nursing license application

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nursing license application

Posted by ededig on Dec 6, 2011 7:35 pm

Trying to get into the travel nursing field in the new year. I'm not sure where I am going yet. My recruiter keeps telling me that the hospitals like to see and active licenses. If i don't know where I am going how am I suppose to apply for one. They are pretty pricey (200-300$) I don't want to have 5 on my hands and just have them sitting there. Does anyone have any suggestions?And does anyone know if i get one license in a compact state does it go to the other or do i have to apply for it again? This is very stressful when not knowing what exactly to do.MY recruiter has been so nice and helpful. But, I feel like i ask the same thing over and over just because this is all so new. 
Thank you for all your help!
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Re: nursing license application

Posted by LindsayManes-Clinical One Recruiter on Dec 7, 2011 11:31 am

Hey there!

Totally understand the confusion about the licensure.  Unfortuantely obtaining a license is time consuming and costly.  Most agencies should reimburse so just make sure you keep your receipts. 

Your recruiter is accurate about having the license in hand makes you more marketable.  When you start applying for jobs the manager wants to know realistically when you can start.  If you tell them you haven't started the license yet then they might pass and move on to a traveler who is already equipped with the active license and able to start sooner.

I often tell my travelers who don't have the Compact license to chose 5 states out of a list that I send to them.  This list will consist of states that we regularly get contracts in.  Once they chose the states we go through the license process together so they understand how long it will take.  If its a state that takes 2-3 months then we typically cross that off our list and move on to states that you can get licensed within 1-3 weeks. 

No to mention keep in mind there are around 10 states that are considered "WALK THROUGH".  Walk through means you can walk into the board and walk out with the temp license in the same day.  It's AMAZING!

Hope this helps!

Lindsay Manes
Senior Recruiter
Clinical One
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Re: nursing license application

Posted by OR Nurse on Dec 7, 2011 5:51 pm

Yes, getting a license in another state is costly and time consuming, so pick and choose wisely.  Not all companies reimbursed either.  Some give up to 100.00 after finishing your assignment, but get everything in writing.  I have about 6 licenses and I live in NC now so I have a compact license too.  Wish they would all join the band wagon and accept one license.  PA is a stickler to have as an original one too, you have to send a form and check to the PA BON every time to get them to sign that you passed your boards, even though you have been working as a nurse forever. 
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Re: nursing license application

Posted by Traveler4Life on Dec 10, 2011 10:46 pm

Just to add to what has already been said, you have to be a resident in a compact state in order for that license to be good in all the other compact states.  Otherwise, that license is only good in the state it's issued in.   Good luck and happy travels!

-T
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Re: nursing license application

Posted by DavidRN on Dec 12, 2011 12:24 am

I agree with those who have posted before me, but a better question is why do you not know where you want to go? This is where you should be spending your time. Recruiters can be great in finding you assignments with your specifications, but they must have those specifications. If you don't have focus, you might alienate some recruiters as they will give their attention to those travelers who know what they want and can decide quickly. Some assignments will have dozens of travelers submitted the first day they post and if you can't pull the trigger quickly, you will find a lot of positions closed out. Hope that doesn't sound harsh, I just know a lot of recruiters that tend to push the "undecideds" to the back of their attention list.

As Lindsay said, consider walkthrough states and maybe one other state where you really want to go. California is a good option because Southern Cali is great weather and Northern Cali will get you snow and better pay. It's a large state and should have many assignment options. Many companies will reimburse you if you take a California assignment with them and obtained the license specifically for that purpose. That would open you to all the Cali assignments and still be able to consider walkthough states.

If you give your recruiter more focus on what you are seeking, I think you will have better luck finding your first assignment (and if you are not already, be sure you are signed up with at least a few travel companies to increase your options).


Hope this helps.


David

http://travelnursesbible.com 

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Re: nursing license application

Posted by arememom on Jan 15, 2012 5:11 pm

Need to decide where it is you want to travel....I try to plan a couple assignments ahead as I plan on traveling for many years...now that the kids are all grown and out of the house.


For me, it's not all about making the big bucks. I want to work where it's fairly warm...so year round I will go to different areas of the country. I spent last winter in San Diego and loved it there.


One possibility that I've considered is working at a VA facility....the paperwork to get into the system is unreal....however, one nursing license is all you need to work anywhere in the US.
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