I did.

Did you figure out what you are going to do regarding studying for your exam?

We do not work rotating shifts at my facility (Sibley Memorial Hospital), but I think we are an anomaly in that respect. From what I have heard, many do require rotating shifts.

Well, there are places you can hire to help you find apartments - but that costs some cash ($500-700). I'm a new grad nurse who just moved to DC in the past 2 1/2 months. It was a challenge, but there are places that are somewhat cheaper than $1500/mo for a 1 BR. Please note: DC has an income tax that is higher than all of the surrounding areas (MD-VA) I can be of assistance regarding certain neighborhoods, however, it is important to note that most neighborhoods vary wildly - and going 1 block in any direction can make a huge difference. Send me a private message on allnurses - with your email address, and I'll help you figure out what to do, if you'd like some help. Where are you working and when do you start? Malenurz

Amy12 - don't panic. Do you have your license yet, or are you still in school? It's tough to open doors when you're from o-o-s (out-of-state). It's not impossible, but... it can be challenging. If you're still in school, when do you graduate? When do you take your NCLEX? Send me a private message and I can help you through it. If you're really serious about getting hired in DC, perhaps you should buy a ticket after you take your NCLEX, so you might have your license in hand...? I'm a new grad, from o-o-s, and I just went through it, and would be glad to give you advice somewhat more privately. Send me a private message via allnurses and I'll help you through it. Malenurz