Relocation Info

How many of you moved to a new state to work in nursing? How did you guys go about doing that? I am going to move to Colorado Springs, CO from Iowa. Should I fill out applications before I move or should I just save up a few months worth of living expenses to just move?
Moved to the general nursing discussion forum

I've moved to another state twice, to attend grad school and for my long-time boyfriend to attend grad school -- and then moved back to my home state afterwards, in both cases. Both times, I applied for licensure in the new state as soon as I knew for sure I was going there, and also started job-hunting ASAP. The internet makes job-hunting in another state a lot easier than it used to be!I did my best to consolidate job interviews and combine them with apartment-hunting to minimize the advance trips to the other state(s). I found that potential employers were mellow and understanding about that.With the economy the way it is, I would not count on finding a job immediately, and it would be smart to have a financial "cushion" to cover expenses for a while.

My nursing home I work at has a tuition reimbursement for Rn bsn.. I will do that before considering to move. I know a doctor who might be able to get me in the hospital (he is a personal friend). I don't know if his word means any squat but you never know.

I moved to DC from California. Apply as soon as you can! It's always better to have applied, gotten your license, etc before you get there.

Apply to all the places and plan to go there for a few days for interviews. I knew I was going to move to NC so I applied to several hospitals and set up all my interviews in the same week. Moving without a job is a gamble.

I waited until I found a job first. I do not have my license from a compact state. I felt it was too expensive and time intensive to get everything transferred without having a concrete job offer. I think it's a personality thing. Good luck with your move. I am currently packing..UGH!!

It won't hurt to look for a job in advance. What happens if you move and can't get a job? Good luck.

I recently moved to CO from AZ. While still in AZ, I started applying for jobs. One organization conducted a phone interview, and another did a preliminary over the phone, with an official interview once I was out there. The first organization reimbursed me for some of my moving expenses (it was an internal traveler position, and moving expenses is one of the benefits).

I'm in Aust so costs would be different. I spent nearly $10,000 moving and I have been on the phone re other jobs today. It's very hard surviving without work BEFORE you move, so get on the blower and ring EVERYONE, agencies, hospitals, etc and see if they will do a phone interview before you move. If not do what I have done: fly out & meet them but only if you think it is worthwhile.I often wonder how many other people seem to get jobs before they move, I find it quite hard but I'm still a bit new to this.Try nursing agencies as they may have work where you get offered accommodation, or a car perhaps and it gives you breathing space.Start saving those dollars for moving - you will need them, trust me!

everything i've read on here suggests that colorado is a tough place to find a job right now, especially for new grads or nurses with adn. with that in mind, i would surely start applying before you move. also have enough money saved up to survive 6 months without a job, better to be safe than sorry! if you can't line up a nursing job right away i'd be applying for other jobs too. having a contact is great, it is all about who you know!

The above poster is right on the money, line up work prior to moving is best. Get your new state license as soon as possible! I moved from California to Oregon: had the job in hand and license prior to moving. The facility I moved to payed for my moving expenses, nowadays that would probably be unheard of. Don't make the stupid mistake I did of comparing verbally the situation in your new state with your old (however great it was), bad idea. Realize when you are being oriented that terms for things you did or saw in the other state may be totally different and so might the methods of performing various tasks, buck up and do what the Romans do or face the consequences of rejection or hostility, not pleasant really. Keep an open mind and remember to smile, never complain!!! I had a fairly new nurse as a preceptor, had I known as I know now, make the best of what you have rather than be stupid and complain!