Returning to Workforce...Need Help!

Jolie, BSN · Oct 10, 2005

Why do you need to retake NCLEX? A refresher course may be worthwhile, or even required, depending on state regulations in FL, but I doubt that it is necessary to re-take boards.

Contact local hospitals, community colleges, or even the BON to find out where you can take a refresher. Such a course should include both classroom and clinical time.

Good luck!

Mulan · Oct 10, 2005

Why did you go to nursing school and then not even take the boards? Just curious. :)

lesrn2005 · Oct 10, 2005

I heard about a nurse (who recently lost job as case manager), looking at Hillsborough Comm. college in Tampa for a refresher skills course. Never ran into her again so I don't know her outcome. Try the college!!

Jolie, BSN · Oct 10, 2005

OK, I see from your edit that you never took boards. Most refresher courses are designed for individuals who hold a license but lack current practice, or individuals who were previously licensed and have gone "inactive". I don't think you would qualify for such a course until you pass boards. Check with the FL BON to be sure.

Perhaps an NCLEX review would be your best bet, then a refresher.

shortcut · Oct 10, 2005

Since everyone wants to know, the reason why I graduated but never took the boards is....my husband at the time was a paramedic and medical student. He had a depression disorder and commited suicide during my last semester of school. After he died, I went numb and didn't want to take care of anybody...I needed to take care of myself. So, I guess that's why I never took my boards. I'm so over all the healing and soul searching and drama...I just want to get back to work.

I've check colleges, but no one seems to know of any refresher courses.

So, now you know, and knowledge is never a bad thing :)

Mulan · Oct 10, 2005

I am so sorry.

The reason I was curious is that there have been other posters who also never took boards and I have wondered why after going through all that (nursing school) anyone wouldn't take the boards.

You have my deepest sympathy for your loss.

Have you contacted the state Board of Nursing? Maybe they can help you, tell you what you need to do to be able to take the boards, or where you can find a course.

I'm not in your state but I have contacted my state BON via telephone and via email for various things and they have always gotten back to me and have answered my questions.

Take care and good luck.

barefootlady, ADN, RN · Oct 10, 2005

Please contact your state board of nursing, make an appointment to speak personally to one of the members, then explain exactly what happened. I do know there are courses out there, seminiars, other ways to refresh and review the material needed. I wish you luck and I am sorry that life was so difficult for you for awhile. Have a productive and blessed day.

Sunqueen · Oct 10, 2005

I am doing the RN Refresher course at Broward Community College. I know that is way too far south for you. But, why not call there and ask if they know of any other Florida colleges doing the course. The prerequisites include a Fl licence and past RN experience (but someone in my class has only ever worked as a volunteer, so they are flexible). If you would like the contact person and the phone number pm me.

suzanne4, RN · Oct 11, 2005

Thie biggest issue is that the op has never held a nursing license. That is what is the stumbling block against any of these programs.