So irritated with Tx BON

xoemmylouox, ASN, RN · Feb 4, 2012

I'm confused. Texas won't allow you to transfer as an RN or they won't let you transfer as an LPN? All states have their own set of requirements. I have to say it seems like states are more strict than ever on what they require.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Feb 4, 2012

In CA, they have an "equivalent" LVN, you can get authorization to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam if you were a corpsman in the military or a hospital based CNA/equivalent with specific experience & a pharmacology course. CA BVNPT is very specific that the LVN license will most likely NOT be able to be endorsed to another state as the licensee did not attend a school of practical/vocational nursing. For example in NY & NJ, you cannot endorse your license if you did not gain the LPN license from successfully attending an accredited school of practical nursing. So you would not be able to endorse your "equivalent" LPN license. (NY/NJ does not permit one to sit for the NCLEX-PN after completing a specific portion of a professional (RN) nursing program, only after completing a practical nursing program).

I'm sorry that you are frustrated but have you tried contacting the BoN to see what your options might be?

Have you tried applying at government facilities (such as the VA) the requirement is that you have a valid US nursing license, doesn't matter which state and I believe you need to be a US citizen. You may be able to get some priority with a VA or military facility if your husband is active duty military.

lexiburton · Feb 8, 2012

I am licensed in Oklahoma as an LPN, have been for almost 2 years. Texas will not allow me to transfer my license because I am an "equivalent" LPN, meaning I did enough RN school to be equivalent. My husband is military and we move a lot. Has anyone else had this problem? Any advice? I need to work! Thanks!

My situation is similar to the NJ situation (or as close as it comes I guess). I completed 3 of 4 semesters of an ADN program as well as a nurse "refresher" course geared for LPN. Oklahoma BoN evaluated my course work and allowed me to sit for LPN boards. The director at Tx BoN has said that the issue with me transferring my license is that I was educated at an RN scope instead of an LPN scope. I'm waving the BS flag a little at that. The board's recommendation is to get a diploma from an LPN course. Not complete the course and retake the NCLEX-PN, just get a diploma. Seems a little backwards. I am in the process of completing my BSN, but it will be next May before I am finished. Until then, I am not eligible to get CNA certificate because I was in school too long ago (does anyone really "forget" how to be a CNA?), and in order to be eligible for MA positions, I have to go through yet another evaluation to determine whether or not I'm "educated" enough to be an MA. I'm basically unemployable at this point. No one will hire me without the certification, or they claim they cannot pay me enough. I have emailed legislators in this state to discuss having the ruling overturned.

Until then, I have applied to work in the clinic on the base. According to the civilian personnel guy (who answers his phone once a year I think...) they "may" hire 2 nurses a year. We are in a small town, and the base provides employment to a large number of civilians. And just like any other place, if you've got a government job, you're there til pigs fly. The closest VA is 60 miles north in Oklahoma... I did commute for 7 months for work, but my husband's sched changed and now it is impossible for me to get to work, work 8 hours, and get home in time to get smalls from daycare before they charge me a gozillion dollars a minute that I'm late.

And here I was thinking it would be easy to be employed as an experienced LPN... CHA!

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Feb 8, 2012

I understand how frustrating it must be. But we (TX) seem to have more than our share of 'scope of licensure' issues - maybe because we have so many LVNs and they are allowed to function at a much higher level than most other states. Anyhoo - Texas LVN programs have curriculum that stresses licensure limitations and that content would not have been the same in an RN program, so that's probably what is driving the decision.

Is there some sort of LVN 'refresher' that would cover all of this content in a way that would be acceptable for the BON?

It seems as though we are hearing a lot about state-to-state education and licensure issues from military spouses. Why in the heck don't the Feds do something to help???? (what???? and take time from all the re-election blather??)

lexiburton · Feb 11, 2012

Right! I agree. I've asked that question a hundred times. I think people are quick to assume that all military spouses are either stay at home moms, or work on the base. I wish that they would just create one federal board of nursing and be done with state to state licensing issues and compact licensure, etc. It's nuts!

As far as options, they didn't offer many; finish RN, or finish LVN. I wish they would come up with some sort of test covering scope (similar to the jurisprudence test you take to endorse) and call that even. Ah well... pipe dreams!

claricechant · Jan 17, 2014

Can Oklahoma endorse CA LVN licence for people who passed the NCLEX exam and were educated as RN oversea?.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Jan 17, 2014

Can Oklahoma endorse CA LVN licence for people who passed the NCLEX exam and were educated as RN oversea?.

The only state that takes LPN license by method 3 is California. OK BoN requires you to have a license at the same level from your country of educatioon. Unless you completed a program of practical nursing and subsequently earned an LPN license your country of education you would not be eligible for an LPN license by endorsement in OK. As previously stated, CA BVNPT is very specific that a LVN license earned by equivalency (method 3) is only valid in CA and [b} NOT [/b] endorsable to any other US state or territory.