R.N. reentry course's Atlanta

U.S.A. Georgia

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Hello, I am thinking of starting the Kennesaw (Wellstar) RN reentry course in Atlanta. Does anyone have experience with this program?? I have not practiced since 1985, but had extensive critical care, cath lab and CCU experience. I then went into a sales job in medical devices. Time to return to Nursing. Thanks

:yeah::yeah:I thought I would post my reply to someone asking me about the KSU program. Deedledumpling was a very positive influence in getting me to move forward and I hope to share this in an attempt to help others. You don't know who you might touch at a low point in their life but you will be deeply rewarded for doing so.

Hi *****. I have been conversing by email with a woman that just recently finished the last class. In fact it was last week. She actually got a job in CVICU which I thought was outstanding as I have been told that even after I have finished a refresher no facility will hire me for any ICU and probably not telemetry either. She spoke very positive about the program. I spoke to Ms. Brennan who is in charge of placment for clinical. Even though she told me right up front she could not guarantee me placement in the facility of my choice, especially since I live on the East side of Atlanta, she told me with hgh confidence she would get me placed some where to do my clinical. And of course the underlying premise is that whereever I do my clinical will want to hire me since it costs them money to train me. I was highly encouraged by that conversation.

So, I completed the application and paid my $250 deposit. I met the program coordinator, Ms. Reda. She is a charming lady with an infectious smile. Unfortunately, the online class is full for March. They can put you on the waiting list but it does not look very promising that slots will open up. Demand is high due to the economy. The May class will fill quickly I am afraid so if you even possibly think you will do it then apply today would be my advice. I regret not applying sooner and getting into the March class. I thought Emory was going to hire me and put me in their class because they have so many openings. I was wrong, they have very limited openings and will only place a few, a very small few. I am still in the running per the program coordinator but I am not taking a chance.

I bought the Brunner's set at KSU. It is a better price than online. The drug calculation book is cheaper as well. I spend half a day now looking for a job, the other half studying. I take time to exercise as I know the clinical environment will be more physical and I need to get into great shape. The young lady I spoke to said you really need to shine during clinical so I want to have a lot of energy and enduradnce. I put on my application that I wanted to do my clinical on the 7 p to 7 am shift.

Hope that helped. So why are you wanting to return? What have you been doing while away from Nursing?

Stay in touch, I would love to hear more from you and especially that you are joining the May class.

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I just got accepted to the March online class! Ms. Reda rocks! I will post progress if anyone is interested. Thanks Deedledumpling!:yeah:

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Specializes in Clinical Nurse Specialist-ICU, Educator.

I'd love to hear an update re the refresher course. I have a friend who is considering it, but keeps going back and forth about it. Any current info would be welcome.

I'm curious. What medical device did you sell? What made you want to go back to traditional nursing?

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Any updates on the re-entry program?

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Hello All, and sorry I didn't reply sooner!! I still can't say enough about KSU's reentry program!! I realize that it has now been 1 year since the time I started my clinical in the Med/Surg ICU. Ms. Brannon was very helpful and it was obvious she does her best to get you placed as best to your situation and location as possible. Also Ms. Reda was a godsend in helping me through all the paperwork and details of both applying and finishing the program.

They are a great new beginning for your career. I was indeed offered a position in the unit where I did my clinical. I will urge you all to be flexible about your hours and shift requirements. Initially preferring days to nights, I realize now that not only to get into the door, nights was the correct choice, but also starting back after so long, nights is the perfect place to become comfortable with the pace and specifics you will learn after reentry.

I am currently enrolled in the Penn State RN-BSN program online. I have just begun and am very excited to complete this degree. It will give me more opportunities for my future in our exciting, developing field, and I look forward to becoming a part of the "future of Nursing".

To answer another's question, I sold coronary angioplasty catheters.

Much luck to you all!!

Pray for Haiti!!

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Specializes in LTC Family Practice.

OK so I have a question for all of you. How long did take you to get approved by the GA BON?

Deedledumpling I see you had been out since 1985, were there any conditions to getting you license back and how long did it take to get through the GA BON?

Thanks

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I started the KSU reentry course on Dec. 3rd, 2008. By that time I had filed the first form with the Ga. BON. From then on, KSU handled the paperwork for the final approval. Once I finished the KSU course it was about early Jan. Then I had to wait until I got my temporary license which took about 3 weeks. I began my required 160 hrs. of "clinical" time working the my appointed preceptor in the unit. That took about a month, maybe 6 weeks. There was a week or two then awaiting my permanent license before I began my new job (in the unit I had done my clinical 160 hrs), on March 16th 2009

Debra Reda at KSU reentry program was hugely helpful, I felt all of the instructors, Dr. White the director and the clinical supervisor were all great. I do definitely recommend the program!!! After such a long time away, they made what was a very fearful situation into one I believed I could do. They told us all along that it will not be as bad as we thought. And they were right!!!

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Specializes in LTC Family Practice.

Deedldedumpling thanks for you quick response. The disparity between how RN's and LPN's are allowed to do their re-entry is appalling. I was out from 1991 and so far have been refused reinstatement via refresher course. I've taken online CE's for the Ohio BON and now have an active license there but I live in GA. I've been fighting with the GA LPN BON for over a year to get them to change their policies regarding LPN's and refreshers. You can read about it in my thread about my battle with them. RN's are welcome with open arms no matter how long they've been out and LPN's are thrown under the bus in this state if they've been out for more than 10 years. From my research this problem is unique to only GA.

I'm hoping the current legislation will change the laws to make the policies for reinstatement the same or at least similar.

Congrats on getting you license back and congrats on your job.

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