extensive orientation

[ilmbg]

I wasn't sure if I should put this on the 'career' forum, but thought more people might see my question on this on. Looking on the Texas BON site for information getting a license when it has been inactive for several years. My last license was in Wyoming. The site information states that you can do a nurse refresher course, an extensive orientation, or go through nursing school again. Have any of you, or someone you know done the 'extensive orientation' route? How do you go about this- do you find an employer that will do such an orientation without pay, and then hire you- do you get hired, have an orientation with them while being on the payroll, or do you hire someone to give you such? For me, it would make sense to do an extensive orientation, even without pay. If I had realized the complications of letting my license go, I would have kept it! Thanks for your help.

[suzanne4, RN]

You will find it easier to complete a refresher program at a community college in your area. Trying to find an employer before you have completed the refresher will be much harder for you to find.

Best of luck to you.

[whipping girl in 07, RN]

I'm guessing the "extensive orientation" would be like a new grad orientation/internship. But all our new grads couldn't start work till they got a temporary license to work under as a RNA till they passed boards. So how would you get the job if you didn't have a license? Would you get a temporary license?

[ilmbg]

That is what I am trying to figure out. An extensive orientation would make more sense to me. I wonder if you 'watch', without assisting, then when you have 'passed' that part, get a temp license to do the actual hands on. Will call tomorroe- I always want the answers at night, when there is nobody to talk to at BON! I have no patience- I want answers NOW! (I am impatient in most ways- always want to know right now) I don't want to take the 'easy' route- I want the hard, fast route! Easy doesn't challenge.

[Mommy TeleRN, RN]

you might try calling a few hospitals and asking for their help..they may know some ways. I know some local hospitals offer nurse refresher courses but I don't know if your license has to still be active or not.

[soozeeqrn]

I did not let my license lapse, but I had worked in MD office for 7 years after graduation and really didn't feel qualified to safely return to the hospital setting. When I chose to seek employment at a hospital. I took an RN refresher course and negotiated a longer orientation like they do with new grads. I have been working on a post op/ortho floor sucessfully for 5 years now. Good luck, Sue