Refresher course without clinical hours...is it worth it?!

Nurses Retired

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I've been thinking about taking a refresher course because I have been a SAHM for almost 5 years. My husband is in the military so until my kids are all in school, it's just too difficult to return to work at this time, even PRN. When you move every 1-3 years it makes it pretty difficult.

Anyway, has anybody ever taken a refresher course, but not done the clinical portion? I'm wondering if it is a huge waste of my time or if it's worth it to keep updated on current information. I can do the entire refesher online, but obviously clincial hours are all in a hospital / clinic setting. Once again, I run into problems with my husband's career.

Any opinions?

Also, does anyone else feel like they could still go right back to nursing with no problem after 5 years? I swear, I have not forgotten a thing. I think it's terrible that we are considered unemployable after 5 years:(

Specializes in All Icus x Nicu/ Shock Trauma/flight nur.

I can share with you my experience. I took my course in Kansas. It is expensive, difficult but possible. For the clinical hours I made a phone call to a hospital and spoke with the education coordinator and that was that. I would exercise caution about who will precept you. This was the only problem I ran into I was offered ED dt my backround, when I went to the hospital I was given a nurse who had graduated 2 years prior with an attitude. That was a nightmare! FLTNRSE2

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Specializes in ER, Forensic Nurse, SANE.

I see your post was back in 2011. What did you decide? Does anyone ever go back to Floor nursing after being out of it for 10 yrs?

Let me know thanks.

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Hi all,

I am currently doing a RN refrsher..finishing up the theory portion, then the skills (3 day-- travel to the univ) then 146 hours of clinical at a hospital of your choice plus aids/hiv course, cpr, immunizations..its pretty intense..After 12 years away from nursing, I only want to do public health..not sure if I want to be a staff nurse at a hospital...where are you guys plannign to work after a refresher..I feel home health might not work for me since I quit pretty early in my nursing career only 1 year..:(

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Wow, it's been a long time since I've been on here. Someone asked me if I ever went back to floor nursing. Unfortunately, I have not. I think about it EVERY DAY and miss it so much. I never thought I would say those words. We are now living in a rural community with almost no opportunity for me to go back to nursing. I have not taken a refresher, but have been throwing around the idea of going back to school to become a nurse practitioner. Since we are stuck here for a while, I feel like I should make use of my time. I'm not sure what I'm going to do. I'm as lost today as I was last year, but I'm really hoping that I'll still be able to return some day.

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I also left nursing 4 yrs. ago to support my husband who is an Air Force NP and to raise my 3 boys. I have been researching RN refresher courses as well. Personally I really want the clinical component to the course. I am worried I have forgotten so much of the hands on stuff as well. Being military with little kids is hard. Hang in there sister warrior!

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Specializes in OB.

Thanks for the response. I forgot all about this post. Just an update, my husband is now out of the military. I had been out of nursing for 7 years. I took a refresher course, but decided to forego the clinical portion due to cost. I was able to find a job, no problem. I have been working for 3 months now and I'm amazed at how the skills were all still there. Once I was doing it all again, it was like riding a bike. Not much has changed. You still care for patients the same way. It is possible to go back and succeed. I hope this will help others not lose hope. Good luck!

Wanted to add, I am writing under my new user is. I couldn't remember my old one...LOL!

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I'm also in a similar situation. I haven't worked since 2010. I'm living in a different state now. My license is inactive so that means in California anyway that I need to sit for the NCLEX again to practice here. The refresher courses here require an active license so I'm scared to death. I took my EXAM in 1997 and I know I can't remember everything needed. Stressing everyday. Good luck to you though

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I haven't practiced nursing since 2011, and I have been inquiring about the nurse refresher courses. In Maryland there are certain programs that are accepted by the board of nursing. I think you have to check with your board of nursing to see what programs are accepted in order to reactivate your license. Good Luck!

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Why return to the bedside? Use your nursing skills elsewhere.

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I just completed the Nurse Refresher Course at Montgomery College in Maryland. It is Maryland Board of Nursing approved. It is a 3 1/2 month program. You can take the theory and clinical or just theory. I think it is a little more difficult to take the clinical alone.

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Specializes in Operating Room.
I just completed the Nurse Refresher Course at Montgomery College in Maryland. It is Maryland Board of Nursing approved. It is a 3 1/2 month program. You can take the theory and clinical or just theory. I think it is a little more difficult to take the clinical alone.

Thanks for this I appreciate the comment really I do. I am an RN but have no clinical experience. I literally graduated, passed the NCLEX the first time, and spent months being denied or not called back for new graduate nursing positions in the area (and I did not count out nursing homes either). My only issue with going to Montgomery College is they are extremely expensive and I would be frustrated again if I don't find work even though clinical will be at Holy Cross Hospital

Did you feel it was worth it

And how long did you have to wait until you found work

Did pay for it out of pocket or did you get loans and/or scholarships

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