RN Transition Nursing Licensure

Completion of the RN Transition Program does NOT guarantee that a graduate may take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nursing (NCLEX-RN).

The Texas Board of Nursing has identified certain circumstances that may render a potential candidate ineligible for licensure as a registered nurse in Texas. The board provides each individual with an opportunity to petition the board for a Declaratory Order as to their eligibility in accordance with Article 301.257 of the Nursing Practice Act.

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, please submit a request for a Declaratory Order Petition to the Texas Board of Nursing. Processing your petition may take six to 12 months, or longer, after you provide all required documentation, depending on your circumstance. Failure to request a Declaratory Order for the offenses listed below prior to submitting your application may delay your acceptance into the RN Transition Program.

• For any criminal offense, including those pending appeal, have you:
  1. been convicted of a misdemeanor?
  2. been convicted of a felony?
  3. pled nolo contendere, no contest, or guilty?
  4. received deferred adjudication?
  5. been placed on community supervision or court-ordered probation, whether or not adjudicated guilty?
  6. been sentenced to serve jail or prison time? court-ordered confinement?
  7. been granted pre-trial diversion?
  8. been arrested or have any pending criminal charges?
  9. been cited or charged with any violation of the law?
  10. been the subject of a court-martial; Article 15 violation; or received any form of military judgment/punishment/action?
• Are you currently the target or subject of a grand jury or governmental agency investigation?
• Has any licensing authority refused to issue you a license or ever revoked, annulled, canceled, accepted surrender of, suspended, placed on probation, refused to renew a license, certificate or multistate privilege held by you now or previously, or ever fined, censured, reprimanded or otherwise disciplined you?
• Within the past five (5) years have you been addicted to and/or treated for the use of alcohol or any other drug?
• Within the past five (5) years have you been diagnosed with, treated or hospitalized for schizophrenia and/or psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, paranoid personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, or borderline personality disorder?
• You may answer “No” if you have completed and/or are in compliance with TPAPN for substance abuse. Further information may be found at Texas Peer Assistance Program for Nurses.

Further information concerning eligibility issues and the declaratory process can be located at the Texas Board of Nursing website – www.bon.texas.gov.