Refresher Course

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It has been 5 years since I graduated from nursing school. In that time, I haven't practiced nursing due to various reasons stemming from health problems to financial hardship (who hasn't suffered from this, right)? I have been working in the financial industry. In any event, I am having a hard time finding employment in nursing. Would it be advised for me to take a refresher course? Keep in mind I passed the NCLEX and took a BLSC within the last two months. I ask because these courses are quite pricey and I don't want to waste my money if taking a course really would not help. Thanks

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Let me move this to the inactive/retired nurse forum where you will get more answers to these questions.

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Specializes in Oncology, Rehab, Public Health, Med Surg.

I can relate to what you are saying--only in my case I've been out of nursing for more than 5 years.

I started a nurse refresher course in January. It includes both classroom as well as 80 hours of clinical. This has been helpful to me to update me on computer charting(they use meditech) as well as some of the other componenets I'm not familar with.

The other real plus is exposure. I've been meeting/networking with nurses/nurse managers/clinical educators at the hospital . From my reading on these boards, looks like finding a job might be tough.

For me, it's been worth it. Let me know if I can answer any questions for you.

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sigmathetatau has a refresher course that is $350 and all online. It does not require a preceptorship but gives you advice how to do one. I think it's actually a great idea to do a refresher course, and do a preceptorship at a local hospital because if the hospital will let you precept there, then they will get to see how you work and you will get a view of how hospital works. Also, if the hospital likes you and hires you, you already had several weeks of free orientation on site. Not an ideal situation - working for free - but if it gets my foot in the door, I am going for it.

I am starting my refresher course as soon as my $ comes in and I am going to talk with local hospital even sooner to see if I can work out a preceptorship.

Good luck

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Have any of you done a preceptorship when it wasn't required by your refresher program? Did you just go to the hospital and ask?

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Specializes in Oncology, Rehab, Public Health, Med Surg.

One of the reasons I chose a refresher course with clinical hours included was because I worried that there might be some difficulty arranging hospital clinical time by myself.

Before I could step onto a nursing floor the hospital did a background and criminal check, drug testing, required proof of immunization titers, etc Plus the hospital has a potential liability risk any time care is given so I wasn't sure they would want my help, even if it was extra help that they didn't have to pay for. Or at least that's my thinking.:)

I finish my course next Monday. This has been a very positive experience for me, and I'm pleasantly suprised how quickly the nursing skills/organization/critical thinking returned. Also I heard many times from the floor nurses and their managers about how much they like refresher students. :yeah:

Because of the exposure I've had on the nursing floor, I've got several interviews lined up. No job offers yet but at least interviews. One of our ICU refresher students was offered a job today in the unit where she did her clinical time. I don't know what her employment plans are but she was thrilled to be asked.

Good luck with your choices.

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sigmathetatau has a refresher course that is $350 and all online. It does not require a preceptorship but gives you advice how to do one. I think it's actually a great idea to do a refresher course, and do a preceptorship at a local hospital because if the hospital will let you precept there, then they will get to see how you work and you will get a view of how hospital works. Also, if the hospital likes you and hires you, you already had several weeks of free orientation on site. Not an ideal situation - working for free - but if it gets my foot in the door, I am going for it.

I am starting my refresher course as soon as my $ comes in and I am going to talk with local hospital even sooner to see if I can work out a preceptorship.

Good luck

@elprup - How did it go? Did the refresher course help? Were you able to work out a preceptorship? i am interested in doing a refresher course that offers a clinical experience in a hospital too

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