After Nurse refresher

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I am in the process of finishing up a nurse refresher course and wanted some input of how to incorporate that in my resume. Where would that type of information be placed on the resume? Would it be education or experience? I would love to hear from anyone that did a refresher and was able to obtain a nurse position. I have been away from nursing for 8 years and did administrative work in the meantime but I am ready to get back to bedside care. The recruiters looked at me like I had the plague when I started my search for a position.:crying2: Thanks in advance for any feedback.:nurse:

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Good for you. I was able to secure a job on a general med/surg unit when I finished my refresher course 2 years ago. I had never done bedside nursing prior to that. I listed it under education on my resume and included clinical site and number of hours with it. I elaborated more on it in my cover letter. I felt a little awkward explaining my lack of experience but it was more important to me to be home with my children, than to work at the time. I truthfully explained this and it all worked out. It is scary to take the first steps but it does get better and your confidence will grow. Good luck with your job search. Hope you find an area you like.

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Specializes in Oncology, Rehab, Public Health, Med Surg.

This year I returned to hospital nursing after a 16 year gap (refresher course in Jan)--although I had done some home care nursing during that time.

Yes, I did get the plague-type looks. And I did get terribly discouraged. But I am now working at my hospital of choice, in my area of choice, and at a pay rate I am pleased with.

I put my refresher information including clinical times in the recent experience area of applications and resumes. I highlighted it in my cover letter.

One thing that I wish I had known was to start work on finding employment immediately. Do not wait for the refresher to be over. Make contacts at the place you do clinicals and network, network, network.

Almost everyone in my refresher course has a nursing job now. The job market is tough right now but you can do it.

Best of luck to you.

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Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

Where did you do your refresher course. It seems North Dakota is the only one I can come across.

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Specializes in Oncology, Rehab, Public Health, Med Surg.

Not sure who you are addressing but I took my refresher in the Dallas area

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Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

It was really an "in general" question. Was it online or did you have to take it onsite and do clinicals?

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Specializes in Oncology, Rehab, Public Health, Med Surg.

Mine was at one of our area's major hospitals. Most of the academic work was online and there was 80 hours of clinical experience

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I am being turned down! I am told I don't have recent experience. How did you all get your jobs? I will read all of your replies!

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