what states to get license?

Specialties Travel

Published

Hi all,

I'm new to travel and have applied and talked with Cirrus, Nurses in Partnership, Freedom Healthcare (didn't get a good vibe from them though), and Valley Healthcare Systems.

I want to start traveling in September. All the recruiters I've talked to have told me to start getting licenses in states I want to travel, but I have a broad scope of where I want to go. I currently have a NY state license.

I figure I'll apply to CA, WI (my "home" state, has a compact license), maybe OR, or CO. Does anyone have any recommendations or thoughts? This seems like it's going to get expensive and be a headache. Ugh.

Thank you!

~Meagan

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Well, first thing is, if you don't have a license in a compact state and don't actully live there "permanently" then it doesn't matter how many compact licenses you have your's is not compact. Just getting a license in a compact state whether it's your home state or not does not make your license compact. That has to be your permanent residence..and if you have a compact license and move to another state that is not compact, then your's is no longer compact..

Next thing, some states want to verify all license and this get's real expensive quick... I would try and figure where you want to go and apply all at the same time, this way you only verify one state...

Also, some states are difficult to get and take time, so I would try to get the license that you really want first. One issue that makes getting a license is the expense of verifying those license. Some states actually want a copy of your school grades (from the school)...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I forgot to clarify, I'm moving BACK to WI in August. It will be my state of residence.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You could also look into Federal Hospital travel contracts..(VA, Indian Health, DOD) They will honor ANY state license.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Start working on getting your Cali license if you want to travel in Cali anytime soon. It has by far been the biggest headache and it's been SO difficult to get licensed there quickly. In fact, that was probably THE reason I'm moving to Houston instead of Cali right now. It can be expensive and lengthy but if you plan ahead and give yourself enough time to get the necessary requirements then you'll have no problems. It can take anywhere from weeks to months to get it. Most hospitals won't even look at you unless you have your license in hand. I've also heard that Michigan and Illinois take a long time to get licensed as well! Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU/CVICU/ER.

Get your license in CA!!!! It might be a process....but it's worth it!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

So you CA lovers, tell us why? Why get license in CA..... I haven't seen any reason I would want to live or work there...Thanks

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in L&D.

California. There the most jobs and bets paying jobs in CA. But worst case it can take up to 4 months. CA has everything the beach, the mountains and great paying jobs. You will love it!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Renal, Medical/Surgical,Tele.

I'm from Ohio and currently on assignment in NC. It took less than 2 weeks for me to get my temporary NC license. My next assignment will be in California and it took me almost 4 months to get that one. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in tele, m/s, progressive care.

I was in your situation when I first started! Was living in OH when I set out to start travelling but decided to move back to TN, where my mom lives (and now where I call "home"), and get my license there, as it is a compact state. You might already know this, but a license in a compact state does not truly become a compact license unless you are a resident there (aka, have a driver's license, car titled there, paying rent or a mortgage). So make sure you get that all squared away and clarify with your WI board of nursing that you will be able to use your license in another compact state BEFORE you leave town. (I found this out just days before I had to leave town for an assignmet in TX... HUUUGE HEADACHE!!)So with that squared away, you're good for 23 (i think) different states! Whew!

As for non-compact states, I suggest you sit down and make a list of a top-3 or 5 places you'd like to go to. Next, whatever states on there that aren't compact, go ahead and apply for those licenses now! Save yourself the stress of having to wait for those licenses when you may need them. Some states charge extra for having to send you a temp license, so you could be saving some moo-lah in the process.

Good luck with your travels!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, Nursing Education.

I just got my Cali License last week after sending my application in July. I had to re-submit my fingerprints, which extended the process. If you want to go to Cali, apply early because it took me 2 months to get licensed. Now I'm just waiting on a contract!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment