These days there have been a lot of demands for nurses in the healthcare system. With the increase in such demand, many people have been aiming to work as nurses. They have been in search of states to work at.
Texas is one state which has great openings for people desiring to become a nurse. If you wish to work in Texas, this article will help you get an idea about getting a nurse’s license to work in Texas. It also provides information on license verification and renewal.
Texas Board of Nursing
The Texas Board of Nursing has the authority to pass laws and approve rules relating to licensing nurses. It aims at providing efficient nurses who can assure the safety of the patients. It also focuses on providing nurses who use safe practices and exhibit proper conduct.
You can get a license for Registered Nurses (RNs), Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) from the board.
A license from the Texas Board of Nursing is a must for people wanting to practice nursing in the state. If your license expires, you will not be allowed to work as a nurse in the state.
If a nurse does not renew their license before expiration, they will be placed on delinquent status. A nurse with this status cannot work in Texas. Also, you have to pay some amount to turn your status to an active one. You will also have to fulfill some other conditions.
Applicants can quickly and safely apply for a nursing license through the Texas Nurse Portal. They can be provided with a license either by test, approval, or updation. The new system allows people to apply online at their convenience.
A validity of at least 60 days is necessary before you apply for a new license or its renewal. You have to create an account and register yourself through the Texas Nurse Portal.
Getting nursing licenses can get complicated and confusing at times. There are two ways you can get your nursing license:
Thorough Examination:
If you are applying for a license through examination, you must have a graduate degree from a recognized nursing school.
Must have passed the Texas nursing law exam before passing the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination)
Should pass a criminal background check
Through approval:
Must have graduated from an authorized program in nursing
Should have passed the required exam
Should have experience working in the nursing sector or have appeared on the National Council Licensure Examination exam (NCLEX).
Nursing License Renewal
Here are some things to remember before you begin the license renewal process
You can renew your license online, which is the easiest way. You will require a license number and the last four digits of your social security number. You will also be required to pay a few charges.
You must also fulfill the mandatory CE (Continuing Education) or CNE (Continuing Nursing Education) conditions. If you do not satisfy the CE requirements, you will not be able to renew your license.
Make sure that the state you reside in is a compact state that allows practicing in Texas.
Also, remember that your license should be active and not in the delinquent status to be able to renew your license.
License Renewal Requirements
Nurses can easily renew their licenses these days online from the Texas Nurse Portal. They just have to fulfill the CE requirements. They will also have to make a payment to renew their license through the Texas Nurse Portal.
A person who wants to renew their license must acquire CE and specific other requirements. Following are the conditions:
For Registered Nurse (RN)
Every 2 years:
Continuing education in the area of specialty for 20 hours
For those who work with older people, 2 contact hours are associated with elderly care.
For those who provide direct care to patients, a course on human trafficking prevention.
Every 6 years:
Two hours dedicated to studies relating to nursing law and conduct.
Required only once:
For those who work in an accident-related setting, 2 hours course on forensic evidence collection.
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
Every 2 years:
Continuing education in the area of practice for 20 hours
For those working with older people, 2 contact hours related to care for senior citizens.
For those who provide direct care, a course on human trafficking prevention.
Every 6 years:
Studies related to nursing law and conduct for 2 hours
Required only once:
Two hours course on forensic evidence collection for those working in accident-related settings.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs):
Every 2 years:
Continuing education in the area of practice for 20 hours
For those working with an older patient, 2 contact hours related to elderly care
5 hours of pharmacotherapeutics with a certified authority
Course on avoiding human trafficking for those dealing with direct patients.
Any APRN whose practice includes treating tick-borne diseases must participate in CE.
Every six years:
Two hours on the ethics and law of nursing.
Every year:
Two hours yearly on topics related to safe and adequate pain management when prescribed opioids and other substances for APRN who has agreed with an authority allowing the use of opioids.
One hour that meets the demands of the Texas Pharmacy Board, covering the most advanced practices, multiple strategies for pain management, and different treatment options for those whose method involves the prescription of opioids.
Becoming a nurse is a noble adn a great job, but it is easier said than done. The studies related to nursing are complex but get more complicated when you have to put them into action and perform it. It takes a lot of patients to become a nurse.
But your study alone will not make you into a nurse; you need to be certified and hold a proper license to start practicing nursing. So don’t wait any longer; get your license at the earliest and start practicing nursing.
Hi my name is Rachel; a registered nurse. I graduated from one of the best nursing programmes and have been working in the medical field for 10 years. As a licensed practical nurse, I understand the plight that comes with the job. While I enjoy taking care of patients, I understand the long working hours that nurses have to deal with. We spend majority of the shifts walking around the medical centre making sure all patients are taken care of and this requires a lot of work and energy on the feet. https://bestnursingshoes.net has been created to help nurses from different parts of the world find the perfect shoes to reduce the strain on your feet and posture and make the job much easier.
Nursing Trends
