Nurses Moving States Get Blocked by Licensing and Low Pay
Nurses across various experience levels and specializations are struggling to relocate for work, facing challenges like licensing, job rejections, and concerns about cost of living and career progression in new locations. Many express a desire to move away from their current locations for personal or professional reasons, but encounter significant hurdles in achieving this goal.
SOURCES (60)
“not every hospital has residency programs. some people live in small towns woth small critical access hospitals / Co Unity hospitals and don't have access to teaching hospitals”
“I’m currently working towards getting this. For the nurses that have it, did you find that it opened doors for you? What were ways you were able to leverage the cert? submitted by /u/Hot_Panic2767 [link] [comments]”
“Anyone with any experience that could weigh in on this position? The good, bad and ugly? I’m looking at an opening with a different healthcare system in a large urban city. submitted by /u/smitswerben [link] [comments]”
“I’m an LVN in Texas. Our scope is not much different than RN. We can’t hang initial blood for start of transfusions and an RN must do a head to toe assessment on admissions. Everything else we pretty much do the same. I’m pursing the bridge to RN because the pay difference for doing practically the same job is huge to make it worth it. Anyway. I started as an LVN in a hospital on MedSurg. Many believe LVNs don’t belong in hospitals. In my area they do hire many though so that part isn’t for deba”
“I stepped away from nursing in 2020 after being completely burnt out. I started as an STNA at 16yo and worked my way up through college. In 2020 I left a toxic relationship of several years who I had my child and moved away to buy a house and start a life with, moved home with my daughter and just fell out of it. It’s been difficult to find any purpose in my life in regards to myself and my career ( yes my daughter is obviously my purpose but I mean outside of that) ever since and lately it’s be”
“As a new grad, this resume shouldn't be over a page long.. the last time I applied to a job when I had 4 years of nursing experience, I still kept my resume at 1 page. For experience, list your current SNF job and your final big nursing placement from school. For the placement, list your job title as nursing student, the unit, hours completed and description of your student role. Your other clinical rotations can be mentioned just as a list of the units with no descriptions (can even go unde”
“Currently have a BSN and working in a behavioral hospital in the Central Valley. I got the news that my job will pay up to 20k of reimbursement if I decided to go pursue. When I got my BSN I went the private route (NEVER AGAIN AND WILL NOT RECOMMEND) so I honestly don’t wanna go private route for NP either. I was looking into the public schools such as CSU San Marcos etc. any recommendations or tips on the best public school? submitted by /u/Fit_Anywhere_3007 [link] [comments]”
“I'm getting worn out by how slimy travel nursing agencies have become. 10 years ago, my recruiter was like my therapist. She knew everything about me and I made her a lot of money. I could tell her where I wanted to go and she would find me a job. Now, every agency sucks, it seems like. So I don't know how to find an agency with contracts in the USVI. Suggestions? submitted by /u/Gurdy0714 [link] [comments]”
“Thank you for the advice. I am reaching out to people I knew and to the agency, apparently.”
“Hi! I'm transferring my nursing license from CA to NC. Everything is marked completed except my transcripts. It was sent 5/10. Review date slows 5/25. Hard copy fingerprints was received 7/28, reviewed and sent back to the board 8/14, the board marked the fingerprints completed 8/31. So the only thing I'm waiting for are my transcripts to clear. How long did you guys have to wait for the nc to clear transcripts if everything else is completed. What else can I do to expedite the process?”
“I know that new grad season is over and I’m looking for a job. I’ve tried indeed snd monster but the options seem very limited or are entirely DSOs. submitted by /u/Last-Arugula-3879 [link] [comments]”
“More specifically the state nursing boards that for unknown reasons accredit these diploma mills and allow their “graduates” to apply for licenses failed the progessjon”
“I'm a health care reporter for The Assembly. Been looking into this for a while. Need to talk to more nurses! Please DM if you're willing to speak with me over the phone. We can keep you anonymous. Also, even if you're not a UNC nurse but live in NC, I'm super interested to figure out which facilities use ShiftKey/CareRev/something similar. Would love to see screenshots from the app of open shifts. submitted by /u/NeedleworkerFull6749 [link] [comments]”
“When does the new contract kick in? Or how i find out more with the CNA stuff at Kp?”
“When does the new contract kick in? Or how i find out more with the CNA stuff at Kp?”
“Hi to nurses of SC! I will be moving to Greenville SC from another state for a Cardiac ICU Stepdown New Grad position, how is it like in Greenville or SC in general? I would love to know if anyone can afford to live on their own in an apartment on a single income! Thank you! submitted by /u/Safe-Barber793 [link] [comments]”
“it took me about a year, but that was couple years back now i was looking up individual recruiters reaching out to them personally as well rather than just using the online portals”
“Hey everyone! I will be graduating May 2027 and am trying to prepare early for nurse residency applications. I really want to move to the Houston or DFW area. Im currently living in Texas right now but would like to live in a bigger city with more opportunities. I currently have experience working as a Behavioral Health Technician at a Psych hospital. My other health care experience is in the home health setting but I’m currently only working as a BHT. Other health care experience would be comin”
“Hi. I need advice from nurses in Washington. In the Bellingham area if there are any. I want to move from west Virginia to Washington. I need a degree in nursing. I want the fastest and easiest route to get me to WA. I have 3 cats and a dog that tie in here. I need a degree to guarantee me a job. I know I couldn't make it on a CNA salary. What about a LPN or ADN in nursing. I really don't want to have to spend four years on a degree. I just need to be able to afford to live. If you have”
“I’m applying for a NJ nursing license from NY, but it’s still pending and my job starts in one week. Has anyone had success getting an urgent status update or escalation from the NJ Board of Nursing? Any contact tips would be appreciated. Thank you! submitted by /u/tojisgf [link] [comments]”
“Hi everyone! I’m a new grad RN and I recently received offers for both a home health position and a SNF/rehab position. I’m trying to decide which would be a better option for me as a new nurse. At the SNF/rehab, I learned that there can be around 30 patients assigned to one nurse, and there are only two nurses on the unit. The orientation is only 5 days, and I was told that extending orientation is not guaranteed, which makes me a little nervous as a new grad. For home health, I know we receive”
“Public health pays less, and has a lot more paperwork than most nurses are used too. I loved it. CMH is a wonderful program. You'll likely be in a union and pay into your states government retirement fund. A lot of nurses get bored with it, but it's the peak of work life balance. (Minus an active pandemic). If you can get in, you will be set for life. The pay is likely going to be the biggest hang up.”
“I’m writing this as a registered nurse for anybody that is considering working for Palm Beach Gardens, Medical Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. My experience there has not been the best. It is considered a tenant hospital. Which in the nursing world is adjacent to HCA. The pay is low. The workload is hard. And the management abuses . I’ve been there for about three years and I’ve seen it all. I think in the nursing profession we need to start standing up for our ourselves. And other nurses. B”
“Hey everyone!! I am an 22 year old Aussie nurse wanting to come over to Texas and work. I have my BSN and also a Masters in Midwifery! I’m in the process of obtaining my Texas licensure and by God’s grace hoping to come to the US in 2028. I am eligible for e3 visa status which is a visa for Aussie professionals (no sponsorship required, only takes a couple of weeks to obtain and absolutely free from the employers end) all I require is a job offer! Just wondering if you all have any tips to get j”
They are pairing with hospitals and colleges from Philippines. (Agencies)
“Best way to answer “did you graduate from a registered nursing program in the United States of America / U.S territory?” I graduate in December, 2026, what’s the best way to answer? Don’t know if you get penalized for saying yes if you haven’t graduated yet. I’m asking because I see mixed answers submitted by /u/MR7698lo [link] [comments]”
“I’m a new grad nurse, I’ve been working at a snf since June and can’t stand it so I’m trying to get into the hospital instead. I received a job offer for med/surg-tele and was also just accepted into the residency program. The residency program is 12 weeks and rotates between med-surg, L&D, mother baby, ICU, and ED. I’m stuck between doing residency and just starting in med-surg because I know by the end of residency I’ll probably want to end up in med-surg anyway, but I feel like I’ll want”
You might find a job but good luck finding a place to live.
“I just started my new grad nurse residency in the ED making around 36/hr for about 3 months. I’m working about 8hrs from Monday-Friday, should I still work my serving job on the cause I pull in about 500-600$ each day on a weekend? submitted by /u/Sufficient_Bid_7388 [link] [comments]”
“Hey all can anyone give some advice on how to get into NYP/other nyc hospitals? I’m currently a day shift nurse in PCU/med surg outside of NYC. I would love to stay day shift but I’ve heard there is a min 2 year night shift requirement in NYC. Has anyone had any luck getting a day shift position with experience? Additionally how do u snag a nice outpatient job in NYC. I just had a baby (at NYP! Lol) and am trying to figure out what the best options are for us. Thanks 🙏 submitted by”
“As the title says I'm looking to work abroad and have seen that countries take medical professionals. Has anyone tried transferring their license over? How was the process? I would love to work in Japan or Korea but it seems like one would have to take their test, which I wouldn't mind if it was in English. Just trying to get some ideas. I did see that there is an international dental hygiene association but its not that informative. Thanks for any information! submitted by /”
“So I'm burnt out from inpatient nursing and can no longer do this. I would be open to moving to any state but prefer nj/ny. Are there any places you guys would recommend? submitted by /u/obnoxiouswoman777 [link] [comments]”
“Difficult to get a job and in my opinion the breaks suck. I preferred having the RNs cover each other. We were all taking uninterrupted 2 hour breaks on nights in NYC. Never missed a break either. These measly 15 minute breaks are nothing in comparison.”
“What you would need to look for is liquidated damages fees. I wish you the best of luck, you sound very experienced and you deserve to be paid what you're worth. Hopefully, you can get through the Kindred experience and find better opportunities.”
“Make a list of cities you'd be interested in living in. Apply to jobs in said cities. Go to the one that gives you the best offer.”
“TL;DR- BSN/MHA here, been away from bedside since 2021. Looking to re-enter…. Have been applying to RN transition programs for about 6months with no luck whatsoever (they only want new grads)… Even Outpatient, Ambulatory, and SNF/LTACH will not take me on, which is super frustrating…. I’ve identified a few RN reentry training programs - but so many of them don’t actually come with clinical hours they’re just virtual which I think defeats the purpose. And others say you have to find your own faci”
“SD pay to COL ratio is pretty brutal. The nursing pay is better and nursing ratios are better, but the COL can fluctuate so aggressively on the west coast that you absolutely must factor it in.”
“Yes yes; by the time i land in california, i still have to process my license which will take maybe 1-2 months. I wont be woking as a nurse yet so might take longer than 6 months into working in this hospital + settling with family and childcare etc. Who knows? ..”
“yup; just keeping my positive thoughts. Are you also working in california? Which city?”
“Hello fellow nurses! On paper, being an RN on the west coast seems better in every way (ratios, unions), but I know there are tradeoffs and downsides everywhere. Would love to hear your experience and perspectives as I try to make an informed decision! I'm an ED RN in NYC and seriously considering a move to Seattle, and to a lesser degree San Diego. Thanks everyone :) submitted by /u/coolrbear [link] [comments]”
“my offered position is med surg; does that mean i have to care for LTAC patients in kindred?”
“I’m currently working as a nurse in the Uk and still waiting for my PD to be current. I have 8 yrs of bedside experience and was offered $46/h in California. Im under direct hire agency and will be working under scion/kindred. Is the salary reasonable? Could you share you’re starting salary as an experienced nurse when you started your job in California? Thank you :) submitted by /u/ChaGera13 [link] [comments]”
“Hi! I have an upcoming interview for the RN Fellow – ICU position at Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland, WA. I’m an experienced RN transitioning into ICU, not a new grad. I currently work for Providence in Oregon and my base rate is about $73.60/hr before differentials. The Kadlec posting lists $41.74–$82.41/hr, so my current base is already fairly close to the top of their posted range. For anyone currently working at Kadlec/Providence in Washington: How do they determine an experienced”
“Looking for some realistic, objective advice on my current career situation... I worked as a Med-Surg RN in WA for about 2 years. I then resigned and moved into my family house in CA (Ventura county) Since relocating, I’ve taken a gap year and it’s been almost 16 months since I last worked. For the past 4 months, Ive been applying to nearby Med-Surg positions within a 40-mile radius. Out of all those applications, I’ve only had one HR phone screening and one in-person interview (which ultimately”
“Hey! I’m about to graduate in December of this year and I’m planning to move to Dallas. I’ve been to Dallas/FTW many times but never enough to know the good parts. I will graduate with my ADN, but want to and plan to get my BSN (hopefully by the hospital paying for it) Any advice where to go for a job and when to apply ?? How to make my resume better? I’ve been nurse externing since December. I also have a friend coming with me to Dallas so we can share rent and she wants ICU. Just trying to get”
“I'm still a nursing student, but I'll be applying to jobs soon. Some hospitals in my area don't have residency spots, but will hire new grads - others do have residency. Is there a true difference between being hired as a new grad NICU RN vs a NICU residency? I assume "residency" is the same as an orientation period? This will be my first full-time job, and I'm a little nervous about picking "wrong". I know what specialties I'm interested in, but I am unsu”
“Find another Filipino nurse at church. They can guide you. I say avoid the agencies if you can because they trying to squeeze money out of you.”
“I (26M) currently work in a low-acuity ICU in my hometown in Pennsylvania. I am looking to switch jobs to a high-acuity CVICU. side note: I ideally would like to apply to CRNA program this time next year. I currently have 2 offers and need to decide which one to take. Both are night shift, and both are CVICU, both are teaching hospitals. One is RWJ and a Level 1 Trauma Center. The other is Mount Sinai and is not a trauma center, but they both have devices like ECMO. I’m not too sure about what t”
“What do nurses do that take Case Manager position as a new grad at a SNF or Home Health but then get put in a position where they dont have any Acute Care New Grad experience. Are you able to transition later? submitted by /u/Total-Ride9511 [link] [comments]”
“I’m a registered nurse in the Philippines and I have 8 years of experience. I worked in a hospital and I’m sure that I was good at my job I moved to Australia on a partner visa. I want to work in my field. I don’t want to waste my experience. People tell me I need to study again. They say my qualifications aren’t recognized. They say I need to do a bridging program. I’m confused… I found a free guide on the Healthcare Australia website, which outlines the steps like IELTS or OET. Also, skills as”