Is a Refresher course really necessary/helpful??

P_RN, ADN, RN · Aug 7, 2010

In my state it's mandatory if you have been out of practice for a certain length of time. So, yes I think it is a great idea.

kfflorida · Aug 7, 2010

I am in the same boat...but I feel like I can never get back into nursing since I do not have the experience, just the education that I have not used in 6 years. Is it hopeless to get back into nursing?

Tina, RN · Aug 7, 2010

I had been out of nursing 6 years when I decided to go back per diem. I was told be every facility that I needed to complete a refresher course, since it had been over 5 years. I did the class, and am currently on orientation for my new job. :)

I think that in your situation, it will be very useful. Just be sure that your refresher class has a clinical component. Good luck!

Minnie2006 · Aug 7, 2010

Having been in your situation a little over a year ago, I can honestly say that the refresher course is well worth it. The basics of good nursing care have not changed but technology and treatments are constantly changing. Every day on the floor presents a new learning opportunity. It will help to boost your confidence and make the transition back easier. I was out of school much longer and am now employed. It's not always easy but it can be done. Good luck to you and welcome back.

caliotter3 · Aug 7, 2010

If it is required in your state, then at least on that level it is useful. But I really think it could not hurt in the long run anyway. Good luck.

grateful2010, LPN, LVN · Aug 7, 2010

Thank you everyone for your responses. In my state it isn't mandatory to take a refresher course, hence the lack of schools oofering the course in my state. I know It will boost my confidence extremely. I was a good nursing student so I'm sure I will get the hang of things again pretty quickly. I have a feeling employment will follow suite. The refresher course program I am applying for is a 6 week intensive class with 2 clinicals per week. I'm excited!

grateful2010, LPN, LVN · Aug 7, 2010

I had been out of nursing 6 years when I decided to go back per diem. I was told be every facility that I needed to complete a refresher course, since it had been over 5 years. I did the class, and am currently on orientation for my new job. :)
I think that in your situation, it will be very useful. Just be sure that your refresher class has a clinical component. Good luck!

You're officially my new motivation!:)

pers · Aug 7, 2010

I waited more than ten years between graduating and taking the NCLEX. I had looked into refresher courses but they aren't mandatory in my state and there was nothing close by and affordable so I chose to take a job without doing one. I don't doubt a refresher course would have boosted my confidence but I'm not sure how much more I would have gotten from that than I did from orientation. I don't think it will hurt you and if you have the means and opportunity, I'd definitely say go for it!

I do think it's entirely possible to just complete orientation and be on par (or beyond) the "real" new grads. While they were ahead of me in certain aspects by coming straight from school and clinicals, that edge was gone in just a couple of weeks as I caught up very quickly. I still feel behind with regards to medications but in truth, they aren't really doing any better with them. We're all becoming familiar with the meds we see every day and continuing to look up the ones we don't see very often.

I know I've forgotten a lot but things really did come back once I began working. I was very honest with my employer and my preceptors about my education and experiences to make sure I got what I needed to practice safely and was very active in structuring my orientation. Unlike some of my fellow new nurses, I didn't think I knew it all and I wasn't afraid to let others know I was ignorant. I believe this gave me a better orientation compared to many new grads because I was quick to acknowlege all the things I didn't know and learn from anyone willing to teach me. Other new grads on my floor showed up for orientation and took what was offered in terms of learning experiences while I worked really hard to seek out new experiences in an effort to "make up" for the gap between my education and practice.

Sounds a bit backwards to say it, but I'm actually a better new grad for having waited to practice! I have no doubt that if I'd started practicing when I graduated that I would have done just fine but I'm sure I would have felt embarrassed to not know things and ask. The feeling that others must expect me to hit the ground running would have kept me from asking the "dumb" questions that I now would feel even dumber not asking.

l.a.m.b, ADN, RN · Aug 7, 2010

definitely yes! its not only for your patients saftey, but yours. also your pt's will have peace of mind as they watch you....no pt wants to see you fumble around, looking puzzled and not appearing to know what you are doing. believe me they do watch us.

grateful2010, LPN, LVN · Aug 10, 2010

I waited more than ten years between graduating and taking the NCLEX. I had looked into refresher courses but they aren't mandatory in my state and there was nothing close by and affordable so I chose to take a job without doing one. I don't doubt a refresher course would have boosted my confidence but I'm not sure how much more I would have gotten from that than I did from orientation. I don't think it will hurt you and if you have the means and opportunity, I'd definitely say go for it!
I do think it's entirely possible to just complete orientation and be on par (or beyond) the "real" new grads. While they were ahead of me in certain aspects by coming straight from school and clinicals, that edge was gone in just a couple of weeks as I caught up very quickly. I still feel behind with regards to medications but in truth, they aren't really doing any better with them. We're all becoming familiar with the meds we see every day and continuing to look up the ones we don't see very often.
I know I've forgotten a lot but things really did come back once I began working. I was very honest with my employer and my preceptors about my education and experiences to make sure I got what I needed to practice safely and was very active in structuring my orientation. Unlike some of my fellow new nurses, I didn't think I knew it all and I wasn't afraid to let others know I was ignorant. I believe this gave me a better orientation compared to many new grads because I was quick to acknowlege all the things I didn't know and learn from anyone willing to teach me. Other new grads on my floor showed up for orientation and took what was offered in terms of learning experiences while I worked really hard to seek out new experiences in an effort to "make up" for the gap between my education and practice.
Sounds a bit backwards to say it, but I'm actually a better new grad for having waited to practice! I have no doubt that if I'd started practicing when I graduated that I would have done just fine but I'm sure I would have felt embarrassed to not know things and ask. The feeling that others must expect me to hit the ground running would have kept me from asking the "dumb" questions that I now would feel even dumber not asking.

I re-read your post many times today. I've been having so much doubt in taking this refresher. Every time I've said I officially made up my mind to take a refresher course I never have a settling feeling. I have always gone by the phrase "doubt means don't"; This time in paticular I decided to avoid my tried and treasured rule-which might explain the unsettling feelings I've been experiencing lately. Well, now I feel great and relieved. I am not taking a Refresher Course! After weighing all of my options, funds, future travels, and the fact that my state doesn't require it (probably for good reason) I came to the best decision for me. :up:

I'm sure I'll gain employment soon, Fear is what's holding me back, especially. For the past two weeks of looking for employment I did get a few call backs from agencies and per diem jobs, but then again that's mainly what I've been applying for. It's time to believe in myself and abilities and kick things into high gear. Please pray for my success :)

Not_A_Hat_Person, RN · Aug 11, 2010

How about taking a refresher course if you have an active license but haven't worked in a while?