jenmitch1979

I actually haven't begun job hunting. I did sign up for the refresher course and, so far, it has been a waste of good time and money. I would be embarrassed to have my name attached to much of the written material used in the course. Misspellings, typos, exercises with conflicting or absent (and important!) information--seriously--it's completely unprofessional. I do think that there are some things I can learn from the material, but either I'm much brighter than I gave myself credit for, or their standards are much lower than they should be given how basic the information has been to this point. Very disappointing. Maybe they'd like to hire me to rewrite their material when I'm finished? (I am a paid writer.) Good luck to other seekers!

I certainly agree that a refresher course could be a good thing--problem is, I have heard that the one Oklahoma offers pretty much sucks. Still, I am not a bashful person and have no problem seeking opportunities to be introduced to new methods, new equipment, new meds, etc. On the plus side, OK's Nurse Refresher course does include 80 hours of clinicals which I'd like to use to explore a couple of different units (specifically ER, OR and/or L&D). I have a BSN and have worked ICU and Home Health, with the majority of my experience in HH. I have zero desire to spend hours on the road again. Nor do I have any desire to work LTACH or Rehab. I am specifically looking to develop a new skill set and don't mind working at or near the same pay that is being offered to new grads. At the same time, I have no doubt that my learning curve will be short and I will be working independently more quickly than a new grad. And, though recruiters aren't allowed to ask, it should be obvious from my age (almost 50), that some of the complications of younger nurses (pregnancy, small children at home, etc) are behind me. That said, I have no desire to spend the time and money taking a refresher course, only to be turned away or recruited only by the local nursing homes. I am sure that I would be welcomed back to HH, but that would fail to serve the goals I've set for myself, and still wouldn't make me any more attractive in the clinical setting. Thank you for your insight and encouragement. I think my next step is to contact HR offices within an hour's drive and simply ask if they are hiring nurses in my position. If not, it may be time to seek a different career path. Thanks again.

Thanks Lorettap! It's been 10 years since I worked (for pay) on a regular basis, but I did volunteer work through '04. Didn't plan on ever returning and am still ambivalent. However, while working for Walmart has a certain appeal, I can make a lot more $$ as a nurse. Good luck with your job hunt. I know an RN that went back to work after 20 years out (she hadn't deactivated her license, so she didn't have to take the refresher course--kinda scary if you ask me), but she found her niche and has been very happy. I'm sure the same will be true for you. Blessings.

Am curious to know if there are any RN's who have done the Nursing Refresher Course. I deactivated my nursing license several years ago but am considering coming back. If so, did you find the course helpful? Did you have any difficulties finding placement once you completed the course? Knowing what you know now, do you recommend returning to nursing? Loved the patients. Hated the system. Thanks