Texas Board of Nursing Requirements

The practice of professional nursing demands that the clinician be free from the influence of any substance that would impair judgment and thinking ability. As a result, health care agencies are requiring students who work directly with patients to undergo drug screening. Nursing students must also be free from impairing substances. Health care agencies and the SONHS require drug screening of all nursing students prior to their first clinical experience. In addition, SONHS students are subject to screening if either the faculty suspects that the student is impaired at any time on campus, or during any health care experience or any other university or work-related activity. Any student whose test is deemed positive will not be able to enroll or continue in the nursing program for a minimum period of one year. Determination will be made by the Program Director. The SONHS is required to report any positive screens and/or suspicion refusal to the appropriate board.

BOARD OF NURSING - TEXAS

The mission of the Texas Board of Nursing (TBON) is to protect and promote the welfare of the people of Texas by ensuring that each person holding a license as a nurse in the State of Texas is competent to practice safely. The Board fulfills its mission through the regulation of the practice of nursing and the approval of nursing education programs. This mission, derived from the Nursing Practice Act, supersedes the interest of any individual, the nursing profession, or any special interest group. You may access the TBON via their website.