swterry

According to NOVA's website, the two week clinical experience is on a med-surg unit. I'll let you know if I find out there's some flexibility with the actual unit assignment. CJW was the only option for clinicals in Richmond. She did say if I was willing to travel, there were other options. I asked about flexibility with the timing of the clinicals because of a conflict with my job (which may not be a problem now.) I was told there was some flexibility, but they try to schedule clinicals as close as possible to the final skills weekend. Clinicals are full-time and based on the preceptor's actual schedule (days/evenings -- either three 12 hr shifts or ten 8 hour shifts.) The required textbook is "Medical-Surgical Nursing: Critical Thinking in Client Care", and so far, most of the on-line modules/videos/animations seem to go along with chapters in that textbook (many appear to also be included on the DVD in the back of the text.) I also had to go on-line and purchase a separate $44 on-line access code which is available for this textbook. I made the mistake of buying the text from Amazon -- if I'd bought the text through the campus bookstore or the bookstore's website, the access code would have been included in the price of the book. The class is accessed on-line via www.mynursinglab.com. I have assignments which need to be completed by a given deadline each week, but everything is self-paced within the week. Weekly assignments include reading 5 to 8 chapters from the textbook, completing on-line modules, watching some on-line animations/videos, and taking a one hour weekly test. I've been told it should take anywhere from 25 - 40 hours each week to complete the required independent study. The reading takes the most time. The "IV Infusion Therapy" two day skills weekend is not mandatory, but it's already included in the cost of the refresher class -- if enrolled in separately, it costs $400. The second skills weekend is mandatory, and is scheduled for the weekend prior to clinicals. The instructor and the coordinator have been absolutely great so far, and that's been invaluable. I'll let you know how it goes.

Yes, I'm finding that it's definitely "who you know" that is key to finding a job right now -- especially if you've been out for any length of time. I decided to enroll in the NOVA refresher -- even if I continue working for law firms or reviewing claims, a refresher will be very helpful. I requested CJW for the two week clinical component here in Richmond. Before I could enroll in the class, I had to get a physical, TB skin test, MMR/Varicella titres and Hep B shots. I also had to renew my BLS, get professional liability insurance and order a background check (including criminal/sex offender.) The instructor has been great. The on-line component consists of reading a med-surg textbook, watching on-line modules and taking a graded open book test each week for 4 weeks. There are also two skills weekends at NOVA. If I maintain a passing grade, I'm eligible for the clinicals. Additional Information: Here is another refresher course that the Virginia Nurses Association told me about -- http://www.learningsvc.com. Here's some interesting information on the complexities of finding a clinical rotation (including contracts, fees, insurance, etc.) http://www.learningsvc.com/finding_a_clinical_rotation.html as well as http://www.learningsvc.com/clinical_requirements.html Very interesting reading... North Carolina seems to have a very organized RN refresher program. Virginia RN's can take the on-line self-paced theory component for $625 through UNC, but the clinical component appears to be for NC residents only. http://www.fridaycenter.unc.edu/cp/catalog/nursing.html

I haven't signed up for a refresher program yet. It's definitely a lot of money and both programs would require taking time off from my current job for clinicals -- 8 Mondays (George Mason) vs. 2 weeks (Northern VA). If I was sure I had a job lined up, I wouldn't mind taking time off. However, I haven't been able to find anyone yet who would consider hiring me if I completed a refresher course. My last job in a clinical setting was 18 years ago, and I've been a nurse paralegal and claims reviewer since then. I'm also 58 years-old. The instructor at one of the refresher programs said most of the people in their class have been out 10 years and just want to return to their former jobs. I spoke to one recruiter who said she didn't know much about refresher programs -- but she thought I'd been out of nursing too long to be hired even with a refresher course -- things had changed too much, she said. Another hospital recruiter left me a voice mail message saying they don't have any fellowship/preceptorship programs. They do have a Pathways in Nursing program, but she said it's not something you can apply for -- I'd have to actually apply for and be hired for a specific job, then request to take the program. I'm not getting a feeling that I would be in great demand ... but I'll keep calling around. The law firms just love me, so maybe I should stay put.

I'm considering the RN Return to Practice program at Northern Virginia Community College. I live in Richmond, but I can't find any refresher classes here. The course at Northern Virginia Community College is on-line, but I'd have to go to northern Virginia for two IV/skills weekends. They say they can arrange for me to complete the 2 week clinicals here in Richmond at CJW. I'd looked at the refresher program at George Mason, but it sounds like lots of driving/hotels (4 Mondays, and 4 three-day weekends in northern Virginia.) Northern Virginia Community College costs $2400, while George Mason costs $1200. I'd love to get some feedback from anyone who has taken either of these programs, or knows of any similar programs closer to Richmond?

I have been a nurse paralegal for several years. I've also been a claims reviewer evaluating Vioxx claims packages and assigning settlement values. Law firms (especially those who specialize in medical malpractice, products liability, class action settlements, insurance defense, personal injury) will usually pay a premium for someone with a nursing background. However, once you get involved in litigation with drop dead deadlines, you never know when you can leave work, and you may have to work weekends or travel for weeks at a time to trials in other cities. You are also obligated to bill a certain number of hours each year (so you're tracking each 6 minute interval of the day and figuring out which client to charge). Overtime is basically a given ... you absolutely have to get the work done on deadline, and may have to take it home with you. So really, you are lucky to get 2 full days off each week. You have to juggle many long term deadlines. I'm now looking at an RN Refresher class to return to working three 12 hour days ... grass seems to always be greener, doesn't it.

How did the honey work?