[Adrena Mahu]

I have been a nurse for a number of years but have not used my clinical skills for some time. Refresher courses seem to be far and few; when I tell a perspective employee that I'd like a few weeks of orientation it seems to put them off. I have done med/surg nursing a number of years ago; taught elementary school; been a school nurse; done home health nursing for children with developmental disabilities; been an administrator; now I would just like to build my skills back up but don't know how to do it. Any advice?

[mrdoc2005]

Originally Posted by Adrena Mahu

I have been a nurse for a number of years but have not used my clinical skills for some time. Refresher courses seem to be far and few; when I tell a perspective employee that I'd like a few weeks of orientation it seems to put them off. I have done med/surg nursing a number of years ago; taught elementary school; been a school nurse; done home health nursing for children with developmental disabilities; been an administrator; now I would just like to build my skills back up but don't know how to do it. Any advice?

I have a cousin who retired from a 30-year career as an Air Force nurse (inspector col.) And, like you she wanted a refresher course. She moved to TN and now works at Vanderbilt as a staff RN. She said they offered many refresher courses and when she decided to work for them they keep her in orientation until she said she was ready.

[Adrena Mahu]

Originally Posted by mrdoc2005

I have a cousin who retired from a 30-year career as an Air Force nurse (inspector col.) And, like you she wanted a refresher course. She moved to TN and now works at Vanderbilt as a staff RN. She said they offered many refresher courses and when she decided to work for them they keep her in orientation until she said she was ready.

Thank you for replying to this query. I too have looked into refresher courses; there is one upcoming in August; however it is not connected to a hospital and I've hesistated to sign up for it since there is no job guarantee. Was your cousin's refresher with a hospital or an independent center?

Again thanks for replying.
Adrena

[mrdoc2005]

The refreshers were with Vanderbilt University/Hospital. I did not see where you are located at so in case you do not know of Vandy it is one of the top hospitals in the nation.

They are leading the way in many areas of research.

Moral of my store is that if a relocation is possible or a sort stay in the area then I think it would be worth the effort to come here.

Also, I can tell you I had no plans on moving to Nashville, but I have moved up here to stay with her for my summer hiatus from school and now I am look at houses in the area.

I have the email address of a recruiter if you would like to email me I will send it to you. I am sure they can tell you a lot more than I can.

mrdoc2005@hotmail.com (this is my personal email I can send it to you from their.)

[Dixiedi]

When I came back I spent a nearly a week with my current employer just familiarizing myself with the new vents, pumps, etc. I read every handout I could find, took wow, let me look it up real quick - 124 CEUs. It didnt' take me long to get right back in the game. However, before I left I had some solid experience in nearly every area to pull back out of the recesses of my poor brain.
If one employer turns you down, go to another. Nurses are in very high demand and fi they want a good nurse they will be willing to allow you a bit of time to reorient yourself.

[mattsmom81]

The local community colleges and the universities with nursing programs sponsor nurse refresher courses several times a year in my area of Dallas Fort Worth. Hope you find something close...if not consider a short vacation to another area and write it off on your taxes as a necessary expense. Good luck..you are needed back in the trenches.

[imenid37]

Hi! I wish you the best of luck in your endeavours. I am not sure what area you are in. The University of PA in Philadelphia has a refresher course which I have heard is very well-respected. There is another course at the University of Delaware. The link for that one is: http://www.continuingstudies.udel.ed...efresher.shtml.
Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) also has a course. I saw that Mesa community College in AZ has an online refresher, but I am not sure if that is only valid in that state. You could also try your state BON.

[oramar]

After 3 almost 4 years away from nursing I am back a year. I got back into the grove with little difficulty but I had excellent preceptor and full support from other staff members. Do you know I still think about taking a refresher course because I am positive there are things I don't know and that I don't know that I don't know them .

[suetje]

You definitely should be able to request an externship or an internship to learn and get up to speed. That's what we do with new nursing students, and they usually learn very well. Plus, you would be precepted so you wouldn't have to shoulder all the responsibility all be yourself till you're ready. Ask for an internship. Like someone said, nurses are high demand right now (pay doesn't show it, but...) you sure should be able to get a job, especially at a larger center. GFI!!! (go for it!)

[earle58]

hi adrena,

you have a remarkable background and noticed that your masters level. go take that refresher course in august, even if it's not connected to a hospital. it's even more guaranteed that you'll have more difficulty in obtaining a job w/o this refresher course. much much luck to you.

leslie