Good resources for a nurse going back to work after break?

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Hey everyone. I graduated nursing school 5 years ago and I worked full time for 2 yrs after that (renal) and then prn for 2 yrs after that (med/surg float pool). Then I got pregnant 1.5 yrs ago and stopped working and I'm just now wanting to go back to work. I just got a job as a per diem med/surg float pool nurse.

Even though it's only been 1.5 yrs since I've worked, I'm afraid I've forgotten a lot of my nursing skills, medication knowledge, assessment skills, etc. Im looking for a book or website or SOMETHING that can help me refresh myself before going back to work. I know that it will come back to me quickly (or at least I hope it does! lol) but I'm just nervous Im going to suck! lol

Any advice or books for someone like me? Like a Nursing Refresher Course for Dummies or something? :)

Thanks so much!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

There are formal refresher courses for nurses who are re-entering the workforce, but these are usually pretty structured and involve some clinical practicums. Suggest you talk with your facility's education department and see if they have some resources you can use.

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I am using Saunders NCLEX review book. It comes with a CD and a pre-test exam that prioritizes your areas for study based on results of the exam. It then makes up a 6 week schedule for review, beginning with your weakest areas. I am also using DVD's from my Foundations of Nursing text, which have step by step videos of basic nursing procedures, and procedures checklists you can print out. I have a set of drug flashcards (not the best), but am planning to make a set of more simple and basic ones based on the Kaplan and Saunders NCLEX review texts. I am hoping this will keep my knowledge fresh as I continue to search for an RN job, over 2 years past graduation.

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