Missouri RN Refresher Course

[AJL_91]

Hello,

I'm a MO licensed RN that has worked away from the bedside since 2002. After sitting behind a computer for the past 17 years ... would really like to pursue clinical 'hands on' care again (at least on a PRN basis.) Know I will need an RN refresher but after doing internet search the options are kind of confusing. For example, there are many 'on-line' refresher courses. Wouldn't you need to do an on-site course to work on hands on skills, etc? Would love to hear experiences from anyone else who has done this.

Thank you! ~ AJ

[InSchool4eva20, MSN, RN]

I am in a similar boat but only out four years due to getting a terminal degree. I plan to go back to practice to keep up my skills once I'm finished. If you call hospitals they usually have a refresher program, usually a 12 month program with clinical immersion. A friend of mine just went back after five years and the hospital she went to didn't require the refresher, but allowed her to orient with a nurse as long as she needed. She is going on three months and still orientating but feels she is almost ready to go on her own.

[Jordee, BSN, RN]

I have taken 3 refresher courses over the years, because I worked in the Pharmaceutical industry and needed a refresher to be considered for agency PRN or hospital work.

The first was in 2002 and it was a traditional community college course where you attended a few evenings and clinical skills were done in the lab.  At the end of it we took a proctored simulated NCLEX exam test.  I think it was the Mosby Adaptive.  This was enough to get back to agency and PT hospital work.

The second time in 2012 was the University of Delaware's  online course. It is quite popular.  You need an inactive license in your state to do clinicals.  It was very thorough and concluded with having to go to their Newark, DE campus to take a comprehensive test based on the content of the course.   It stopped after 75 questions. Then the clinical experience was gained by going to a hospital in your state and shadowing a nurse for several 12 hour shifts.  The university has a list of hospitals if the course is acceptable in your state where they have made arrangements.  I did not apply for a hospital job after this refresher because I decided to keep my job and pay off my mortgage before going FT into nursing again.  I did this and early retired in 2016.

The third time was in 2019 where I took a hybrid online and in house Community College course..  You need an inactive license to do clinicals.  The final test was online consisting of course content.  Clinicals consisted of six 12 hour Saturday sessions at a local hospital with a clinical instructor where we were given a nurse preceptor for the day.  After receiving an active license, I got a hospital job within a few months despite being an advanced age (61).

When you do go job hunting after the Resfresher, be sure to attend open houses. Hospitals get many online applications and if they can see who they are hiring it is an advantage.

Good Luck!