Question:
Dear Donna,
I've recently moved from New Jersey to Texas with my husband and family.I have applied for RN licensure through endorsement. The Texas board of nursing requires verification from all states and from other countries. I had a registration/licensure in India that must be verified, according to Texas BON, however, the Indian nursing board would not verify my registration based only on my request but also required a request from the Texas BON. They might also accept a letter from an employer stating that this verification is required. My temporary license will expire in 10 days, and I do not have an employer. I am really frustrated and do not know what to do. I worked in a skilled rehab, long term care for 14 years in the U.S. I am pursuing a BSN. Do you have any suggestions for me?
Trying to Get License by Endorsement
Dear Donna replies:
Dear Trying to Get License by Endorsement,
One thing you can do is contact the National Association of Indian Nurses of America (www.naina.org) for help and support with this even if you're not a member. They have two Texas chapters so contact them both (http://www.nainausa.com/links.html). I'm sure many of their members have been through the same thing.
Otherwise, contact the board of nursing directly and explain the situation.
Contact them by both phone and e-mail. Be persistent. Ask for an extension on your temporary license and for help with requesting the verification from India. I'm sure you're not the first nurse educated in India to apply for a license in Texas. If one person there can't help you, talk to someone else. If necessary, ask a local politician (assemblyman, congressman) to get you through to the right person at the board of nursing.
You can also contact CGFNS International (www.cgfns.orga) and see if they might be able to assist you. They are in the business of credential verification for nurses educated outside of the U..
Best wishes,
Donna
