Getting a RN license in Texas.

Genu9ine · Jun 3, 2012

isn't Colorado a Compact state? Or am I mistaken?

CarryThatWeight, BSN · Jun 3, 2012

Genu9ine, I think you're right. I endorsed into Texas from California, and actually received my TX license in less than a month. Of course, California is not a compact state so it's a different ballgame. I did not have to wait until I moved to Texas to apply.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jun 3, 2012

Even if you still live in Colorado, you can start the process of obtaining a Texas license now. You will need a permanent Texas license if you plan to live and work in Texas.

People frequently misunderstand the concept of a compact nursing license. Let's assume that you obtain your initial license in Colorado, which is a compact state. Many people think that they can legally work in all of the compact states if they are licensed in just one compact state. However, a nursing license from a compact state is similar to a driver's license in that you can legally work in another state for a maximum of 30 days. Thereafter, you must obtain a license in the state where you intend to work.

Let's assume that you have a Colorado compact license, but plan to move to Texas, which is another compact state. You can legally work in Texas under your Colorado license for 30 days. After the 30 days has elapsed, you will definitely need a Texas nursing license in order to continue working legally in Texas.

A nursing license is similar to a driver's license. Once you have moved to Texas, you can legally drive in Texas under your Colorado driver's license for 30 days, then you will need to obtain a Texas driver's license in order to keep driving legally in your new home state. It is the exact same concept with a nursing license that is from a compact state.

geekynurseRN · Jun 4, 2012

Thanks for the explanation! So should I start the process now to obtain my Texas license? How long does it take? Or should I just wait until I make the move?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jun 4, 2012

Thanks for the explanation! So should I start the process now to obtain my Texas license? How long does it take? Or should I just wait until I make the move?

I endorsed my California LVN license into Texas back in 2006, and the endorsement process took about 6 weeks. I also endorsed my Oklahoma RN license into Texas in 2010, and that particular endorsement process took 5 weeks before I was issued a permanent Texas license.

In both cases I was issued a temporary Texas license within one week of submitting my endorsement applications. The temporary license is valid for approximately 120 days.

Of course, if the person applying for a Texas license has any type of criminal record, the process of endorsing one's license can take many months.

geekynurseRN · Jun 4, 2012

So it looks like I have to do an endorsement application, get fingerprinted, and take an exam? Does that sound right? $200 is kinda steep, it was only $88 to get my license in Colorado!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jun 4, 2012

Yes. You'll need to submit the endorsement application with the appropriate fees, fingerprint card, and so forth.

In most states, obtaining your very first license via examination (NCLEX) is cheaper than getting it through endorsement. I assume the $88 fee was for your very first RN license ever (and probably not through endorsement). Here in TX, it is $139 if you are applying for your first license ever by examination and $200 if you are trying to endorse from another state.

kay609 · Jun 13, 2012

I am getting my license in Florida but plan on moving to Texas shortly after, will I be able to apply for an enforcement? I am graduating from an ADN program and will be getting my RN license.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jun 13, 2012

I am getting my license in Florida but plan on moving to Texas shortly after, will I be able to apply for an enforcement? I am graduating from an ADN program and will be getting my RN license.

If you never plan on working in Florida, you will not need a Florida license. You can directly apply to the Texas Board of Nursing for an RN license by examination, which means that your NCLEX results will go to TX.

However, if you want a Florida license first, you will be able to endorse your Florida licensure into Texas by applying to the Texas Board of Nursing for an RN license by endorsement.

lynndelaga · May 19, 2013

I am currently not employed but hold an active RN license from Hawaii. How do I go about getting a TX RN license? Do I need to take NCLEX over again then submit for approval of licensure? I don't intend to work yet since I'm a military spouse and we can't afford child care right now. But I do need licensure for grad school practicums. To clarify: I took and passed NCLEX in 2001, worked in California, then moved to Hawaii. My husband joined the Air Force and we now live in Texas. My last date of employment was August 2012, and that was in Hawaii. Can I endorse my Hawaii license or do I need to take NCLEX? Also, do I need to be employed in order to obtain TX licensure?

bprwatson · May 19, 2013

If you never plan on working in Florida, you will not need a Florida license. You can directly apply to the Texas Board of Nursing for an RN license by examination, which means that your NCLEX results will go to TX.
However, if you want a Florida license first, you will be able to endorse your Florida licensure into Texas by applying to the Texas Board of Nursing for an RN license by endorsement.

I'm in Utah right now, I graduate in July and we Plan on moving to Texas as soon as I've taken my boards, does this mean I can take my test here but have the results sent to TX and be licensed there?? Or am I completely misunderstanding what you said :)

Thanks!