What is the best way to relocate?

[marie010]

Hello, I am a recent LPN grad who is having trouble finding employment in my area. My husband and I have decided that we will relocate anywhere that I can get a job. Thankfully he can find a job easier due to the nature of his work! Anyway, I have been contacting some companies in other states and have had some interest but they won't interview me or go any further in the application process until I get my license in that state. I just would hate to spend all that time and money on getting licensed by another state and not be able to find a job there. I really wanted to find something that would hire me and just let me start work when I get that state license. I'm scared to move my family all that way with no guarantees. So, what experiences have others had when relocating? Are there places that will wait for your license to come in but hire you sooner? Or should I just decide on a state and apply for my license, then look for something?

[jcgardner]

If it was me, I would decide which state I wanted to move too. Take a trip or do some research and find out about housing, schools and that kind of stuff. Then I would start the application process in the state I wanted to live in and at least you can tell potential employeers that the process has begun. Good Luck with your job search!

[lsvalliant]

Go on career builder and see where the jobs are. Then do some research on here about that states licensing. Dont feel bad alot of people are in your predicament in this economy. What state do you live in? Have you considered private duty agencies?

[itsmejuli]

Here's something to consider.

You'll have to calculate your relocation costs vs how many months its going to take you to find a job where you are. By the time you pay the costs to relocate you may have found a job in your area.

It took me several months to find an LPN job after graduating. I managed to get this job by networking with other LPNs in an RN pre-req class.

[Blouis, APRN]

Good question, I am in the same boat and interested in seeing what replies you get. I have been a nurse for almost 5 years and will relocated this summer. Not sure what state (I have a few in mind) but not really sure what to do next. I have young children and have to consider each step and how it will effect school, neighborhoods, commute time, etc.

[handyrn]

There are currently 24 compact states in the US. If you live in one of those states and are licensed, it might be easier to get a job in another compact state. Usually there is a specific time that you can work on your original license. I just moved from one compact state to another. I was able to work on my license for 30 days while applying and obtaining the new state's license. If you apply for jobs in compact states, they will know that you can work on your current license for a time.

And speaking of which...why can't they just have a National Nurses License?

[BettyBoop01]

Be weary of hospitals that advertise nationally that they hire new grads. I jumped at the chance, relocated and let me tell you, there is a reason this particular hospital is constantly hiring new grads. None of what they told me in the interview is true, a lot of lies and deception to get us here. I refused to sign the 2 year contract when I arrived until they clarified some of the terms, they were unable to do so. It was a very vague contract with a huge fine. I am thankful I never signed. Other people are quitting and paying.

It is a dangerous place to work and a revolving door of staff coming and going, all from out of state, all new grads. No one with experience lasts more than a few shifts. And when something goes wrong the nurse is the one that gets the blamed and gets fired, it happens at least once a week. I am thankful to have a little experience, but feel like I cant quit til I find something else. I am ready to jump ship! At a recent interview I was advised that it is not good to have this place on my resume, as all other local hospitals know what the place is like. He told me it shows good judgement that I am trying to leave, but poor judgement that I havent quit yet. Unfortunately as a new grad, I cant just quit until I secure another job.

Anyway, I found that once I became licensed in the new state I got a lot more call backs. It made a big difference in response. Do your research and talk to other nurses in the state you want to move in. Make sure you know how much it costs to buy out of any contracts just in case. Find an area you like, and google all of the hospitals in that area. Do not just apply to the ones with national advertising. If they seem desperate, they probably are.