Where to get first licensure?

[BiscuitStripes, BSN, RN]

Hi everyone,

I'm in my second semester of an ABSN program, so I have a a couple more semesters until I graduate, but I'm starting to think about this now and need some help.

I currently live in Southern California. From the people I've talked to, it's pretty difficult to find a new grad job here and some new grads benefit by moving out of state. I'm also not opposed to moving out of state for a new grad job and in the next few years would actually like to move to another state as I no longer want to live in California. I do currently work as an ER Tech; however, my current hospital is on a hiring freeze of new grads in the ER because they recently hired many new grads and there is a disproportionate amount of new grads to senior nurses. When this will be lifted, I don't know. I would be considered an internal applicant for other units at the hospital; however, I don't want to rely on that.

I'm mainly interested in the Seattle area, or possibly Spokane or Boise areas. I have been to Seattle many times; however, I have never been to Spokane or Boise. That is why I'm thinking about this now, because if I apply to either of those areas for new grad spots, I would like to visit the areas beforehand, while I'm still in school to ensure I like the area.

I can apply for my California license; however, it's a 4-6 month waiting process afterwards to get an endorsement approved by the CA BRN for another state. My worry is if I get a CA license and I don't find a job initially, I'll have to wait 4-6 months until I can get a license in another state (WA or ID) to start applying. Or I could get my WA or ID license initially and apply for jobs up there (where there are hopefully better chances of getting a new grad job), but then I can't apply for jobs here in CA, including my hospital I currently work. From what I've heard, endorsing from another state into California is also a several month process.

So I'm not sure where I should get my first license, and if I should start visiting other areas while in school to potentially apply for jobs there after graduation. What do you think? I can get my CA license, apply here for 4-6 months, and if nothing works out, apply to ID or WA once my endorsement is approved, or just go straight for a WA or ID license where I may have a better chance of getting a job.

Thanks!

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

I would look for jobs in an area of the country that you would not have a difficulty finding a job, ideally in a Specialty you are interested in. Spend 2 yrs at that job and if you decide that you want to relocate back to California, you have 2 yrs experience. You never know, you may like the new location and want to set roots there.

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

Start looking for jobs before you graduate. Apply for licensure by examination wherever you have a job secured. (For my new grad program, I started applying in January, got an offer in March, graduated in May, took NCLEX in June and started working in September.)