Here's my 2 cents~ I got my ADN first, then worked as an RN while I completed my BSN. I got some excellent experience, while getting both degrees. It was well worth the time and effort as I was able to write my own ticket when talking with hospitals with both my BSN and experience!
As an RN licensed in TX, I can safely say that not all TX RN's are required to maintain ACLS creds. However, when I was an active duty Air Force OB nurse, we were required to have ACLS, BLS, and NRP. The certifications you need to maintain are going to vary by state, agency, hospital, etc.....