Washington State RN Temporary Practice Permit

U.S.A. Washington

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I'm a new grad RN who graduated in May 2013, and I'm just now starting to get interviews. I have one coming up in Texas, and then one Washington state a few weeks later. I currently live in a compact state, so if I applied to WA for my license right now, it would mess things up for the Texas interview (since TX is also a compact state). WA is really where I would rather be. I'm trying to figure out if waiting to apply to WA until I have the interview there would hurt my chances of getting the job.

If I was selected for the WA job, there would be only about 6 weeks between the interview, and when they want people to start. I know WA offers temporary practice permits, but are there any hospitals that don't allow you to work with them? I've encountered hospitals in other states that won't allow you to work on a temporary license, instead requiring a permanent license, despite the fact that the respective state offers temporary ones. Thanks for any help you can provide!

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I had never heard of a temp practice permit until you mentioned it. Looked it up and I guess it is just to get you a temp license until your FBI background check clears, right?

Is the interview you have with a new grad residency? If so, it may be wise to contact them and ask. I have never seen a job posting that states anything other than "current unencumbered license."

Good luck! It is not easy to land a new grad position in Washington- I hope it works out for you!

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I was in the same boat. Moved to WA from a compact state (SD) and actually found that my compact license was not affected. I have a full wa rn license now. I notified my state board that I moved out of state but the license is actually still intact until you quit paying the renewal fee. And most hospital systems in wa allow you to apply on the temporary practice permit. It's generally viewed as a full time license when they are moving through paperwork. I believe you can work with it so long as you pass the background check and are issued a ft license before the temp expires (usually good for about 6 months). My temp one doesn't expire until February, so technically I still have my SD compact license, my temp license, and my wa rn license.

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Also, I don't know what the situation for new grads is in Texas, but it is EXTREMELY Competitive in Seattle. A residency may receive well over 1,000 applications and only hire 40-60 people. If there are decent hospital jobs to be had in Texas, stick it out about 2 years there and then you will be golden for hospital jobs in western wa.

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I had never heard of a temp practice permit until you mentioned it. Looked it up and I guess it is just to get you a temp license until your FBI background check clears, right?

Is the interview you have with a new grad residency? If so, it may be wise to contact them and ask. I have never seen a job posting that states anything other than "current unencumbered license."

Good luck! It is not easy to land a new grad position in Washington- I hope it works out for you!

Yes, I think you are right about the temp being so that you can work until your FBI background check clears, since that is the part that seems to take the longest.

And yes, the interview is with a new grad residency (and the one in TX is as well). I worry a little bit about asking them...for some reason I feel like they won't like the idea of me potentially having a temp, and that it might jeopardize my interview with them...but I could be completely over thinking it!

Thanks so much for the good luck wishes!!

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I was in the same boat. Moved to WA from a compact state (SD) and actually found that my compact license was not affected. I have a full wa rn license now. I notified my state board that I moved out of state but the license is actually still intact until you quit paying the renewal fee. And most hospital systems in wa allow you to apply on the temporary practice permit. It's generally viewed as a full time license when they are moving through paperwork. I believe you can work with it so long as you pass the background check and are issued a ft license before the temp expires (usually good for about 6 months). My temp one doesn't expire until February, so technically I still have my SD compact license, my temp license, and my wa rn license.

How long did it take for you to get your full time WA RN license?

I think the situation for new grads is extremely competitive everywhere....I live in Colorado, and there is next to nothing here for new grads. Texas is a little better, I think, but still competitive. I'm starting to feel the pressure of running out of time and opportunities, so I think I'd be a fool to pass up on something in TX, if it was offered to me.

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I think it took about 4-6 weeks

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That's not too long. Thanks for all the info!

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