Licensure Questions Every Medical Professional Should Ask Before Accepting a Travel Assignment
Surprises are not always fun, but especially when it comes to your medical career. Imagine taking a travel assignment, quitting your current job, then finding out you haven’t met the licensure requirements for the state in which you have accepted a position. Obtaining state licensures is not a quick or easy task. So, before you accept an offer and take your next assignment, it is crucial to find out all about the state licensure requirements to ensure you are ready to start your new travel assignment. We also want to provide you with a few questions about licensure and certifications for you to ask in order to make sure you put your best foot forward for your new job.
At Total Medical, we staff a variety of medical positions. Because of this, we decided to break down our licensure steps by specialty, starting with nurses.
Registered Nurse Licensure Steps
Often, when a nurse comes to us wanting to accept a travel assignment, they already have their registered nurse licensure for the state in which they went to school. But what about accepting a job in a different state?
Obtaining your nurse license for another state can seem more complicated than it actually is; but, if you have a plan and know what is required of you, you can handle obtaining your license in a few easy steps.
Step 1:
If you are wanting to accept a nursing position in a new state such as Oklahoma, we suggest visiting nursinglicensure.org. This website allows you to choose the state in which you hope to work and lays out the requirements necessary for that state. The best part about this website is the ability to choose the type of nursing position you are seeking. For example: Are you a Registered Nurse or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse?
Step 2:
When it is time to apply for an out of state license, verification from the original state of licensure is a required part of the process. If enough information about your qualifications is not provided on your application, the nursing board in Oklahoma will deny your licensure application without giving it further thought. As you go to apply for an out of state license, make sure that you have everything you need for success. For example, a copy of your transcripts, the different certifications you have received, any and all continuing education you have completed, updated fingerprints and completed background checks, and name change documentation should apply to you.
Step 3:
Lastly, ensure that you have easy access to the contact information for both your home state of licensure and the state in which you plan to accept a travel assignment. This is crucial because sometimes it takes calling the state board of nursing to ensure your application for licensure is approved in a timely manner.
LPN Licensure Steps
Did you know that obtaining your LPN license for different states can happen in as short as a few days? It’s true! But did you also know that in some states, it takes several weeks to obtain your license? We cannot promise that if you are prepared on your end, that will ensure quick state processing, but we can promise that the process is more straightforward if you are ready.
Step 1:
At Total Medical, we want to ensure that you are taking the steps necessary to ensure your state licensure application is approved. As a Licensed Practical Nurse, there are essential skills you must have, and these skills mean that new grads may not qualify. For example, to accept an LPN job in Oklahoma, you must have taken and passed the NCLEX-PN exam. You must also have practiced at least 520 hours during the previous two years.
Step 2:
Some states offer temporary permits to get out of state LPNS, working faster. To qualify for this permit, you must have a clean disciplinary and legal history, on top of meeting all minimum state requirements.
Step 3:
After submitting all state licensure documentation, make sure you have easy access to both your home state of licensure and the state in which you plan to work. Historically, licensure boards have the potential to get behind and fall behind in notifying you of any information you may have forgotten to submit. When you follow-up with the board while the approval process is taking place, you can make sure they have everything they need to approve your application promptly.
CNA Licensure Steps
Our recruiters cannot tell you how often CNA’s ask if their certification will become invalid if they choose to work in a different state. It is important for you to know that a majority of states have “reciprocity” plans in place, which makes transferring your certification a possibility.
Step 1:
The first thing you must do as you seek to transfer your CNA license to a new state is to get in touch with your local State Nurse Aide Registry and request an “Application for Enrollment by Reciprocity.” Some states do not have reciprocity in place, which means you will be required to retake the state licensing practical and theoretical exam in the state you are transferring.
Step 2:
Your new state’s registry will most likely want verification of your identity, as well as an application fee. It is in your best interest to ensure you have your driver’s license, social security number, current CNA or CHHA state license, recent employment information, educational proofs, and background check.
Licensure Questions to Ask Your Recruiter for Professional Development
At Total Medical, we want to encourage you to be prepared and confident in accepting a job no matter the institution or unit you intend to work. If you already feel confident, it is still great to ask questions to ensure you are always working to be the best you can be.
♦ What opportunities exist for continued education and learning while on my assignment?
♦ Do you have benefits for professional certification, attending conferences, educational benefits/tuition reimbursement?
♦ What percentage of nurses have specialty certifications (CCRN, CPEN, CPON, etc.)? How would I be supported in obtaining pertinent certificates?
Are you looking for more support, tips, and tricks to help ensure you are ready for the assignment you have been dreaming of accepting? Give us a call today to speak with our recruiters who are prepared to walk you through the process, provide you with the support you need while advocating on your behalf as you go to accept that new assignment.