lynndelaga

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?

Thanks, HouTX. Yes, lol...I consider myself to have "mad skillz". I've done plenty PICC insertions, IV starts, arterial sticks, and helped with intubation of infants plenty of times to feel as though I've exhausted my skill set.My passion has always and probably forever will be education/teaching. My experience as a new grad warranted the type of compassion I feel seasoned nurses lack when teaching new graduates/those new to the nursing field. Because of my maltreatment as a new grad (in what seems so many years ago), I felt compelled to teach others to stay focused and inspire/motivate new grads to continue on in our field. In fact, my dream job is to design a new grad program for hospitals.Perhaps an MSN with a certificate in education is the route for me. I need something generic so that I don't limit my options if teaching is not for me. I do know, however, that I don't want to go the NP or administrative route, lol. Thanks for the advice!

Hi, guys. I'm an ADN registered nurse, and I want to get out of bedside nursing. My experience has been 10-11 years working in various departments: seven in the NICU and PICU, one in Pediatric Sedation and PACU, and nearly 3 on the IV/vascular access team. My initial plan is to continue my education and obtain my BSN. I want to stay in the hospital, and I love nursing, but I don't know what I should do after obtaining my BSN. Do I get a non-specialized MSN? I'm really interested in designing new grad programs for the hospital or product line management. What to do? Any advice is much appreciated. :)

Thanks for your recommendations; I'll look into those 2. :)

I have a question, or rather a few, lol.I still may have a few pre-requisites to complete before acceptance into the RN to BSN program, one of which happens to be Texas History/Gov't. I'm in Hawaii, so I have NO clue as to where I can obtain credits online for this course. Any ideas?Also, on another thread, it's been mentioned that the orientation on campus is mandatory. How long is the orientation, and what do they cover? I am seriously considering Texas Tech because of their short duration of the program (most complete in 6-8 months) and their good reputation. Please let me know. Thanks!

I have an ADN and am currently contemplating a BSN (then in the near future...an MSN) degree.My husband (also an RN, who got his MBA and will be doing healthcare administration for the military) and I have frequently debated on whether or not it matters where I obtain my BSN. Because of the nursing shortage, I disagreed with him the need to obtain a degree from a "brand name" school. Perhaps he is attempting to live vicariously through me, but he stressed the importance of a "quality education", often telling me that certain trade schools do not provide that opportunity.That said, although I have completed a few nursing undergrad courses at certain "trade schools", I took his advice and am now looking into a brick and mortar institute, or at least one that provides distance/online learning.My two cents: it probably DOESN'T matter where one's BSN comes from. However, for the experience of a quality education, I'd invest in a good institute/college that is both ANCLC and CCNE accredited. Most likely, it'll matter more where one obtains his/her MSN, as opposed to the BSN. With facilities and hospitals having quite a nursing shortage, most will take an ADN and BSN nurse. However, from my experience, being an ADN nurse of 11+ years, I've been a top contender over someone with a BSN an only 2 years experience. To sum up: experience seems to be the determining factor when it comes to bedside nursing. In most cases, the BSN wins any administrative job over someone with an ADN and the most clinical experience. And it truly doesn't matter as much where one obtained that degree, so long as the degree exists.

kittyn, Not sure what makes the orientation mandatory. Lol, I'm in Hawaii of all places, and moving to the mainland this coming summer 2012...so yeah, the distance (depending where my husband ---Air Force Active Duty, will PCS) may also be a bit of a problem. I am presuming that it is mandatory so that they can fill you in on pertinent information regarding the program. Because it's on a weekend (and because I have kids), I don't find it that much of a problem since it's only for 2 days. To me, the benefit of finishing in a mere matter of months far outweighs having to travel to attend a 2 day orientation. Maybe you can help me out on this small dilemma I have: I'm trying to figure out the cheapest way for me to take Texas Government online (my currently being in Hawaii obviously makes it extremely difficult for me to take it anywhere on campus). Do any of the Texas Community Colleges offer Texas Government (Poli Sci 2306) online? If so, please fill me in. This is one of the few requirements I need to fulfill prior to enrolling in the RN to BSN program at Texas Tech. Thanks!

"Please share the good and bad..." I've reviewed some of my husband's notes (he took notes in 09) regarding online RN to BSN programs, and this is what he mentioned regarding Texas Tech: The bad: (not really that bad, considering) - Two day mandatory orientation. Must attend the campus for the orientation. Usually it's on a weekend, so try to schedule yourself off on those days to attend. In addition, it isn't mentioned during Orientation, but try to have Tuesdays off. They tend to schedule group online discussions those days, and participation is mandatory if you want a good grade in the class. The good: can finish in as little as 6 months. No clinicals. Mostly papers, research, exams, and online group discussions. Texas Tech prides itself in research, so that's why there are a lot of papers. Get yourself well acquainted with the APA format of papers, even PERRLA if you have to. This will help with structuring your papers well.

Hi, I'm a civilian nurse with 7-8 years experience in NICU, with my last 3 months in Recovery Room/PACU. Both my husband and I are primarily NICU nurses (he has 5 years of experience) and both of us are considering joining the AF Nurse Corps. Anyone who can provide insight on their experience, or if anyone happens to specifically be in NICU in the AF, we'd love to hear any advice. Thanks!