Nursing Jurisprudence and Ethics for Texas Nurses Practice Exam

A person may not practice or offer to practice professional or vocational nursing in Texas unless the person:

1. completes at least 500 hours of clinical practice in his or her nursing educational program.

2. graduates from a board-approved nursing educational program in Texas.

3. demonstrates basic nursing skills on the Nursing Competency Skills List.

4. holds a license as required by the NPA.

The correct answer is: completes at least 500 hours of clinical practice in his or her nursing educational program.

The correct answer is that a person may not practice or offer to practice professional or vocational nursing in Texas unless they hold a license as required by the Nursing Practice Act (NPA). In Texas, the NPA establishes that only individuals who possess a valid nursing license issued by the Texas Board of Nursing are authorized to practice nursing. This ensures that all practicing nurses meet the necessary educational, ethical, and competency standards established for safe patient care. The requirement to hold a license emphasizes the importance of regulatory oversight in the nursing profession, ensuring public safety and maintaining a standard of care that protects patients. Practicing without a license is not only illegal but also poses risks to patient safety. While completing a certain number of clinical hours or graduating from a board-approved program may contribute to a nurse's qualifications, these steps are part of the broader process to obtain the necessary license rather than standalone requirements for practicing nursing in Texas. Thus, the focus on licensing under the NPA underscores the legal stipulation that must be met before one can legally practice nursing in the state.