R.n. Refresher Course

[Faynell]

Hello everyone,

Recently moved from Pensacola, Florida to the Lonestar State. We live in Texarkana, Tx area. Here's my situation and am wondering if there are other nurses out there in the same boat that I'm finding myself in.

Graduated from RN school in 1980 - Worked in hospital setting till 1991....Med / Surg -- both floor and surgical ICU experience. I loved my job! Made decision to stay home after my second son was born in 1991 and haven't worked since that time. Florida is experiencing Critical Nursing Shortages and I'd been wanting to re-enter this career field so while in Florida went thru incredible legnths of "redtape" to get my florida nursing license. Only to find out when applying at hospitals that I "needed a refresher course." (which i totally agree with by the way) The problem is that I COULD NOT FIND ANYONE that offered a refresher course to nurses such as myself.

I don't want to go thru the hassle and expense of obtaining a Texas nursing license only to find I can't get a job. So, If there are any nurses out there who have experienced this problem OR are dealing with it...........PLEASE REPLY TO THIS ----WOULD APPRECIATE ANY ADVICE! HECK, I'D EVEN BE WILLING TO DRIVE TO DALLAS IF ANY OF THE HOSPITALS THERE OFFER SOMETHING LIKE THIS! Texarkana isn't that big of an area and it would "greatly" surprise me if any of the facilities here offer a refreasher course.....but am gonna start calling to find out.

Noticed a lot of post by new nurses......Welcome and wish you all nothing but the best as you embark on your career.

Faynell

[calemjess]

Sorry, I cannot offer any advice, but I am in a similar boat. I have been on the look out for a job (part time). I worked over 5 years in Neuro ICU and have been out of it for about 7 years. I feel like I need a refresher course. If you find any good information.......send it my way and I'll do the same.

I'm in the East Texas area.

Kim

[PCloudy]

You might try the larger universities (like UT) as I think they have courses that would serve as refreshers. Also the State Board has info on such issues. I'd contact them for info - nothing like the original source.

web site: http://www.bne.state.tx.us/

Hope that helps, PC

[frybread]

Hi

I know that Austin Community College offers a refresher course for RNs and LPNs. It has both a classroom and clinical component. The classroom component is on weekends and lasts for 12 weeks.

Perhaps other community colleges have these refresher courses as well.

[Carthage]

Panola College in Carthage, Texas, has an RN refresher course. It is an independent study. You can contact Barbara Cordell in the ADN program for additional information.

[live4today, RN]

Yes, refresher courses are offered all over Texas. I know for a fact the community college in San Antonio, Texas offers one, and the community college in Austin, Texas offers one too. Check with the community colleges, and also with the local hospitals in and around where you live. May have to travel to Dallas to get your refresher. I wish you well in your hunt for returning to nursing and finding a refresher program. :)

[Cleacia]

There is a refresher course that is held in Arlington, TX. I took it last january when I was wanting to re-enter nursing after being out for 4 yrs. It lasted approx. 10wks and then I applied at local hospitals. I had to start at new grad pay but at least I was able to start working.

Cleacia

Texas

[purplesdk]

I found a good refresher class in Houston. They are friendly, and they are willing to work with you to fit your schedule to their's and visa-versa. The company is TX Board of Nursing approved. You might want to call them and get additional information for yourself. Good Luck!

The company is: Professional Healthcare Education Service, Inc.; 9955 S. Post Oak Rd, #123, Houston, TX, 77096; 1-713-788-0620; www.phesonline.com

[IamRN]

I had to start at new grad pay but at least I was able to start working.

Cleacia

Texas

That doesn't sound right! What about your previous experience? Didn't the facility take that into consideration? I just came back into nursing after being away also for four years. The facility, however, did take into consideration my previous year's experience. I would not have hired on if they had not. There are plenty of hospitals that would!

[Carthage1]

Kim, Faynell and 2 others will start the refresher course at Panola College in March! Go through it with her and support one another! The nation needs you nurses.

Sorry, I cannot offer any advice, but I am in a similar boat. I have been on the look out for a job (part time). I worked over 5 years in Neuro ICU and have been out of it for about 7 years. I feel like I need a refresher course. If you find any good information.......send it my way and I'll do the same.

I'm in the East Texas area.

Kim

[purplemania, BSN, RN]

If you have not practiced in 5 years Texas REQUIRES you to complete a refresher course. They will consider your situation and make recommendations as to how many of the 10-15 courses you must complete. All can be done online via the address given above (Houston). To do them all costs about $1500, but you may not be required to do them all. Your employer may assist with the cost if they need you as a nurse. All the info you need is on the Board of Nurse Examiners site: http://www.bne.state.tx.us. If you take an UNAPPROVED course it will not count towards the BNE requirement, so be sure you read their guidelines first. Good luck and welcome to Texas.

[TexasNurseEducator]

I agree go to the source. The rules are different in each state. For instance, Texas does not allow completely online courses it says so right on the permit instructions. There must be in class portions with instructor input and direction. I quote, "Home study and/or video-based programs are not acceptable as the primary or sole means of instruction." and "

Must include a didactic (excluding home study)" So, see your BON site: Texas is www.bon.state.tx.us then, click on applications and forms then Six Month Temporary Permit info is where the Refresher requriements are listed.