ADN to BSN license question

[Krisiun]

I currently have an ADN license in Washington. I have worked in WA, but started working as a traveler 4 years ago. I have settled in Texas with my finance while he is in school. Now I am looking to do a bridge program here in Texas.

Does anyone know if I get my BSN in Texas will it change my state of licensure? Basically I was hoping that obtaining my BSN would give me a Texas license so that I could have a compact state license, making it easier to travel in the future instead of having to reapply in every state every couple of years.

Thanks

[elkpark]

There's no such thing as "an ADN license." You're either licensed as an RN or you're not. Finishing a BSN will not affect your RN licensure in any way. However, if you're living in TX, you can apply for a TX license now. You don't have to go to school in TX to be eligible for licensure.

[Krisiun]

Ok let me rephrase this, I am a Registered Nurse, who obtained my RN through an ADN program. I currently hold a Texas license as well as my home state license in Washington (not a compact state). If I obtain my BSN from a Texas school, will my licensure change to the state I obtained my BSN from, or will it still be considered a non-compact state license? I am planning on traveling once my fiance graduates and it is so much easier to travel with a compact state license.

[llg, PhD, RN]

If you already have a Texas license ... why do you think it is any different from any other Texas license? It should be the same as all the other Texas licenses. If Texas is compact state, and you have an actual Texas license, then all of the rules, regulations, priveleges, etc. of Texas licensure should apply to you.

Check your copy of the Texas Nurse Practice Act and any other paperwork they gave you when you got your Texas license. If there is any doubt about the status of your license, check directly with the Texas state board.

As elkpark said, for a general RN license, whether you have an ADN or BSN should not make any difference ... and obtaining an academic credential from a school does not alter your licence in any way. Your academic degree is an "award" you earn from a school. Your license is a relationship you have with the government. They are two totally separate entities.

[elkpark]

Ahhhh! I believe the magic words are "my home state of Washington." Did you apply for (and get) your TX license when you were living in WA? Are you now a permanent resident of TX? You need to let the TX BON know that and ask them about compact privileges. If you are a resident of TX, your TX license should have compact privileges.

Again, licensure has nothing to do with where you were educated, or where you might go to school in the future. It has to do with your state of residence.