refresher classes

Nurses Retired

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Can anyone give some input on the better refresher classes? I'd prefer hands-on clinical with it if at all possible. I've been off the floor about 4 years but i only had a few years general (med/surg) nursing experience before this.

Thank you.

PS - yes, I know it is a tough market now.

I do not know which of the many refresher programs are best, but, i am just posting so that i, too, can follow this here thread.

In my opinion, to return to hospital nursing, i'd think a refresher course which focuses on learning the latest meds and newest lab tests and procedures, would be essential class topics, as those can change so frequently.

Each and every individual hospital would have to train you for their own computerized documentation program, as that can vary so so much from one hospital to another.

BEST OF LUCK in your endeavor, and hope someone does come by with better info on which refresher course is best.

EDIT: btw, i am fairly new to this forum, but, in this very area of Allnurses, there are multiple other threads on refresher courses, in this same forum of "Retired Inactive nurses"

which might help you discover if there is one that is being recommended (in case no one replies to this)

I think it would be best to get into a board approved refresher course that has a clinical component. If you need to re activate your nursing license then it would have to be approved by the nursing board in your state. State Boards usually will have a list of refresher courses. Try looking at the local community colleges. I was also out of nursing for a while due to family obligations. I took a refresher at our community college. It was taught by a Trauma Director who is also an RN so it was really good. I did almost all my clinical time in an ICU with some hours in a Med Surg unit. Try and talk to the professor before you sign up to see if it would be something you were interested in.

I think the hardest part of returning to nursing and even going back for a refresher course is regaining confidence in your abilities. The refresher will help you do this. You can also network with your classmates, form study groups or work on skills together. The school should have a lab where you can practice your skills before you go into the hospital. I think it also helps to get a job if you do a refresher with a clinical component because you will have at least some relevant experience that is recent.

I've been looking into this as well and Sippie is right. Contact your state board of nursing for board approved refresher courses. Most of them will have a theory component as well as clinical component. You'll want both, imo.

Good luck! I still haven't completely made up my mind to do it or not. I'm afraid of wasting the time and money and not be able to find something flexible enough for my family situation. I sure do miss nursing though.

Please .. if anyone can help me with a good idea. I graduated from nursing college in july 2011, I didnot practice nursing at all since I graduated. I feel that I forgat most of things I learned . I need to refresh my information. Anyone know a website give an online refreshment course?

By chance has anyone completed the RN Refresher course @ CSU Chico? I'd like to talk with you about it, if possibe. Thx

Can anyone give some input on the better refresher classes? I'd prefer hands-on clinical with it if at all possible. I've been off the floor about 4 years but i only had a few years general (med/surg) nursing experience before this.

Thank you.

PS - yes, I know it is a tough market now.

You sound almost exactly like me...off the market for about 4 years because I had my son....only had gotten a couple years in before that doing mostly ER.....and having spent the past 4 years out of the workforce getting my MSN degree only to find out it isn't helping.

How many success stories are out there? I just got OUT of school, and the last thing I want to do is get back IN to school for some refresher course....it seems the MSN ought count for something?

I am totally willing to enter a nursing residency in order to break into a new specialty area, however....as long as they don't require me to work full-time.

By chance has anyone completed the RN Refresher course @ CSU Chico? I'd like to talk with you about it, if possibe. Thx
I hear the Chico Course is good, if you can get in.
Please .. if anyone can help me with a good idea. I graduated from nursing college in july 2011 I didnot practice nursing at all since I graduated. I feel that I forgat most of things I learned . I need to refresh my information. Anyone know a website give an online refreshment course?[/quote']

I am in the same exact position and I'm not sure how I would get hired anywhere now

I did a nurse refresher course and felt it was most helpful. Some boards of nursing will list the approved program but, others like the Texas BON do not give out any info and I think I am not supposed to share websites or emails and don't think we can even list names without it being considered advertising so, my recommendation is to Google nurse refresher course or program and then make inquires, ask for student references, etc. I saw quite a few programs but, many did not have clinicals and this is critical to feeling confident again as well as for you to be able to update your resume with current experience. If you want to know where I went you can private message me and I will tell you.

Good luck on successful transition back. I am glad I did it.

Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.
pheas.com

Pheas.com??? Bummer it does not lead anywhere.

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