RN Requirements in Texas
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses make up the largest occupation in health care, with 2.6 million jobs as of 2010. Most registered nurses work in hospitals, but they may also work in a variety of other environments, including schools and nursing homes. Most of the requirements to becoming and staying an RN are the same across the country, but registered nursing in the Lone Star State is overseen by the Texas Board of Nursing.
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Education
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There are several educational paths to becoming a registered nurse in Texas. There are many two-year programs in the state, usually offered at community colleges, which result in an associate's degree in science and the right to sit for the national nursing licensure examination, the NCLEX-RN. You may also enroll in a four-year bachelor's degree program and get a bachelor of science degree. Licensed vocational nurses who want to become RNs can enroll in an LVN-to-RN program, which allows them to get their nursing degree in a shorter period of time. Aspiring nurses who already have a bachelor's degree in another field may be able to enroll in a second-degree or accelerated degree program. Admission to nursing school is competitive, however, and students may need to take a number of prerequisite courses and sit on waiting list for some time.
Examination
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Before being licensed, Texas nurses have to pass the examination administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, the NCLEX-RN. The NCLEX exam is given by computer at authorized testing centers across the country. Before taking the exam, students must submit an application to the Texas Board of Nursing, receive authorization to take the test and then sign up for the exam through Pearson VUE, the company responsible for giving the NCLEX as of 2010. Those wanting to take the exam must also submit the exam fee, which in 2010 is $200.
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Renewal
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Once licensed, registered nurses in Texas are required to renew their licenses every two years. RNs must also complete 20 contact hours of continuing education credits before they can renew. First-time licensees are exempt from this for the first renewal, but not thereafter. You do no need to send copies of your credits to the board of nursing, however, but only show them if you are chosen for an audit. Advanced-practice nurses must take continuing education classes within their specialties.
Additional Regulations
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After being licensed and employed, a licensed vocational nurse or a registered nurse must use the title LVN or RN and wear a badge indicating her name and title at all times while she is providing patient care. All Texas nurses also must be fingerprinted, but this is done at a random time, at least once during a 10-year period. If you do not send your fingerprints once chosen, your license will not be renewed.
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References
- U.S. Department of Labor: Occupational Outlook Handbook-Registered Nurses
- Texas Nursing Schools: How to Become a Nurse in Texas
- Pearson VUE: 2010 NCLEX Examination Candidate Bulletin
- Texas Board of Nursing: Frequently-asked Questions About Licensing
- Texas Board of Nursing: Fingerprinting FAQs for Texas RNs and LVNs
Resources
- Photo Credit the nurse with a mask on face sits at a table image by Cosmic from Fotolia.com
