NCLEX application confusion

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Hi all,

Just looking for a bit of advice as I'm currently very confused about applying to take the NCLEX for the first time. I am technically a resident of Arizona (a compact state), but am completing nursing school in PA in a few months. Afterwards, I plan on working and residing in Texas (also a compact state). My confusion lies in the application process.

On TX state boards page it states that if you declare your residency to be another compact state, you will only be granted a single state license until you become a resident. In my case, this would be TX I assume. This is not a problem as I don't see myself needing to work in another state immediately after passing the boards.

My other question is regarding the application process itself. The TX BON page says to submit your application 120 days before graduation, but that it will not be considered complete or looked at until you provide proof of graduation, amongst other things like a background check. I am confused as to how I'm supposed to provide proof of graduation 120 days before graduating...

Lastly, I am curious how the process works as to obtaining a background check/fingerprint card. I tried calling the TX BON three times to ask questions and each time was hung up on after I asked one question.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I do not have any nurses in the family or anyone I know working as a nurse in TX to ask, so I'm hoping someone on here has some advice for me!!!

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Specializes in NICU.

There are companies that do digital fingerprints for background checks. You can also go to your local police dept/sheriff dept and have your fingerprints done on the card.

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I'm not sure about those specific states, but where I live we had to submit our application by I think April 1. Our BON received them prior to graduation, but waited until after they received our transcripts after graduation to look at everything as a whole. I would call the BON in Texas if that's where you are wanting to work, and just explain that you have been trying to get answers but are having issues getting through to people. Worst case, bug them until you get the information you need lol. I'm not 100% sure how the compact thing works, but I thought that if you apply to a state that's in the compact as a single license, you can just transfer it into the compact after it has been issued. But I'm not sure though.

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I'm not sure about those specific states, but where I live we had to submit our application by I think April 1. Our BON received them prior to graduation, but waited until after they received our transcripts after graduation to look at everything as a whole. I would call the BON in Texas if that's where you are wanting to work, and just explain that you have been trying to get answers but are having issues getting through to people. Worst case, bug them until you get the information you need lol. I'm not 100% sure how the compact thing works, but I thought that if you apply to a state that's in the compact as a single license, you can just transfer it into the compact after it has been issued. But I'm not sure though.

Ahhh ok, them waiting to review it until everything is submitted makes sense. I think I'm going to have to do what you suggested and just keep calling them until I get all the information I need. Thank you for your help!

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There are companies that do digital fingerprints for background checks. You can also go to your local police dept/sheriff dept and have your fingerprints done on the card.

I did research the digital prints, but I think (I could very well be wrong) that as an out-of-state applicant, I need to submit a physical card. Thank you!

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From the info I found, you request a fingerprint card here: Texas Board of Nursing

I briefly read through this and I think it answers your questions: Texas Board of Nursing - Examination

Good luck!

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Specializes in Emergency / Disaster.

I think you need to establish your residency in Texas. What will make you a resident of Texas when you graduate? Are you military and your spouse (or parent) is already there? Do you have a drivers license in Texas yet? Typically the drivers license is what determines when you became a resident. What steps have you taken to prove that you actually live in Texas?

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