Do I need a refresher course

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I have been in the OR since 1998. I did one yr of LTC in 1997. I am looking for a job but do not want to go back to the OR because I WANT nights and weekends since I have kids. I only want PT or casual.

I feel like I lost all my skills. I want to go back to a surgical floor (or LTC). I have not given an injection since 1997 nor have I done a dressing since I was a student.

I can do catheters, IV's etc.

I have not done insulin since 1997. Would a surgical floor hire me? Do I need a refresher?

I would certainly recommend some sort of refresher .... perhaps not a course as much as a unit that would be willing to take you on and provide you with a longer term orientation. I am certain you will remember a lot ... just need to refresh your skills on the floor. Remember to get a new clinical book .... keep it with you and that will help a lot.

bump

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I have been in the OR since 1998. I did one yr of LTC in 1997. I am looking for a job but do not want to go back to the OR because I WANT nights and weekends since I have kids. I only want PT or casual.

I feel like I lost all my skills. I want to go back to a surgical floor (or LTC). I have not given an injection since 1997 nor have I done a dressing since I was a student.

I can do catheters, IV's etc.

I have not done insulin since 1997. Would a surgical floor hire me? Do I need a refresher?

Insulin? Just get a Insulin syringe, follow the sliding scale (if ac), and stick the patient around the belly button.

Dressings are another story. I hate using that foamy reston crap along with the usual dressing. You have to cut into shape and that's time consuming. I also hate wearing disposable plastic gloves when the tape I'm using to wrap/seal the dressing sticks to the glove.

I'm sure if you get hired on a surgical floor they will give you some sort of orientation...Use that as your refresher course...its not like you left nursing to be a banker...you were still in the nursing field..you know how to foley's and IVs that's half the battle...I think you'd do okay...the hardest part for you will probably be the time management