Finished Refresher Course

Hey gtoko:

Congratulations on finishing up your Refresher Course! How much time elapsed, for you? (just curious)

Can't speak for salary....But I have worked 12 hour nights for about....28 years. When my kiddies were young I worked weekends (Thursday, Friday, Saturday nights) for about 8 years. I learned to sleep in and around their schedule. I also learned how to take power naps, smile. I made sure other family, friends and "chosen family" knew my schedule so that the phone calls in the middle of MY NIGHT/mid-afternoon were at a minimal.

Have fun. Pack healthy snacks. Please DO NOT DRIVE DROWSY (many's a day when I pulled over and slept for ~ 30 minutes so that I could drive and arrive home safely)

athena

YAY!! I have finished my refresher course. Starting 7p-7a next week. I have never worked night shift:eek:. Any tips/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Those of you who have little kids, how do you sleep and have family time? I am so excited and grateful for the opportunity,but I just hope I can handle nights.

I think I got a pretty decent base rate,21.50/hr. Any thoughts/input would be greatly appreciated.I researched RN salaries for my locale,and got a wide range of salaries.The position is on a med-surg floor.Do yall think I received a decent rate?

Thanks :)

Hi!

How does the refresher course consist of? Is it a theory, clinical?How many months?

I just inquire in one community school here,they wanted to talk to me first,according to the course advisor, it is individualize approach.I am afraid my lack of experience for 8 years,will dictate an expensive individualize approach.

Any tips you can give me?I really needed this refresher course since I also have some impairment.This means I have to work harder on my resume.

Any inputs will be appreciated.

Hi CharrGn,

The refresher course I took was through a state university nursing school. It consisted of 23 didatic online nursing theory modules. You ahd to pass each final exam before you could move on to the clinical component. The clinical component was 160 hours of clinical on a med surg floor. I met with my preceptor beforehand and I worked the same schedule as she did. I was responsible for having my immunizations up to date, TB,drug screen,background check, and malpractice insurance,which I already had. I also had to wear the color scrubs the nursing staff wears at the hospital. I also kept my license current and active, I just did not work in a hospital setting for 7 years, and so, to return to the hospital environment, I took the refresher course. I am so glad I did! I refreshed my skills and regained my confidence, while having a preceptor. I feel ready to accept a full caseload of patients now.

I would recommend you contact your state board of nursing, and they can probably guide you from there. I am sure the programs vary greatly. I would recommend taking one with a clinical component.

Good Luck and keep me posted..... You can and will do it:)