Nurse Practitioner Guide to Locum Tenens Jobs in Texas

Our recruiters and staffing specialists do not expect you, the provider, to know ins-and-outs of every state in the country. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled information from TripAdvisor, state government pages, and tourist information sources to give you a glimpse into life in Texas.

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Texas boasts a history marked by a recurring theme of transformation. Native American civilizations thrived before Spanish conquistadors claimed the land. Mexico won independence from Spain, only to see Texas break away to form its own republic. After statehood, ranching empires dominated until the discovery of oil brought industrialization. The 20th century saw further change with technology and space exploration. Today, Texas is an economic powerhouse, a blend of vast landscapes, diverse communities, and the legacy of its ever-evolving past.

The Lone Star Republic was born, a scrappy and independent nation, before joining the USA. Cattle drives, oil booms, and even space exploration shaped the state. Today, Texas does everything big – from gleaming cities to classic honky-tonks. Texas is an economic powerhouse, a blend of vast landscapes, diverse communities, and the legacy of its ever-evolving past, with a heaping side of Texas pride.

• The Alamo & Texas History: Remember the Alamo in San Antonio, explore missions along the San Antonio Riverwalk, and relive legendary stories of the Texas Revolution.
• Cities & Culture: Experience the vibrant energy of Austin, Houston, or Dallas, with world-class museums, live music, and diverse culinary scenes.
• Hill Country Charm: Take a scenic drive through the Texas Hill Country, visiting quaint towns, tasting at wineries, and swimming in natural springs.
• Coastal Adventures: Soak up the sun on the beaches of South Padre Island, enjoy water sports in Galveston, or explore the lively city of Corpus Christi.

• Oklahoma: Texas shares its entire northern border with Oklahoma. The distance from central Texas to the Oklahoma border is negligible. 
• New Mexico: Texas shares a long western border with New Mexico.  The distance from central Texas to the New Mexico border is approximately 650 miles. 
• Louisiana: Texas’s eastern border is formed by the Sabine River, with Louisiana situated on the other side. The distance from central Texas to the Louisiana border is around 300 miles.

What is the Scope of Practice for Nurse Practitioners in Texas?

In the state of Texas, the scope of practice for nurse practitioners is restricted. The law stipulates that a collaborative agreement must be established between physicians and NPs. This agreement is a formal arrangement that outlines the working relationship between the two parties. It delineates the roles and responsibilities of each party, and it is required for one or more elements of NP practice.

Can Nurse Practitioners Sign Death Certificates in Texas?

Nurse practitioners can sign death certificates in certain circumstances in the state of Texas. The specifics of these circumstances are governed by state regulations and can vary. This responsibility is a testament to the trust placed in NPs and their integral role in healthcare delivery.

Does Texas Recognize Nurse Practitioners as Primary Care Providers? 

Nurse practitioners are considered by law to be primary care providers in certain situations in the state of Texas. This recognition is not universal but is contingent on the situation, as dictated by state law. This provision allows NPs to take on roles traditionally reserved for physicians, thereby expanding access to primary care services, particularly in underserved areas.

Can Nurse Practitioners Prescribe Schedule II Drugs in Texas?

In the state of Texas, nurse practitioners are granted schedule II prescriptive authority, but this is not a blanket authorization. It is specifically tailored to certain settings and types of practice. This means that NPs can prescribe schedule II controlled substances, which include certain types of pain medications and stimulants, among others, but only within the confines of their practice setting and type.

Do Nurse Practitioners Qualify for Medical Staff Membership in Texas?

In the state of Texas, the composition of medical staff within healthcare facilities is not arbitrarily decided. Instead, it is determined by a set of rules and regulations known as facility bylaws. These bylaws are essentially a legal document that governs the operation of the facility and outlines the responsibilities and privileges of the medical staff.

Can Nurse Practitioners Order Physical Therapy in Texas?

In the state of Texas, nurse practitioners are granted full authority to order physical therapy for their patients. This is a significant aspect of their role in the healthcare system, allowing them to provide comprehensive care. A NP can assess a patient’s need for such a treatment, and then order it accordingly.

Can Nurse Practitioners Sign Handicap Parking Permit Forms in Texas?

Yes! Nurse practitioners are authorized to certify disability for parking placards in the state of Texas. NPs can assess a patient’s physical condition and determine whether their disability qualifies them for a parking placard.

Can Nurse Practitioners Sign POLST/POST/MOLST/MOST/COLST Forms in Texas? 

No, nurse practitioners are not authorized to sign POLST forms in the state of Texas. These forms are designed to communicate a patient’s wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment. They are typically used in situations where a patient has a serious illness or is near the end of life. The forms provide specific medical orders that are to be followed by healthcare providers, ensuring that the patient’s wishes are honored.

Can Nurse Practitioners Sign Do Not Resuscitate Orders in Texas?

Nurse practitioners are not authorized to sign Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders in the state of Texas. DNR orders are typically signed by a physician after a detailed discussion with the patient or the patient’s healthcare proxy or legal guardian. This conversation involves a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s medical condition, prognosis, and personal wishes regarding end-of-life care.

What are the Continuing Medical Education Requirements for Physicians in Texas?

In Texas, nurse practitioners are required to fulfill 20 CE hours to renew their license. There are additional requirements for nurses practicing in emergency rooms, with two hours towards forensic evidence collection for sexual assault victims, two hours for geriatrics, and two hours for nursing jurisprudence and ethics.