Moving from MA to TX

[arieseff]

Hey everyone, I will be graduating with my RN this May, and moving to Texas (Austin/suburbs) almost immediately thereafter. I contacted the Texas BON and have perused their website a few times but I'm finding it hard to figure out exactly what my best course of action is. It would be so nice if I could get some advice from real people! If anyone has transferred a license from a non-compact state to TX somewhat recently or has gone to school out of state and then moved to TX, your help would be much appreciated!

My thoughts/questions include, *should I take my NCLEX here in MA and then apply to TX by endorsement? *should I wait til I get to TX to take my NCLEX? *where exactly does the Texas Nursing Jurisprudence test fit in- on the TX BON website it says it needs to be taken before the NCLEX but I can't tell if this is true for residents of other states who are taking their NCLEX in another state and then moving. *when should I start the process- I've heard the process can be slow, I don't have any priors or weird circumstances though *any other help or advice?

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

You have two choices...you can become licensed in MA and then obtain licensure by endorsement through the TX BON, or you can obtain initial licensure in TX without ever getting licensed in MA.

It does not matter where you physically take NCLEX. Rather, what matters is which state BON the results are transmitted to. For instance, you can take NCLEX in MA, RI, NH or any state to obtain TX RN licensure.

[Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN]

If you're moving, immediately, it seems like it would be easier and less expensive to just get licensed in Texas. I graduated there, so I may not be entirely helpful ....but I seem to remember taking Jurisprudence after NCLEX, not before. In any case, it's ridiculously easy and I think you can even look up the answers while you take it online at home. Don't stress about it- at all.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I seem to remember taking Jurisprudence after NCLEX, not before. In any case, it's ridiculously easy and I think you can even look up the answers while you take it online at home.

Yes, the Jurisprudence exam is open-book and written at a sixth to eighth grade level. An average-intelligence test taker can answer many of the questions via utilizing common sense and the process of elimination, whereas other questions may need to be looked up.

[Horseshoe, BSN, RN]

I have found the Texas BON to be very responsive to email questions. It might take a day or two, but they have always answered my questions in a timely manner. Just be sure that your email is clear, concise, and to the point.

[arieseff]

thank you- it's very helpful to know the Jurisprudence is a breeze!! :)

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

Don't bother getting a MA license if you don't intend to use it. Why pay for 2 licenses? You can physically take NCLEX in MA for licensure in TX. NCLEX is a national exam. You can take it wherever you please.

[sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN]

If you're moving, immediately, it seems like it would be easier and less expensive to just get licensed in Texas. I graduated there, so I may not be entirely helpful ....but I seem to remember taking Jurisprudence after NCLEX, not before. In any case, it's ridiculously easy and I think you can even look up the answers while you take it online at home. Don't stress about it- at all.

There re are even online webinars satisfying ethics on Texas BON website........

[RAndaRoo]

I've heard it can take sometime either way. But we had this talk last week in class but about people wanting to practice outside of Texas. They told us to get licensed in your own state then endorse it. Because I think you have to have residency in Texas to apply for licensure here...but I could be wrong I can't remember exactly. I would look on Texas BON website.

As far as the jurisprudence exam if you're just applying for Texas you do have to take it before your NCLEX, otherwise we won't get our ATT. If you endorse you would take your NCLEX and get your license there then fill out the endorsement application then JP exam.

Also if you graduate in May start being on the lookout for applications here. I've heard east coast is later or sometimes you already have to be licensed. Here we apply in our last semester. Austin/San Antonio is usually a little later on in the semester, not as early as DFW area. Just FYI if you didn't already know :)

[arieseff]

Ooh thank you very much, especially for that last tip - i didn't know that :)

[aich]

Hi arieseff I am from Ma, I am will be graduating with my RN in May and would like to move to Texas. i would like to know if you took your Nclex in Ma or Texas, and how you applied. thank you

[Sour Lemon]

Just noticed this was a zombie thread!