Stay in the know.

Join our free nurse community to get updates on trending questions and the topics you care about

Do employers prefer hiring nurses that got their license in the state they're applying for? Is the decision mostly based on experience rather than where you got your license, so long as you have reciprocity?


April 6th, 2022

I have learned from experience that most employers don’t mind hiring u with a license in another state. However, you will eventually have to switch over your license to that current state after 3 months of living there. It varies from state to state. As long as u are eligible to work in that current state they do not mind hiring you.

April 6th, 2022

Right now, especially, you can apply for jobs anywhere and qualify for an emergency license in the state you want to work. You can receive it rather quickly (some are instant) and then you are able to apply for a permanent one.

June 20th, 2022

Agencies will help you and usually pay for you to get your license in another state, provided you accept a position in that state and sign a contract. You don’t have to be licensed in the state to apply, in most cases. They all want at least a years experience in your specialty. (Again, most cases)