Refresher Courses--Where do I find them?

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Hi all!

I hold a BSN from outside the US and am currently living in the US (Philadelphia area). I am planning to take the NCLEX-RN to obtain US licensure, but have been out of practice for most of the last 10 years; however, I did have 2 years maternal and child experience outside the US a few years ago.

Instead of just taking a NCLEX review course, I would really like to do a full RN Refresher course, but have not been able to find hardly any information on how or where to do such courses. One course that I did find was only open to nurses who already had US licensure.

I am open to both online courses and "classroom"-based courses. Any leads or advice would be greatly appreciated!

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The only advice I can offer you is to do a google search for RN refresher courses in your area. Have to warn you that most people say that these courses are hard to find. I know of one that used to be offered on the west coast but I don't know if it is still being offered. Good luck.

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Sometimes the state board of nursing can help you track them down. I checked the website for the PABON and didn't find anything, but a call or email might point you in the right direction.

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

The North Dakota Nurse's Association and South Dakota State University both offer on-line refresher courses that require you to arrange for a clinical experience with a local institution.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I am not certain that you would be eligible to enroll in a refresher course as most (if not all) require participants to either have an active RN license or have been previously licensed as an RN in the U.S.

Please check with your BON. You may need to pass NCLEX before enrolling in a refresher course.

Good luck!

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Hi, I found continuing education courses (CEU) at www.CEUFast.com. I really like this website. You can also do a google search to find different online courses. Just a thought.

Hi all!

I hold a BSN from outside the US and am currently living in the US (Philadelphia area). I am planning to take the NCLEX-RN to obtain US licensure, but have been out of practice for most of the last 10 years; however, I did have 2 years maternal and child experience outside the US a few years ago.

Instead of just taking a NCLEX review course, I would really like to do a full RN Refresher course, but have not been able to find hardly any information on how or where to do such courses. One course that I did find was only open to nurses who already had US licensure.

I am open to both online courses and "classroom"-based courses. Any leads or advice would be greatly appreciated!

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Hi

I just finished a RN Refresher course in MN. My only comment is that this 160 hour course did NOT prepare me in any way to return to the workforce.

We sat in lectures with systems' review (well it was okay) and mini-quizzes, but the clinical was in a nursing home where we had ONE patient (basically provided the NH with care) for 4 days (about 4 hours a day).

Well I learned that I don't want to wipe up pee, change bed sheets, hand-write nursing notes in antiquated 12-inch high metal-bound charts, or feed the elderly (with all due respect as I know I will be there one day soon).

But I mean we had NO experience with computer documentation, new equipment or technology, skills lab (other than we got to stab a padded fack buttock with a TB syringe to get "checked out".

We all LAUGHED. BUT, we had to go through this as a requirement of our Board of Nursing.

So, yes, I have my license now, but am scared to death to put one foot into a busy clinic, much less apply to a hospital again.

By the way, on the last day, our instructor told us that NO hospital in the Twin Cities, MN will hire a REFRESHER RN! And, the only hope would be to get a job in a nursing home (ha, the one we had "clinical" in) See the tie in? I am SOOOOOO disappointed!

d

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Start here: PA Nursing info re schools, scholarships, NCLEX rates, Nsg board, jobs

Refresher courses approved in PA 1/2 down post.

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Specializes in Education, IV Therapy, Travel Medicine.

Refresher Course requirements are different in each state. In Texas our Board of Nursing must approve them but, does not post or give out that info re: courses. Programs will still vary as far as the rigor and how well prepared you are at the end but, remember this is just the minumum requirement. I teach with Professional Healthcare Education Service and we have offer programs in class and by correspondence. We also have a several days of skills lab (IVs, trach suctioning, foley insertion, injections, NG insertion,etc)as well as interactive computer programs that are an optional addition. I recommend for those that are planning to go back clincial in a hospital that they look for internship or extended orientation and are assertive in their quest to regain competence. It can be done successfully and those nurses returning often bring a life experience that makes them even more valuable to the profession.

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