from compact state, do I have to move to Texas first before applying TX RN license?

[Buddyken]

I live in Arizona( Compact State of Texas), ready to move to TX. To be safe, I will like to get a Texas RN license first before I go. Someone told me I have to move to Texas first before I can apply. Is this true?

Once you start your RN license application, you can't use your compact license in Texas anymore. I had troubles to get license before. BON is hard to deal with. I don't want to stay unemployed for months in Texas. I have a family to take care. Thank you for your suggestions.

[morte, LPN, LVN]

i would check out the BON of texas on line.......see if you can get your answer there......if not, you will have to write/call......

[sjt9721, BSN, RN]

Read this:

http://www.bon.state.tx.us/olv/endorsement.html for information about licensure by endorsement.

http://www.bon.state.tx.us/end-eligibility.htm for eligibility for endorsement.

[chare]

under the nursing licensure compact, you are only allowed to hold 1 multi-state license, which must be issued by your state of residence. since you are licensed and reside in a compact state, texas most likely will not issue you a single state license. however you will be able to practice for 30 days using your arizona license after moving to texas. the following is from the texas administrative code title 22, part 11, chapter 220, rule 220.2: issueance of a license by a compact party state:

© a nurse changing primary state of residence, from one party state to another party state, may continue to practice under the former home state license and multistate licensure privilege during the processing of the nurse's licensure application in the new home state for a period not to exceed thirty days.

if you review the procedures in the texas board of nursing’s endorsement information site, and have all required information available upon your relocation, you should receive your temporary license in a timely manner.

however, as both morte and sjt9271 mentioned, contacting the texas board of nursing prior to your relocation is your best course of action.

good luck in your upcoming move.