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

U.S.A. Texas

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Specializes in OB/Gyn, Hospice, Med-surg.

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.

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Specializes in Peds, Med-Surg, Disaster Nsg, Parish Nsg.

Moved to TX Nurses for more response from those who may have had communications with the TX BON.

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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.

The Texas BNE is very hard to deal with!! Very hard! And yes, they do take their time. I made a med error ( I take 100% responsibility for) in May 2010 I FINALLY recieved my Warning with stimpulations from them in Nov 2011. They don't get in any kind of a hurry. Most of the time when I call to check on things, they are usually nice and helpful but they just take their time. I'm not sure if it's because they are overloaded or what....good luck.

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They may very well be telling you 'worst case scenario' on the minimum time lines because most people are happier when something takes less time than they anticipated, it also prepares people whose situation will take longer. Every situation has to be weighed on it's own merits and the BoN can't predict how quickly another state will forward the information they need to make a decision. Every application is handled in turn.

Even though your license has no restrictions they still have to do their own investigation.

Just because your current BoN chose not to place any restrictions on you doesn't mean TX won't, from looking at the disciplinary decisions they publish online you need to prepare yourself that they won't issue you a temporary permit and that they may require a medication class as a condition of licensure.

Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

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Specializes in OB/Gyn, Hospice, Med-surg.
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.
I'm hoping they will acknowledge that I've taken 3 required courses including a medication adminstration class and was fined by my states BON. It just doesn't seem right to be punished a second time by another state board! I appreciate the answers and I'm thankful for the replies. I have tried to find info on what eligibility issues get sent to enforcement besides criminal and state law violations. I haven't found anything on the outcome of endorsement applications with reprimands! I'm just frustrated with the whole process.
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Hey nurseoknoodlehead,

I endorsed my license from another state. I have a reprimand from state due to criminal record that was (expunged since my initial reprimand). The charge( it was over 11 years ago). I reported that to them (TBON). It takes them six months, believe them and me. I just finished my review and was cleared (I spoke with investigator passed my 6 months review because nothing was inputted in computer. So please, stay prayed up. It is also 4 to 6 weeks post review to receive something in mail (I guess recommendations). I still have not comprehended process fully. Each person has a different story at the BON, and here on website. So think for process to be longer, and hope for shorter. Wish your pain will be shorter than mine. Also check under Texas nurse with criminal history, you can find information and other people going through same situation.

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I'm in the same situation endorsing my license from SC (compact state) to TX (compact state) they received all my info st the beginning of Dec 2011 then about the third week of Dec TX BON gave me a temporary license so I transferred with my job to TX temporary expired 4/22/2012... Endorsement application got sent to enforcement division Feb 2012 do hopefully between June - August I should hear something ....good luck with ur process hope everything works out in your favor...please keep us posted on the outcome

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Specializes in OB/Gyn, Hospice, Med-surg.

If you don't mind my asking was your eligibility issue due to a med error or was it a past criminal charge or something like that?

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It was a past criminal background....no offenses since I have gotten my license..

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Specializes in OB/Gyn, Hospice, Med-surg.

I wish you luck and I hope that you get your license soon. Keep posted on what happens. I have worried myself sick over all of this.

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I totally understand n thanks so much....I will definitely keep u posted...

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Specializes in OB/Gyn, Hospice, Med-surg.

Well it is June 1 st and I found out yesterday that my application is being sent to the enforcement division. That has put a huge strain on my relocating to Texas. I'll be moving Monday and I just hope that they get on top of their investigations. I can only work on my temp license for 2 more months! I just don't understand it. I have no criminal record, just a stupid reprimand for not overdosing my patient. Like what is there to investigate???? Anyways, has anyone every been processed through the enforcement department in less than their stated 4 month time frame????

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