do i need refresher course after two years off?

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi, everyone. I would really appreciate some input. I have two years med-surg staff floor nurse and 2 months of travel agency neuro. I quit to get married and haven't worked in two years. I have recently applied for jobs but was wondering if I should go ahead and start a refresher course. I live in Louisiana and there are no refresher courses near so it would be online and I heard it was really hard to find places to do clinical for those. Though I don't know if I need it I was just reading around this site and it seems like it is more difficult to find a job. I didn't even get interviewed really at the last two hospitals I worked at. It was really easy to get hired. But after two years off??? Any help or advice would be appreciated. I am really nervous.:rolleyes:

lkwashington

557 Posts

Specializes in Tele, ICU, ED, Nurse Instructor,.

It would not hurt to do a refresher course. It depends what floor you would like to work. Are you still CPR certified or ACLS? If you decide to work Med-Surg, in my opinion you may not need a refresher course because Med-Surg is the foundation of nursing. Plus you have maybe a couple of weeks in orientation with another nurse. You may want to call your state BON for some definite answers. Good luck!! Keep us posted.

ocean waves

143 Posts

Hello. With a good resume of nursing work experience and your work only two years ago, I don't think you need a refresher course at this point in order to obtan a good RN nursing job. When I did not work for a period of four years, I was able to get an interesting position doing private duty home health nursing at a nursing agency without taking a refresher course. I agree with the writer who mentioned that a current CPR certification is usually required, however employers often provide CPR classes for new employees. Best wishes!

pers

517 Posts

I had ten years between graduation and my first nursing job, no refresher course and it was fine. One of the nurses recently hired on my unit is coming off a four year break (marriage and kids) and she didn't take a refresher either. I'd say if you are in a market that's saturated, you may want to take a course since the competition may be pretty stiff. If you are in market that's pretty open, unless you want it for yourself, I wouldn't worry about it and focus on finding a job with a decent orientation.

Tweety, BSN, RN

34,218 Posts

Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

I wouldn't worry about it, just make sure you get a proper orientation one-on-one with a nurse.

jrowmom

27 Posts

Thanks everyone for your input.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN

4 Articles; 7,907 Posts

Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

A refresher course definitely couldn't hurt. But is it necessary? That depends on your local job market and what they are looking for.

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