Refresher course for active RN?

[RNOTODAY, BSN, RN]

Does anyone know about nurse refresher courses? What if a nurse has never worked in a med surg type area, but wants to brush up skills there, would a refresher course be appropriate? I ask because I have worked since I graduated 6 years ago, but nothing to do with med surg, and I feel I need some brushing up in that area. So, any advice?

[Jolie, BSN]

If you are currently employed but feel that you are lacking some necessary skills, can you negotiate some additional training (perhaps a few weeks of precepting on a med-surg unit)? It would save you a ton of money, and perhaps make you more flexible in your current job.

If that's not an option, then I see nothing wrong with a refresher course. The courses I've checked into cost about $1500, and include both clinical and classroom study. They can be time-consuming, especially if you are currently working, but not un-doable.

[jjjoy, LPN]

Where are you located? I was able to find a refresher course at a community college a few years ago. I had to drive about a hour to get to it since there weren't any closer refresher courses. It was very affordable and met once a week for a semester. Another fairly local private college was offering a more intensive (and more expensive) refresher, but I wasn't in town for the start date. I've heard lately that a local hospital is offering an 8-week refresher course for $800, but I'm not sure about that. I'm in the LA area of California, so that's of little use unless you're there. But it might give you an idea of where to start looking. Given the "nursing shortage" and the vast number of schools throughout the LA area, I thought it would be easier than it was to find refresher courses. Almost no one knew about the refresher courses I eventually found. So if you don't find anything immediately, don't give up your search too easily. If you're really motivated, I suppose you could even move to another city for a few months to take advantage of a good refresher course if there's not one nearby. Hopefully, you'll find something nearby. Good luck!!

[jjjoy, LPN]

On whether or not to take a refresher course... I think that depends on the individual. For myself, I think such a course boosts my self confidence thus making it more likely for me to get a good job and to perform well. Otherwise, my self doubts would bog me down making success more difficult. For some, that's not an issue. They know they know their stuff and what they don't know, they'll pick up.

[carrie13]

I think it is a great idea. My mom is actually looking into that option. She went right into the OR out of nursing school almost 30 years ago and has spent the past 10 or so years in management so her hands-on nursing skills are pretty weak right now. She is looking into refresher courses so that she can pick up some hours in a med-surg setting.

Good luck!