Working as an RN in Texas

Working as a registered nurse (RN) in Texas often provides access to a wide variety of facilities and flexible opportunities. With a large population spread across both metropolitan and rural areas, Texas depends on well-trained nurses. RNs may find work in busy urban hospitals, specialized medical centers, and smaller community clinics. With its sizable healthcare infrastructure, Texas can be an appealing option for nurses looking for short-term or per diem shifts.

RN job responsibilities and duties

While the exact responsibilities differ by facility and specialty, most RNs share similar duties, such as:

• Assessing patient health status through observations and examinations
• Creating and following care plans
• Administering medications and treatments
• Monitoring patient conditions and reporting changes
• Documenting patient histories and care
• Operating medical equipment
• Providing patient education and discharge instructions
• Coordinating with other healthcare professionals for continuity of care

Required education, license, and certifications for RNs in Texas

To become an RN in Texas, candidates must complete an accredited nursing program—typically an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)—and then pass the NCLEX-RN exam. After passing, they must apply for a license through the Texas Board of Nursing. Nurses coming from other states can seek licensure by endorsement.

Many employers prefer or require certifications, such as Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), and specialty certifications can lead to higher-paying roles.

What RNs need to know about working in Texas

Texas is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing RNs with a multistate license to practice there without additional licensing. This can save time and money for nurses accepting per diem shifts or moving between states.

The state’s many hospitals and clinics offer competitive pay and a wide range of work settings. Working conditions and wages vary, but overall, Texas provides promising opportunities for RNs at all career stages.

Cost of living

Texas generally has a lower cost of living compared to many coastal states. Cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston are more expensive than smaller towns, with Austin’s rapid growth driving up housing costs. For more affordable options, nurses might consider San Antonio, Fort Worth, or outlying areas near the big cities. In many parts of Texas, it’s easier to stretch a paycheck than in other large metropolitan regions.

Major health systems and key medical facilities

Texas hosts some of the nation’s most respected healthcare institutions. The Houston area’s Texas Medical Center, for example, includes top-tier facilities like MD Anderson Cancer Center. In Dallas-Fort Worth, systems like Baylor Scott & White Health and Texas Health Resources offer multiple sites. Austin features St. David’s HealthCare and Ascension Seton, while San Antonio has University Health and Methodist Healthcare. RNs can also find solid opportunities in smaller communities, which often appreciate nurses seeking flexible shifts.

Nursing schools and education in TX

Texas supports a strong network of nursing programs at universities, colleges, and community colleges. Leading schools, such as the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Texas A&M Health Science Center, and Texas Woman’s University, provide rigorous training. Local programs often partner with healthcare facilities, creating pathways for clinical experience and career advancement. Many programs rank well nationally and help ensure that the state’s nursing workforce remains highly skilled.

For RNs aiming to expand their credentials, Texas institutions offer advanced degrees and specialty tracks, including nurse practitioner and nurse anesthetist options.

Professional organizations and programs

Professional organizations can help RNs stay informed and connected. The Texas Nurses Association (TNA) offers resources and advocates for nurses. Specialty-focused groups, such as chapters of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) or the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA), provide targeted education, networking, and support.

Local mentorship programs, workshops, and hospital-sponsored training also support career growth. By engaging with these groups, RNs can enhance their skills, refine their practice, and build professional networks.

Working as an RN in Texas: the bottom line

RNs considering per diem roles in Texas may appreciate the state’s participation in the Nurse Licensure Compact, which eases the administrative burden. Texas’s abundant healthcare settings range from major academic medical centers to smaller community hospitals, ensuring opportunities that fit various professional goals.

While some regions are more expensive, many areas in Texas remain relatively affordable. Combined with the state’s broad healthcare infrastructure, strong nursing education programs, and supportive professional groups, these conditions can create a favorable environment for RNs seeking well-paying, flexible nursing jobs.