Are RN refresher courses helpful?

KarryRN · Jul 11, 2008

I took a refresher course. The theory part was online, but then I had clinicals on a pediatric floor. We had to find our own clinical placement, and could choose the area we wanted to work in. I now work on a peds floor, and feel like I haven't been out of nursing even though I was a SAHM for 8 years. The refresher helped me get my foot in the door.

snowfreeze, BSN, RN · Jul 11, 2008

I worked with some refresher nurse students last month. This program took them through the whole facility. I worked with one student for 8 hours in a telemetry unit and she was very much into doing hands on so we worked as a team through my shift. They say its like riding a bike, you just have to get up there and do it again.

After 8 years out of ICU nursing I got pulled to ICU from telemetry and had a nice assignment until 2am when I had to transfer one patient and recover an OR patient intubated and on diprovan. Had not done that for a while but it came back quickly and I had a lot of support staff too.

Find a program that fits what you want to do as a re-entry nurse.

Salgal08 · Jul 11, 2008

Thank you! The thing is, there are few refresher courses offered in my area, and they include classroom instruction and clinicals in a LTC facility (which is kind of odd because I live in a large metropolitan area with a lot of prominant hospitals).

I think it would be great if the HOSPITALS offered some kind of RN re-entry program to better meet the needs of a returning nurse. They are only offered through continuing ed at local colleges.

My backround is L&D, which I'd love to do again- or level II nursery. I'm not sure how a clinical in a nursing home can prepare me for that :lol2:

2bnewrnhong · Jul 22, 2008

How long have you taken an RN refresher course?

:nurse:

Salgal08 · Jul 22, 2008

The ones offered in my area are about 4-8 weeks long.

2bnewrnhong · Jul 22, 2008

which state do you live in？I live in Bay area of California.if you are in Ca,do you know which college is good for RN refresher courses. :nurse:

Salgal08 · Jul 23, 2008

I live in MN- Twin Cities. You could check the CA Board of Nursing website and maybe they would list some refresher courses in your area. Or you could try community colleges nearby. Good Luck!

lydienurse · Jul 24, 2008

Hi,

I have the same problem. I had a gap of non employment for 5 years, I'm french and I got my RN licence in Florida, last april. I 'm a pediatric nurse and I applied for many positions but unfortunately, everything came back neg. I went to the college but the refresher course takes 6 months! Few days a week. I 'm looking for a faster class with clinical part which is the most important for me. I'm in a hurry because it took me so long time to get my credentials evaluation, Nclex and work permit...;o(

Please, tell me if you find an interesting option. Thanks.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Jul 24, 2008

It seems that the refresher courses in my area are inconvienently far (New York). I think I remember reading that it was about 3 months, or so.

Salgal08 · Jul 25, 2008

I've heard of online refresher courses, but I think you need to arrange the clinical component yourself. I'm not sure how you'd do that- maybe call hospitals and ask about it?

It seems there is a need for better and more accessible RN refresher courses in most areas of the country. :confused:

Saifudin · Aug 3, 2008

I have a similar question about re-entering the work force but in a different way. Actually, I plan to repatriate back to the states after 14 years of working Saudi Arabia. I am committed to another year and will use this time for planning.

I am Director of Nursing in a mental health/addiction facility and I am also an adult NP. I am also currently mid-way through a masters in health care administration. I do not want to work in mental health or addiction directly once back. And, I have not practiced actively as an NP since being in Saudi. As the only western raised/trained nurse in my hospital I do a lot to establish a higher level of care with generally poorly trained staff from several countries, including Saudi. It is another world few can understand ( i think), unless you have been there. I'm not sure the direction I will take in the States. I left general nursing in 1981 for NP school and left NP practice in 1995 to come to Saudi.

With 30 years of experience and several consultancy assignments for the Ministry of Health while in Saudi I have quite a bit of experience but where to fit in back in the States, I am not sure.

I was thinking about a nursing refresher just to get up to speed with technology and would like to find an organized way to review general medicine for NP practice. In the end I will pursue management but if in nursing, I think knowing what is currently going on in nursing in the states would be helpful.

Any ideas or anyone who has faced a similar situation who might comment would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks