PRN Nursing Jobs in Texas: Ultimate Guide [2024]

Covering 268,597 square miles, Texas offers enough attractions to keep you busy for a lifetime. Plus, with a population of over 30 million, this state needs a constant supply of nursing professionals to care for the substantial and growing population.

Are you considering nursing school in Texas, or have you recently graduated? You may also be an experienced nurse contemplating a move to the Lone Star State to start working in Texas. Regardless of where you are on your nursing career journey, this resource will help you find what you need to know about studying, living, and working in Texas as a nurse or nursing assistant. Read on to learn about the best nursing schools, PRN nursing jobs, average salaries for nurses and nursing assistants, the cost of living, things to do in Texas, and more!

Best Healthcare Centers in Texas

Are you looking for neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), pediatrics, cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU), or emergency room (ER) jobs for nurses? Luckily, the wide world of medical centers in Texas offers a diverse and thriving healthcare landscape.

While settling on only 10 hospitals and clinics in Texas is complex—since various factors could make a facility the "best"—we're here to introduce you to some of the state's top 10 health centers and systems. 

1. MD Anderson Cancer Network: The internationally recognized MD Anderson Cancer Center excels in cancer care and research. Its steadfast dedication to cancer treatment has positioned it as a world-leading cancer center. Some of its locations in the Houston area are The Woodlands, League City, and Sugar Land.
2. Mayo Clinic Health System: Located in Austin, Mayo Clinic is famous for its dedication to patient-centered care and its extensive range of services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health.
3. Memorial Hermann Healthcare System: This system is renowned for its excellence in heart and vascular services. Hospitals within this network are strategically located across Katy, Fort Bend County, The Woodlands, Memorial City, and various areas within Houston.
4. Texas Children's Hospital: A pioneering force in pediatric healthcare, offering a wide range of specialized services and a steadfast commitment to advancing child health through innovative research and clinical care, it holds the esteemed rank of the second-best Children's Hospital in the country.
5. Texas Medical Center (TMC): In Houston, the Texas Medical Center stands as the largest medical complex in the world, comprising renowned hospitals, support organizations, and multiple academic institutions. Its expansive infrastructure, commitment to research, and collaboration across specialties make it a hub for innovation and cutting-edge healthcare.
6. University Health System: Located in the San Antonio area, this healthcare entity serves South Texas and is known for its wide array of services, research initiatives, and educational programs. Furthermore, University Hospital, which belongs to this network, is the third-largest hospital in Texas by number of beds.
7. Parkland Health & Hospital System: The city of Dallas has a healthcare system that is very well known for having inclusive practices for LGBTQ patients and staff. The network is recognized for its trauma care, burn center, and infectious disease treatment and is committed to meeting the needs of the underserved. 
8. CHRISTUS Health: This health network in Irving is recognized for its commitment to providing compassionate, patient-focused care. It is a faith-based and non-profit healthcare system with a broad spectrum of healthcare services, including cardiovascular and cancer care.
9. Cook Children's Health Care System: In Fort Worth, this network is a leader in pediatric healthcare, known for its child-friendly environment and numerous medical specialties, such as Neurology, Endocrinology, Hematology, Orthopedics, and Cardiology.
10. University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) Health: Established in 1891 in the city of Galveston, it was a trailblazer as the first public medical school and hospital in the nation to operate under a single leadership structure. It is celebrated for its clinical expertise, research, and dedication to advancing healthcare for the community.

It's important to note that while these institutions are among the best in Texas, many other excellent healthcare centers are available.

How to Get a Nurse License in Texas

You might be aspiring to become a nursing professional; if that is the case, you'll want to know how to obtain a Texas nursing license. Here are the main programs aspiring nurses can choose from:

• Practical Nursing Programs: These programs take approximately one year to complete and prepare nurses to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN), which is required to obtain a nursing license and become licensed vocational nurses (LVNs)—or licensed practical nurses (LPNs), which is the term used in most states. 
• Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) Programs: The most direct way to become a registered nurse (RN) is through an associate's degree, which takes approximately two years to complete. These programs prepare and qualify graduates to take the NCLEX-RN and become licensed registered nurses.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Programs: This nursing program takes approximately four years to complete and also qualifies graduates to take the NCLEX-RN to become licensed registered nurses. The investment in time and money pays off since RNs with BSNs have a competitive edge over RNs with ADNs and, on average, receive higher salaries.

Other options to enter the nursing field—such as becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA) or a patient care tech (PCT)—are also available. However, the Texas Board of Nursing does not provide licenses for these healthcare workers.

Best BSN Nursing Schools in Texas

Are you intrigued by the opportunities presented by a BSN program? If so, you'll want to consider the top BSN programs available in Texas. Although choosing the right nursing program for you can also include factors such as location and cost, a school’s NCLEX pass rate is an excellent indicator of the quality of its nursing program. Below is a list of BSN programs in Texas boasting NCLEX-RN pass rates of 90 percent or more.

Source: Report of 2022 NCLEX-RN® Examination Pass Rates for Professional Nursing Education Programs

Already a nurse? Use the Texas nursing license lookup tool to verify the status of your license. 

How Much Do Nurses in Texas Make?

When looking for per diem nursing jobs in Texas, one of the factors to consider is financial compensation and how this income relates to the cost of living in the state. The minimum wage in Texas is $7.25, yet the average hourly rate for an RN is $40.54. 

Knowing this, it is also essential to factor in that in Texas, the living wage required for a single adult to meet basic living costs is $16.79 per hour; therefore, an RN compensation would typically allow a comfortable lifestyle. 

For you to have a better idea of the potential yearly income while working as a nurse, here are the annual averages for different types of nursing professionals:

• RN Salary: $84,320
• LVN (LPN) Salary: $52,850
• CNA Salary: $32,150

When deciding on your ideal city for residence, it's vital to consider both the mean incomes and the cost of living. To assist you in evaluating which cities can provide the highest pay, we've compiled the following chart, taking into consideration each city's average salary offerings:

Table created based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

As seen above, some of the highest-paying cities in Texas, whether you are searching for RN, LVN (LPN), or CNA jobs, would be Houston, The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Austin, Round Rock, Midland, Killeen, and Temple.

Cheapest Cities in Texas

Having acknowledged the realities of standard living costs, you may have shifted your focus from pursuing the highest income to seeking the most affordable city to reside in—a wise choice! 

With this in mind, here is a compilation of all the Texas metropolitan areas, ranked from the most budget-friendly to the more costly cities to call home, all based on their living wage standards:

• Longview: $14.15
• El Paso: $14.46
• Brownsville, Harlingen: $14.74
• Amarillo: $14.90
• McAllen, Edinburg, Mission: $14.98
• Killeen, Temple: $15.00
• Wichita Falls: $15.04
• San Angelo: $15.11
• Texarkana: $15.13
• Sherman, Denison: $15.18
• Waco: $15.21
• Lubbock: $15.22
• Abilene: $15.36
• Laredo: $15.83
• College Station, Bryan: $15.85
• Beaumont, Port Arthur: $15.89
• Victoria: $16.05
• San Antonio, New Braunfels: $16.20
• Tyler: $16.49
• Corpus Christi: $16.58
• Odessa: $16.71
• Houston, The Woodlands, Sugar Land: $17.06
• Dallas, Ft. Worth, Arlington: $17.78
• Austin, Round Rock: $18.15
• Midland: $18.49

Source: https://livingwage.mit.edu/states/48

Fun Facts about Texas

Texas is not only known for its sizable geographical territory but also for intriguing and captivating fun facts. Here are a few:

• Everything's Bigger in Texas: It's no secret that Texans take pride in their state's enormity, but here's an interesting twist: You can fit the entire countries of France and Switzerland within the borders of Texas—with a little room to spare. 
• The Independent Nation of Texas: Texas was once its independent nation. Before Texas was formerly part of the United States, the state held the distinctive status of the Republic of Texas. This exceptional historical period is commemorated each year on Texas Independence Day, observed on the 2nd of March.
• A Hat Tip to Dr. Pepper: If you are a Dr. Pepper lover, you must know that its origins trace back to Waco, Texas. Today, the oldest operational Dr. Pepper plant stands in the state, inviting curious visitors to explore the heritage of this Texan-born beverage.
• Texas Bluebonnets: Every spring, the Texas landscape is transformed into a natural awe-inspiring sight as vibrant blue hues blanket fields, highways, and meadows. Proudly hailed as the state flower, the Texas bluebonnet entices residents and tourists alike to partake in the breathtaking visual feast. Ennis is a prime location to witness this display annually.
• Mysterious Lights: Nestled within the vast expanse of West Texas, the small town of Marfa has gained notoriety for its enigmatic Marfa Lights. These unexplained, flickering luminosities that grace the desert night sky have remained a source of intrigue for scientists, locals, and generations of perplexed visitors.
• Astronomical Pursuits: The McDonald Observatory near Fort Davis is a prominent global hub for cutting-edge astronomical research. With its powerful telescopes, the observatory offers visitors the opportunity to indulge in stargazing and attend celestial soirées, allowing them to marvel at the mysteries of the universe.

Weather Diversity across Texas

With over 30 million residents, Texas is a large state in population as well as in size. Furthermore, the state's size allows it to enjoy various weather patterns and temperatures. 

• Coastal Regions: Cities like Houston and Galveston, along the Gulf Coast, are characterized for having a humid subtropical climate. Hurricane season, typically from June to November, can bring powerful storms to these coastal areas.
• Hill Country and Central Texas: Cities like Austin and Boerne, nestled in the picturesque Hill Country, enjoy a more temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters. This area has a legendary wildflower display in spring, with native flora painting the landscape in vivid colors.
• North Texas: Plano and Dallas-Fort Worth is the part of Texas where summers are hot and winters relatively mild. The north of the state is also known for its occasional winter ice storms, but snowfall is rare.
• West Texas and the Panhandle: Cities like Lubbock experience a semiarid climate. This area also suffers from extreme temperature fluctuations and is known for its stunning desert landscapes.
• East Texas: Abundant rainfall characterizes cities like Conroe and Tyler. This area is also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, thanks to its lakes and lush forests.
• South Texas: The climate in cities like McAllen and Laredo is subtropical, with scorching summers and mild winters. This region is renowned for its Tex-Mex cuisine and proximity to the US-Mexico border.

No matter your climate preference, Texas has a region that can suit your tastes, making it a land of meteorological diversity.

Things to Do in Texas

The heart of Texas beckons with a warm and welcoming embrace, and its recreational and cultural offerings are as diverse as the vast landscapes that define it. Here, we present a curated selection of the finest experiences and cities you can find in Texas, each one exuding its unique charm:

• Live Music: In the vibrant city of Austin, often hailed as the "Live Music Capital of the World," a symphony of melodies fills the air. Venture to the iconic Sixth Street or take in a live performance at The Moody Theater to truly grasp the essence of the city's musical spirit.
• Rodeos: Fort Worth proudly honors its Wild West heritage in the Stockyards National Historic District. Here, the thunderous hooves and daring feats of rodeos captivate the onlookers while authentic Texan barbecue and cowboy attire shopping complete the Wild West experience.
• Culinary Delights: The cosmopolitan melting pot of Houston boasts an exceptional culinary scene, reflecting the rich tapestry of its population. From delectable Tex-Mex to fragrant Vietnamese pho, a world of flavors awaits in this city.
• Cultural Festivals: San Antonio dazzles with its lively cultural celebrations, most notably the grand Fiesta San Antonio. The city-wide fiesta brings forth parades, melodic tunes, and mouthwatering Tex-Mex cuisine, ensuring an unforgettable experience.
• Outdoor Adventures: The serene enclave of Boerne and the surrounding Texas Hill Country beckon outdoor enthusiasts to explore their breathtaking landscapes. Hiking, biking, and tubing along the Guadalupe River are among the many offerings for nature lovers.
• Waterfront Fun: Lake Conroe offers a tranquil oasis amid the hustle and bustle of life. Boating, fishing, and dining by the lakeside are cherished activities in this peaceful haven.
• Beach Life: Galveston Island is a coastal jewel adorned with pristine beaches and a storied maritime history. Visitors can meander through historic neighborhoods, unwind on sun-kissed shores, or enjoy a whirlwind ride at the iconic Pleasure Pier.
• Cultural Exploration: The bustling metropolis of Dallas boasts world-class art institutions, such as the Dallas Museum of Art at Dealey Plaza. Additionally, the city's vibrant nightlife and upscale shopping experiences cater to those with a taste for the finer things in life.
• Wine Tasting: Fredericksburg and the Texas Hill Country have gained a reputation for their exquisite wineries and lush vineyards. Embark on a wine tour and savor the taste of award-winning Texan wines while immersing yourself in the scenic surroundings.
• Family Fun: Corpus Christi, a coastal gem, is an ideal family destination. Visitors can indulge in family-friendly activities, including exploring the Texas State Aquarium, touring the USS Lexington Museum, and basking in the sun on beautiful beaches.

From bustling urban symphonies to tranquil natural retreats, Texas extends a warm invitation to indulge in a medley of recreational and cultural experiences. It is a destination for savoring exceptional cuisine, immersing in rich cultural traditions, and reconnecting with the great outdoors.

Discover the Nursing Opportunities in Texas

In this state’s striking and dynamic healthcare tapestry, opportunities are as expansive as Texas itself. There's no time to delay: Texas beckons as the stage for your nursing odyssey, with your next chapter poised to unfurl.