Ask a Travel Nurse Question:
I am preparing to find my first travel job and have found that many of the jobs in the states we want to go request that you have your license in hand before applying. My recruiters have even suggested getting these state licenses (before I even know if I will get the job) so that I meet the qualifications for applying.
Some states have walk-thru options, and I’ve resorted to looking for openings in those states first. I unfortunately do not live in a compact state. I guess this roadblock is surprising to me and I am not sure if I should just get licenses in states I know I will eventually want to go or just keep looking? Any advice regarding licenses?
Ask a Travel Nurse Answer:
I would personally not go to the expense of obtaining multiple licenses ahead of time — although some agencies will reimburse you these costs, so if you can afford them upfront that’s one possibility.
Otherwise, try to maybe narrow your choice to two states (one with a walk-thru option and one where you know you will eventually land). Then you could primarily focus your efforts on the state in which you already paid for the license, but keep the “walk-thru state” as a backup option.
Since I’m a “location” traveler, I simply know where I want to go next and am willing to wait for an assignment in that location. But after you have been doing this awhile, you will also accumulate many different state licenses that are pretty easy to renew even if you let them lapse.
Some companies will reimburse for licenses and offer other benefits that will help you get licensed. This is often based on experience, specialty, and likelihood of taking an assignment with the company. You should ask your recruiter if the agency offers any help in this regard.
David