Advice re: Endorsment into Texas with a Reprimand on my license!

[nurseoknoodlehead]

I need some advice on what to expect from the Texas Board of Nursing. I have sent all of my required paperwork in for endorsement into Texas, the issue is that I have a reprimand on my license with no restrictions from 5 years ago for something really silly. All of my requirements were met and my license remains unrestricted. I have called and spoke to the TBON re: the timeline of their investigations. I was told at least 45 days after all of my FBI and background checks come back unless the investigation has to go to another department for processing in which it would take at least 4 months for the investigation to be completed. When ask what circumstances a reprimand would need to go to the other department that takes 4 months the woman i spoke to couldn't tell me. I am having a hard time understanding why in the world it would take so long for processing a nursing license that has no restrictions. The reprimand I received was for adminstering a lower dose of narcotics that was ordered! Funny thing was that I had a range order that covered the dosing but when the range order was increased, the order just stated "increase **** dose to 20mg." so everytime a nurse administered a lower dose than 20mg they were fined per my state's BON. All of it stemed from being nit picked by a State inspector because he didnt like our director personally. It was a huge mess!!! Anyway, I am concerned because the only experience I have ever had with a nursing board has been a bad one. It seemed like they were more out for money from nurses in fines versus protecting the public. Has anyone out there had any similar experience with trying to endorse their license into Texas with a reprimand on their license???? My timeline to move is getting near and Im afraid I will not have my temp license in time.

[MSTXnurse]

Yes, people have been processed before that time but more and more people are waiting over 6 1/2 months for investigation recommendations and if you are given any type of reprimands/ recommendations it takes an additional 4 to 6 weeks to have that completed and you get a final report.. so roughly total 8 months from enforcement intial review, not the day you sent your application in to TBON..I am not sure whether they have any information to let you know what TBON recommendations are for your case.... hopefully someone will respond that has has medication reprimand or you can check site for people who has been reprimanded by TBON and see what their recommendations/ stipulations were? Just my insight.... Hope I helped...

[nurseoknoodlehead]

Well it's getting down to the expiration of my temp license. I've been researching what other jobs I would qualify for. I know the job market is saturated and jobs are hard to come by therefore this will be no easy feat. What is a nurse to do though? I have to take care of my family and make sure the bills get paid. If anyone has any suggestions to what kind of job market I should be looking in I would greatly appreciate it.

[nurseoknoodlehead]

Well I thought I would give an update on my situation. I was able to speak to someone in the enforcement department on October 19th which was a few days after my 6 month mark in the enforcement department. They informed me that I would be receiving an eligibility order in the mail in 4 to 6 weeks. At that time it will need to be signed in front of a notary and mailed back to the TBNE. It has been 4 1/2 weeks already and I am patiently waiting for something to come in the mail. This whole process is so frustrating. Luckily I have a wonderful husband with a good job otherwise I would not have made it this far. So to sum things up...... Originally began this process on April 2, 2012. Sent to enforcement on July 15th, 2012..... According to TBNE projections I should have a RN license number prior to the new year. I pray for anyone that is having to go through this.

[MSTXnurse]

I know you're excited about getting to the finish line. Do you know about any stipulations? It seems forever! Congratulations on the count down...

[nurseoknoodlehead]

When I spoke to them the only thing they could disclose to me was that I will be required to take a class but they couldn't specify which one and that's all they could tell me over the phone

I am hoping that I just have to take one class and that they give me a year to do it and that they didn't impose any restrictions on my license. I am so ready to go back to work.

[MSTXnurse]

I think it is an ethics course. You can take it soon as you get letter and send your completed information to BON. The course cost @250 to 300$. They will remove from your license afterward. So, you will be okay. Good luck!

[nurseoknoodlehead]

OK so I received my eligibility order in the mail yesterday, signed it etc... mailed it back with delivery confirmation. They received it today! :) MSTXnurse how long did it take them to issue you a license #??? I am so eager to get that license # and begin applying for positions so I can go back to work! You were right, I will need to complete a jurisprudence/ethics course within one year and when it is complete they will remove it from my license! I am hoping I get a license prior to Xmas. That would be the best Xmas gift to me!