License endorsement question

U.S.A. Texas

Published

Hi, everyone! I am a new grad nurse, freshly licensed in Washington state. I am a Texas native, though (and a bit homesick at that). I have been considering getting a license to practice in Texas for a number of reasons. I went to the BON site and saw that you have to take a jurisprudence test, pay fees and cut through red tape etc.

My question is this... should I go through this process before I start looking for jobs in Texas. Being a new grad puts an added wrinkle into the job hunt scenario, trying to time applications for residencies at the appropriate times and such. I know there will be a new cycle of residencies in late spring, early summer. Any advice as to when to initiate the process, tips about navigating through all the steps, etc?

Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Yes. With the overabundance of applicants for every job posted, it is very unlikely that you will be taken seriously unless you are 'good to go' for practicing in Tx. As far as residencies are concerned, those slots are normally locked up very early in the process by grads that have had clinical rotations in that facility.

I encourage you to focus on smaller cities and more 'rural' areas. The job market for new grads in major metro areas is very bad.

Specializes in LTC.

I moved to Texas awhile back. I filled out the online app and paid my fees ($200) and had a temp license within a wk. You will also have to be fingerprinted and photographed for permanent licensing ($20-ish, can't remember exactly). The nursing jurisprudence test is online and free. If I recall correctly, the temp license is good for 60 days from date of issue. I went to an on-site office for the fingerprinting/photo, but I think I read that it can be done locally at a law enforcement office for out of state people looking to get licensed before moving to the state. I live in a rural area and jobs are plentiful. Not so much in the bigger cities. Hope that helps and good luck.

blueorchid981

225 Posts

I moved to Texas awhile back. I filled out the online app and paid my fees ($200) and had a temp license within a wk. You will also have to be fingerprinted and photographed for permanent licensing ($20-ish, can't remember exactly). The nursing jurisprudence test is online and free. If I recall correctly, the temp license is good for 60 days from date of issue. I went to an on-site office for the fingerprinting/photo, but I think I read that it can be done locally at a law enforcement office for out of state people looking to get licensed before moving to the state. I live in a rural area and jobs are plentiful. Not so much in the bigger cities. Hope that helps and good luck.

Were you licensed in a diff state? Was it a compact state?

How do you get the permanent license?

Thanks!

Specializes in LTC.

I was licensed in a state that was not part of the compact. After you fill out the application, pay the fees, take the jurisprudence test, and get fingerprinted/photo'd the state will issue a permanent license. It was really easy to do,actually. Kind of pricey and a little time consuming, but easy nonetheless. :)

pennylane18

55 Posts

Specializes in LTC, Rehab.

Hi daisyfleur70! Are you working in Texas now? How was your application?

In my experience, I applied for work first. Then when I got a couple of calls from Texas, I applied for my temporary license. I'm from NJ btw. And now, I'm about to move to Austin, Texas next month! I still am waiting for my permanent license. Let me know if you need any assistance!

Oh, do you recommend any safe and affordable area to live in Austin? My budget is 750-900/month. Thanks!

+ Add a Comment