Do I need to take a RN refresher course?

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Specializes in Home health care.

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I'm 61 and left nursing 10 years ago to start my own business (book dealer).  Now, my circumstances have changed and I need insurance and some extra cash for 3 years until I can get Medicare. I have a partner who can still run my business. Here is my background: 

Graduated ASN in 1999, worked 2 years on hospital general medical floor. Then worked 12 years in home health care (various agencies).  We did have EHR back then.  Took a number of OASIS training classes but never certified. I was great at drawing blood but horrible at starting IV's. I did Western Govenors Online for my BSN but got half through the program and didn't finish and have no plans to go back at my age. If I do decide to go back to nursing, do you think I need to take a nursing refresher course before an agency will hire me? Or will having a preceptor for a month or two be enough? 

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Specializes in retired LTC.

I think Medicare is 67 yo so I think you're talking a bit longer (I could be wrong here).

How much will that affect your plans? Your health, current skill set and all those other things that nurses in similar straits face are critical factors too. 

A refresher course MIGHT help, but what are you looking for? What will you accept?

Not easy decisions. Good luck to you. And welcome to AN.

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Specializes in Home health care.

Medicare is 65. Retirement age is 67. Retirement age has to do with how much SS you collect. I’m healthy. I’m just looking for a home healthcare job doing revisits and SOC.  I’m just wondering how much has changed in the specialty over the last 10 years. Would an agency hire me without a refresher if I worked with a preceptor? 

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Specializes in oncology.
5 hours ago, SueK said:

I'm 61 and left nursing 10 years ago to start my own business (book dealer).

I am retired now but have sold books for many years including currently. I retired at 62 for Social Security but as you said the longer you work, the higher the benefit. I was just ready to be done. 

I am glad you are healthy and want to work more. I doubt home health has changed in the last 10 years for post op visits and the like. 

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Specializes in retired LTC.

Knew I wasn't sure re those ages!

Re home health - from my reading here, I think the documentation has increased ginourmously!

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