New State APP Licenses Tips and Tricks

Getting a new state license can seem like a daunting task and brings lots of questions.  How do you find the application?  What do you have to disclose? What tasks do you need to complete?  How much is it going to cost?  Are temp licenses worth the hassle and cost? What CMEs are needed? Do I have to get a background check? How long is this all going to take? 

Here at Opportunity Healthcare, we have helped many providers obtain new licenses in states all across the country.  Our experience can help you navigate the ins and outs of state licensing.  Each state has a slightly different process, but every state boils down to these simple steps.

                1. Application acceptance

                2. Education and certification verification

                3. Previous licensing verification

                4. CME verification

                5. Background check

                6. Board acceptance

                7. License issued

State licenses completed mostly online. Very few states use paper applications. This is a great advantage for providers. You can review where your application is at anytime. You can be more proactive about what step you are in and help find any errors that arise. Keeping an eye on your online application regularly will help decrease your timeframe dramatically.

Verifications of your education, board certifications and previous state licenses need to be requested by you.  Following up on these verifications will make sure they are received and processed quickly.  Requesting your transcripts and previous state verifications at the same time you submit your application will make sure that the board has these when they need them.

Some things are out of your control, but knowing what to expect can help keep your start date on track.  Background checks are the one step that can take the longest.  Boards do not process fingerprints in house and send them out to the FBI.  This process can and will take 6-8 weeks.  Folded cards, smudged prints and forms improperly filled out can and will delay this process.  Please note that the board will not pre-check your finger print cards, but simply send them to the FBI.  This makes any errors cost precious time. Here are some tips when completing your fingerprints for licensing:  make sure to use LiveScan where available otherwise make sure you are using form FD-258, get duplicate cards, use cardstock if you are printing your own card, only use black ink when filling out the forms, mail fingerprints with tracking to ensure delivery.  We have seen fingerprints denied and returned for errors that could have been prevented by following these simple tips.  Unfortunately, you can’t influence the background process to be completed quicker.  Your best bet it to send your fingerprints in correct the first time. 

Boards understand that background checks do take the longest time and most offer a temporary license option.  Unless you have the full 8 weeks to wait for a license, it is highly recommended to apply for a temporary license.  This will allow you to be licensed as long as your application is complete except for that background check.  This will get you working much sooner and take away the anxiety of waiting on that background check to process.  Unfortunately we are currently seeing a delay in background checks being processed.  This is causing a lot of our providers to have to wait longer for their licensing than what we had previously budgeted for.  Having requested a temp license before this backlog would have allowed them to begin working on their original start date. 

Other advise we often give is to disclose, disclose, disclose.  If there is any question on whether or not to disclose something asked in an attestation questions, it is always best to disclose.  Licenses have been denied if a board finds something you should have disclosed. As minor as you may think it could be, any omission looks like you are hiding something and that comes across as untrustworthy. 

Make sure you read what CMEs and prerequisites are required.  These are not simply suggestions, but strict rules.  Sending the requested prerequisites at the time of your application will help your process go quickly.  Board members are not sitting waiting for you to get your ducks in a row.  In our experience, if they work on your application and it is not complete, they will let you know and then put your application back in the pile.  It then sits until they get to it again.  If it is complete, they do not have to look at it again.  Making their job easier makes you get your license quicker. 

While these quick tips are not a guarantee of gaining a new state license, they do prove to be part of best practices and can make your new license process quicker and less painful.  We take pride in helping our providers get through the license process as quick as possible.  Take a look at our open jobs to see if we have an opportunity in your home state or a new state you would like to move to.  We will be with you every step of the way on your new journey.

Are you in need of a change? Sometimes a small change like a new hairstyle can be enough to shake things up. But other times, a more dramatic change is needed to cure what ails you. As an Advanced Practitioner, one big career change you can make is switching specialties. Maybe you are tired of family practice and would prefer a more focused specialty like dermatology. Your status as a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant, the certifications listed on your diploma, and the specialized skills you’ve picked up throughout your career all contribute to the path you’ll need to take to successfully change your specialty. It’s an exciting change and one you’ll be glad you’ve taken.

New Job

If you are a Physician Assistant, your education allows you to work in any specialty. This allows you to simply change specialties by changing your job. Keep in mind, most employers want previous experience in the same specialty. It will be up to you to make your resume stand out and prove that you have what it takes to step into a new specialty to even be considered. If you are a Family Nurse Practitioner, you also have a broad range of specialties your education qualifies you to work in Internal medicine, cardiology, geriatrics – there are many options and opportunities available. Having a well thought out and personal story about why you want to change specialties at this time and what compelled you to apply for a job in this new specialty will be important in conveying to potential employers that you are the right person for the job.

Education

Say that starting out your career, your passion was caring for kids. You graduated with a pediatrics specialty and have been working in peds ever since. But now, you find yourself wanting to see full-scope primary care and not just pediatrics. If you’re a Nurse Practitioner this may mean you need to go back to get your post masters certificate as a Family Nurse Practitioner and as a Physician Assistant the change is just a job away. There are also many options to go back to school with many institutions offering online or weekend classes to make it possible to continue working and study at the same time. Sometimes the program length is a year or there is a certification course that takes just a few weeks. If you are serious about changing specialties, the investment you make in additional education will be worth it.

You can switch specialties during your career. It is one of the best parts of being an advanced practitioner. Some effort will be required to get there but giving your best effort in order to avoid burn out will be worth it.

“Success doesn’t come to you. You go to it.” – Marva Collins

Perhaps you are just starting out on your job hunt, perusing job boards and seeing what the field looks like or perhaps you have been looking for your next perfect spot for months. Either way, right now is a great time to be a job seeker. According to the Bureau of Labor statistics, there are more jobs available now in the US than at any other time since 2000. And with PA’s and NP’s being some of the most sought-after candidates in the medical profession, you are in a great place to take your career to the next level of success.

When evaluating your options, it’s tempting to jump at the first opportunity that comes your way. Your career and your life will be greatly benefited by taking the time to think about what you really want for your career and how this next job will contribute to your life goals. Focusing only on what you’re trying to leave behind in your current work environment can lead to you missing out on defining the qualities you want for your next position. You are valuable and understanding what you bring to the table will help you move forward confidently in your career.

You can help take control of your career trajectory by working with the experts at Opportunity Healthcare. We focus exclusively on Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, and Certified Nurse Midwife recruitment. With a focus on Advanced Practice clinical field, it allows our team to align our efforts to meeting our clients needs. We want to start a dialogue with you about your career goals. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself, our team of recruiters are here to offer you options that OHC is currently staffing for nationwide.

Sometimes it can be hard to take the first steps to finding a new, more fulfilling position. Maybe you have fears about moving to a new city or are not sure about leaving your current placement. Our team of recruiters are here to talk you through the process and will walk you through actionable steps you can take to achieving your career goals. They can help open your eyes to opportunities you may not have considered before, such as locum tenens options in remote areas of the country near great recreation opportunities.

When thinking about changing careers, it is also a good time to think about the continuing education and certifications you will need to land your dream job. ACLS and BLS certifications, bilingual English/Spanish capability, first assist experience in the OR all help build your resume and help you stand out to employers. Working with Opportunity Healthcare will help you highlight your most relevant experiences, education, and skills to make the biggest impact on potential employers.

It’s an exciting time to take the next step in your career! As you move forward, remember to consider the big picture. How is this next job going to help you reach the goals you have set for yourself for the next five, ten, twenty year of your career? Using a staffing agency like Opportunity Healthcare gives you an outside perspective which can help you place your current situation in a larger context. We are here for you, to be partners in helping you achieve career success and create a life you love.

Why New Graduate NP/PAs Should Consider Rural Locations

The hard work is paying off and graduation is in sight. A sense of relief sets in as this is the end of a challenging educational journey and you feel a sense of urgency to begin your career as a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant.  It is no secret that the job market can be a bit of a rough sea for new graduate providers as you look for employment in your specialty of interest. So far in my recruiting career I have noticed many new grads have a very specific and possibly limiting preference of where they want to find a new job, and many of those specific locations are some of the largest metro areas in the U.S.  Portland, Seattle, Austin, Phoenix, Los Angeles for example are all obviously attractive areas but as a new graduate it can be more challenging than rewarding when looking for a position there.  Remaining openminded and flexible regarding work in rural areas of the United States can open doors to many new opportunities. This may not get you right in the middle of the location you were hoping to achieve, but it may get you a couple hours away, and down the road could land you that dream job in a metro area!

“You cannot turn down an offer you don’t have”

Something our team likes to remind job seekers is that you simply cannot turn down an offer you don’t have.  Putting limitations on where you send your CV, and who you schedule interviews with can greatly limit your success in getting that offer you’ve worked so hard to get.  Send your CV, get the phone interview, visit the site, and then decide. Applying and interviewing is not a commitment to an employer, or your recruiter, and is all part of the job search journey.

Don’t let your peers influence where you apply

So maybe the small town of Arcata, CA wasn’t your first choice, and all your friends said, “Why would you want to live there?” but you saw their job posting with a great starting salary and loan repayment.  Do you send the application even though you can’t envision yourself living there right now? I say yes.  Working in healthcare staffing has opened my eyes to many smaller communities with lots to offer.  You may schedule a site visit and find out that Arcata, CA is a beautiful town with friendly people, a supportive staff who is willing to train you, lots to explore, and did I mention loan repayment?  This location is merely an example, but on a real note it was voted the #1, “Most charming town/small city in California” last year by TravelMag.

How long is too long?

Something I have asked new graduate providers before is, “How long do you plan to try to find a job in _____ before you consider other areas?”  You finally have that degree in your hands, and you’ve been searching for that Urgent Care job in Spokane now for 6 months since graduation but no such luck. Extended periods of time without employment in your area of study after graduation can be seen as a negative for future employers.  You’ve applied for 10+ jobs who all deliver that same defeating message that they are looking for more experienced providers.  Maybe you spread your horizons and apply for the job in Moses Lake, WA which is under 2 hours away from Spokane and within a week you are contacted to set up a phone interview and in the end are offered a higher base salary. Which leads me to…

Money may not be everything, but it surely is nice  

On top of less traffic (less commuting), lower crime rates, and more available opportunities, what if I told you that you could make more money?  Rural jobs come with a lower cost of living, and majority of the time are offering the same or greater base salary, higher sign-on bonuses, and relocation allowances than jobs in the metro areas. Lower expenses = greater income.

Work hard, play hard? Or pay hard?

I’m sure that after financing that impressive degree, you may be making some impressive payments. Rural sites are often approved for loan repayment/forgiveness programs from the federal and/or state government. If you work in an underserved area for a certain amount of time, you may be able to decrease that looming loan amount significantly. Some might say they’re tired of seeing job descriptions that say “May qualify for loan repayment” to find out that they do not. This means that although they are eligible, they did not qualify. It is important to know that HPSA eligible facilities will have a score between 1-26 and if their score is 14 or greater, your chances of receiving loan repayment from them is much higher. If we work together, I will be able to tell you exactly which positions I am staffing for are currently offering loan repayment and which are not. Here is a helpful link which shows HPSA scores and status for Primary Care and Mental Health facilities:

https://datawarehouse.hrsa.gov/tools/analyzers/hpsafind.aspx

Getting that experience you keep hearing you need

Chances are you went through some extensive clinical rotations, worked in various settings, with various types of people, and this helped you to realize what areas of work you’re most passionate about.  One of the greatest things about rural new graduate opportunities is the fact that you likely won’t have to start out with a daily patient load of 30 for example.  Maybe their patient load is light, and they sometimes have you float to other areas of their clinic.  Your passion might be Emergency Medicine, which is mainly what the job you took in Glendive, Montana consists of, but you also get the chance to do some Primary Care and Urgent Care work when patient load is light.  So, if down the road we apply you for a new position in your dream metro area, you now have experience in three different settings, and can prove that you are a well-rounded and adaptable provider.

A focused mind, and fulfilling relationships

The advantage of taking your first position in a rural area is that you won’t have to worry about distractions as much and will be able to put your best focus towards your job. With less distractions providers can feel less overwhelmed and build a quality work/life balance. If you haven’t already you may decide to get more in touch with nature on your days off.  Many rural sites are located near state or national parks, lakes, etc. which can offer a relaxing day off and be beneficial for your physical and emotional health.

Along with a quality work/life balance you also will have the advantage to build strong relationships with patients and their families. With a lower patient load and a simpler way of life, many patients will get to know their providers on a more personable level. Treating a person instead of the disease in this case becomes a whole lot easier and you are provided with a fulfilling and rewarding feeling at the end of the day rather than trying to remember the name of the guy in the red shirt from earlier. This will also help you build your patient panel and references for future positions.

These are just a few of the reasons I as a recruiter with Opportunity Healthcare feel strongly that new graduate NP/PAs, really all healthcare providers in general, should consider rural locations.  Rural care facilities service roughly 57 million Americans and many of these areas need quality care from compassionate providers with fresh knowledge and drive. If you are a new graduate NP/PA I would be happy to offer you job options that OHC is staffing for nationwide. Contact Jenna to discover your next great opportunity, jenna@opportunityhc.com. 

Take a deep breath…the hard part is over.  You have received your Masters and now the fun part begins…searching for a job!  Congratulations on surviving the last couple of years and enduring the arduous task of completing your Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant program.  Get excited for the next chapter of your life!  Although finding a job can be daunting, if you can survive your NP and PA program you will find a job.

Regardless of whether you are a seasoned candidate or a new graduate, there is no surefire way to get the perfect position. The key is to be open and flexible.  This is especially important as a new graduate.  When making a move in your career, the attitude you have is very important.  Always go towards something and never run away from something you don’t like.

Get things prepared to find that perfect position.

Making sure you know what you’re after when you do start your search is important.  Think about what matters to you most.  Is it schedule, money, location, practice setting…there is no wrong answer here, it is you and what you want.  Prioritize these things and consider them strongly when evaluating a position.  There are many variables when looking for a position.  It’s healthy to have some variables that outweigh others.  There are some that you should be flexible on and it certainly makes sense that others are a must.

Get your CV polished up.  I think there is a common misconception out there that one’s CV has to be a magical document that is going to open doors and make people want to hire you on the spot.  If you have a wealth of experience, sure, this could happen. However, as a newbie, you don’t have much experience to refer too.  As a new graduate, you do have some clinical exposure, this does count for something but unfortunately not as much as you would like.  Your experience as this point is what it is.  Keep your CV simple, clear and concise.  Don’t bother putting it on colored scented paper or trying to make it flashy and fun to look at.  Provide details on your professional history, education, and other pertinent points that are professional in nature.  I will do a future post on composing the perfect CV.

One thing to keep in mind and is very commonly overlooked is the personal aspects that play into the job search.   When I provide our clients with details about a prospective candidate, I make sure they know why the candidate wants to be in their community and what is going to keep them there.  Very rarely does a client ask if the candidate does x, y, and z procedure.  The first question they ask is why do they want to be in our community and what is going to keep them here?   As a new graduate you must understand that a healthcare facility is investing in you. The employer is going to spend time training and mentoring you. This is an investment on the employer’s part to ensure both parties feel comfortable with you having your own panel of patients.  When communicating your interest in a position always make sure to highlight why the facility is going to retain you from a personal standpoint.  They want to know you are personally vested in a location.  You have kids in school, your husband owns a business in the area, your entire family is there and the importance of you being close to them, or that you are an avid outdoor recreationalist and their community provides every option for you to enjoy things personally outside of work.  Retention is often the most important thing in a client’s mind when they hire someone and especially a new graduate.

Talk to people…get out and network.

This one seems like a no brainer, right?  Let people know your looking for a job.  Talk to friends, colleagues, those fellow clinicians your working with in your clinical rotations, anyone.  You never know who may be the person that is going to introduce you to your new professional opportunity.  There are now many resources on line, including social media, that are easy ways to let a great number of people know you’re seeking a position.  There is no shame in being in the job hunt, especially having just completed your training.  I am sure most programs have career advisors and avenues that help to introduce you to employment options outside of your program.  I of course am and an advocate of Recruiters.  Recruiters can give you advice about the market and what they are seeing.  Anyone of our Recruiters has a wealth of knowledge about what it takes to find a new position.  It is what we do every day.

Cast your net wide to increase your options. 

Since you know what you’re looking for, you have networked to let others know your looking, now you need to make sure those entities that are hiring know your looking.  Remember, a healthcare facility doesn’t have to be advertising they are hiring for them to be hiring.  Reach out to clinics you know or want to work for and ask if they are hiring even if you’re not sure they are.  Go by personally and visit with facilities if you’re able to.  Humility is key right now in your search.  Be confident but not over confident.  Speak of your skills and what you can offer a practice in a “humble confidence”.

The more people you contact and the more jobs you apply for the more options you will have.  Always keep in mind what your priorities are in taking your first position.  When positions present themselves be flexible.  Consider how that position fits into your overall goals as a clinical practitioner.  I would bet your first position won’t be perfect.  Perfect positions are likely being filled by other candidates that have experience.  Don’t worry, you’ll be there soon!

Our society loves superheroes. We go to superhero movies, we play superhero games and we get excited every time a superhero swoops in and saves the day. We dream as children that we can fly and something inside us never gives up hope. Well folks, hope never fear because this week we celebrate the true heroes that walk amongst us every day. These are the heroes outside of the cinema. These are the heroes right here in our communities. They’re nurses. The true superheroes.

These nurses are many. They’re the behind the scene saviors that fight to save lives and do. They’re rigorously trained and dedicated to providing us with safety. They study and endure countless years of schooling and master the needed skills then set out to find an area of need. Nurses heal us and we can’t thank them enough.

What if though your favorite superhero was late to save the day? Two people in distress and no one to help save both. This is the unfortunate truth behind these dedicated and amazing professionals. Every day good people aren’t provided with enough community support to help everyone all at once. The challenge we face to provide quality healthcare at a reasonable cost is growing. That makes the continuing shortage of nurses both in the US and globally all that more critical.

In 2030, the middle class will more than double in size, from two billion today to 4.9 billion. Yet, with rising expectations for access to quality and affordable healthcare. The demand for these great heroes becomes that much greater.

So let’s thank these wonderful humans. Leverage this week (May 6-12) to gain awareness and show support to these incredible individuals. Join us and help provide medicine to locations that need help. Support local nursing organizations and honor these vital professionals. It’s comforting to know that caring and compassion are alive and well and that nurses through our country, and around the world, live these hero lives and support us day to day.

“When I think about all the patients and their loved ones that I have worked with over the years, I know most of them don’t remember me nor I them, but I do know that I gave a little piece of myself to each of them and they to me, and those threads make up the beautiful tapestry in my mind that is my career in nursing.” Donna Wilk Cardillo

Not all superheroes wear capes.