If you’re thinking of changing jobs (or securing your first job as a new NNP graduate) relocation may play a key factor in your decision. . Although the job market for NNPs right now is hot, the jobs are not equally distributed across the US. There are some places where NNP jobs are abundant whereas others are experiencing a tight job market where there are few or no NNP jobs. This is not surprising given there are only about 800 employers across the country who hire NNPs.
When it comes to considering your decision on whether you want to relocate or not, it’s important to do some soul searching and be honest with yourself. Whereas some people genuinely cannot relocate, most job-seekers can – they just prefer not to. If you are not seeing an obvious NNP opportunity that fits your career goals in your backyard, you should consider looking for your dream job at another state no matter how uncomfortable the thought of moving may seem. If you decide that you are ready to relocate for your ideal job or have a life event that requires you to move, it’s important to do some market research when considering your relocation destination and to plan in advance to ensure a smooth transition. Here are some factors to bear in mind as you prepare for a move.
Relocating as an NNP: When to Start the Job Search
There’s no single, definitive answer as to how early you should start a job search as an NNP who’s relocating. Instead, there are several individual factors you’ll need to consider to pinpoint an appropriate timeline.
Although the licensing process for your RN and APN can oftentimes be lengthy, if you live within one of the states within the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), it will be quicker and easier to secure the RN license in your new state, which is typically the more time-consuming license to secure. You should probably account for two to three months (but sometimes longer) to complete the licensing process.
You will also need to take the credentialing timeline into consideration. Securing privileges at a new hospital in a different state can take up to three to four months. Some factors which play into this timeline are the number of employers you have had over your career, the number of job sites for whom you will be providing coverage, and the response time for verifications.
Most employers will allow you to run these two processes concurrently, but some employers require the newly hired NNP to have their licensure process fully completed before commencing the credentialing process.
It’s therefore important to begin your search well in advance of your anticipated relocation date. We recommend getting started on your search three to six months ahead of time.
How to Transfer to a New State as an NNP
If you’re looking to move to a different state, it’s important to remember that there are differences in practice authority for NPs. While you already know what your scope of practice entails in your current state of residence, you’ll want to review The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners’ map of practice authority to see if your new state’s scope of practice is different from that of your current state. If so, your duties could vary from what you’re used to.
In most cases, you’ll need to obtain both nursing and advanced practice nursing licenses in your new state of residence. For nurses with existing licenses, this process is known as licensure by endorsement. Typically, the RN license can be easily endorsed from one state to the next as long as the NCLEX-RN, but eligibility criteria varies from state to state. Certifications for NPs can be endorsed depending on each state’s requirements, with most requiring the passing of a nationally administered NP board exam as well as NP education at the graduate degree level. Certain states may also require additional licensure, such as California’s furnishing license which allows NPs to prescribe medications.
One of the simplest ways to determine your licensing needs is to contact the board in your new state of residence. They’ll be able to explain the precise steps that need to be fulfilled to transfer your license, whether it’s from one compact state to another, in between non-compact states, or any other combination of variables.
So although this process may seem daunting, you can also turn to Ensearch for guidance of the job search and relocation process. We have helped countless NNPs in securing new out-of-state employment over the past 25 years. Allow us to assist in your relocation by contacting us within three to six months of your anticipated move. Contact our team to get started with a free career consultation today.
