Foreign educated RN out of practice for 5 years

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Hi there! I'm a foreign-educated nurse and I moved to Columbus a year and a half ago. I obtained my BSN in 2010 from my home country, but I have never practiced since I graduated and passed my boards there. I am now preparing for the NCLEX, and hopefully I'll nail it. Anyway, I was wondering if you guys have any suggestions on how I can go back into the field since I have no professional experience. I'm inclined to take the RN refresher course offered by Cleveland State University, but I know that I'm more likely to have difficulties applying for a job. Is there a slight chance I can shadow nurses in clinics or hospitals without being in school? I really need to brush up on my skills. If you have any comments, ideas, input on this matter please contribute. I am struggling. Thank you so much!

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

Due to liability issues, no one but an employee is going to be allowed to touch patients, so following a nurse isn't really going to help you with skills. You would be better off taking the refresher course, and you may find that some employers wouldn't consider your application without it.

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Active Ohio license required to attend refresher courses in most states.

Ohio BON: Nursing Refresher Course List

Best wishes in this journey to active practice.

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