RELOCATION!

TammyG · Oct 16, 2014

I had thought that, if your target state (that you are moving to) is a compact state and you have an RN license in another compact state, you don't need to apply for your RN in the target state before applying for the NP license. Don't ask me why I thought that -- perhaps someone told me that. I too would like to relocate for my first job so am also interested in this answer.

PCURN-BSN · Oct 17, 2014

I relocated from ga to fla after graduation. I had no problem during the interview , employers just wanted to know what was my reason for relocating. I only started to get call backs for interviews once I was licensed as a np. I took boards before I left ga and already had the process going to obtain licensure ..Some states take longer than others. .so I'd reccommend getting the ball rolling as soon as possible bc many employers won't entertain your resume if your not licensed or taken boards yet.in my opinion, It is also more difficult as a new grad to gain employment outside the area where you did your clinicals and networking for obvious reasons. Initially I was only being contacted by recruiters who will sometimes lead to dead end. .which was frustrating. In the end I graduated in May took my boards in July ( moved ) was licensed by August and began working in sept.

It's doable but It was such a humbling experience being that as a RN my resume spoke for itself and could get hired with my eyes closed . .as a new NP you really have to sell yourself. so start working on that cover letter and resume ..especially if your moving to a new area.

honeykrown, MSN, NP · Oct 18, 2014

If you have a RN license from a compact state then you don't need to get the RN license again and just apply for the APN license. For example AZ and TX. If u live inTX and have a license from there then u only need the APN license from AZ

Pls note that once you change ur primary state (tax state) then u will need the RN license from that state.

Missy89 · Oct 18, 2014

I relocated from ga to fla after graduation. I had no problem during the interview , employers just wanted to know what was my reason for relocating. I only started to get call backs for interviews once I was licensed as a np. I took boards before I left ga and already had the process going to obtain licensure ..Some states take longer than others. .so I'd reccommend getting the ball rolling as soon as possible bc many employers won't entertain your resume if your not licensed or taken boards yet.in my opinion, It is also more difficult as a new grad to gain employment outside the area where you did your clinicals and networking for obvious reasons. Initially I was only being contacted by recruiters who will sometimes lead to dead end. .which was frustrating. In the end I graduated in May took my boards in July ( moved ) was licensed by August and began working in sept.
It's doable but It was such a humbling experience being that as a RN my resume spoke for itself and could get hired with my eyes closed . .as a new NP you really have to sell yourself. so start working on that cover letter and resume ..especially if your moving to a new area.

Thanks for great feedback! I will be applying for the TX license this month which is a compact license with NC. However, the plan is to move to a city that I find a job in so I don't want to move until I've gotten an offer. I also don't know if its worth obtaining an NP license in both states unless I find a job. Are you saying employers won't entertain my app if I'm not licensed as an RN or NP in that state? I am currently in a lease that ends in Mar so I'm overwhelmed with the time it take me to find a job. I figured it will be difficult to find a job out of state, I'll be applying to 3 different areas minimum so I hope it helps.

Missy89 · Oct 18, 2014

If you have a RN license from a compact state then you don't need to get the RN license again and just apply for the APN license. For example AZ and TX. If u live inTX and have a license from there then u only need the APN license from AZ
Pls note that once you change ur primary state (tax state) then u will need the RN license from that state.

Thanks but unfortunately I'm in FL. I thought compact states included NP licenses too but apparently its only for the RN license.

aprnKate · Oct 18, 2014

I suggest looking into the texas board of nursing website. If would also recommend applying as soon as you can and are able to for your aprn license in TX. TX BON can be painfully slow it can take up to 30 days to get aprn licensure. You also need a aprn license with prescriptive authority and apply through texas DPS for controlled substances if planing to prescribe schedule III-V which takes about 3 months to get after getting registered with DPS you need to register with DEA... Not sure how long to get DEA#. You can't apply for DPS unless you are aprn licensed with prescriptive authority, can't apply for DEA until you register with DPS. I guess what I'm trying to say is keep in mind how long things will get processesd.

honeykrown, MSN, NP · Oct 21, 2014

Are you saying employers won't entertain my app if I'm not licensed as an RN or NP in that state?.

I was recently informed by a medical recruiter that they do not look at applicants for interview until they are licensed. She was surprised that I was interviewed without a license and attributed it to my previous work at the hospital in the same clinic. I say you should be licensed first. it takes at least 2-3 months in most states. Most especially if you apply for both RN and APN licensure.

Also note that if you apply for TX license and you are still residence in FL, you will not be given the compact RN licensure. You will only be given state privileges until you declare your primary state of residence as TX.

Pilot2FNP · Oct 21, 2014

If you are currently a full-time resident of FL, then you do not have compact-state privileges in any other state. You first have to be a full-time resident practicing in a compact state, and then you have the privilege of moving to another compact state and working immediately based on your previous state of residency/licensure that was a compact state. If you currently only have a FL RN license and then apply and get another states license that is a compact state ---- but you still live in FL ---- then you do not have compact state privileges, as you still live full-time in FL.

DymeAPNP2B · Oct 30, 2014

This is an excellent post. I am trying to relocate from Wisconsin (compact state) to Arizona. I have pretty much decided to take boards in Wisconsin, pass and then begin looki g for a NP job in AZ. I would love to just move after passing boards but I'm not sure if that will hinder the process. Not to mention that I am also a single mom of a 7 and 4 year old. So I am trying to make the transition as smooth as possible. But what about the DEA exam? Will I have to take that in WI and AZ? anyone out there from AZ with suggestions s or advice, I welcome your input. I graduate Dec 2015.

TammyG · Oct 30, 2014

I have never heard of a "DEA exam." I thought it was just an application. Since the DEA is a federal agency, one DEA license should follow you around from state to state.

Pilot2FNP · Nov 1, 2014

I have never heard of a "DEA exam." I thought it was just an application. Since the DEA is a federal agency, one DEA license should follow you around from state to state.

Incorrect. The DEA license is State Specific, and a new DEA Number will need to be obtained for each stated the practitioner practices in.