who does rn refresher besides PHES?

[ilmbg]

Finally will be able to do an rn refresher course. I am in San Antonio and have heard good things about PHES based in Houston but does some clinicals in San Antonio. Do any of you know of any other refrshers in San Antonio?

Also- I won't be looking for a full time job- maybe just something 4-8 hours a week if possible. So I am not asking about a job for me- am just curious about rn jobs in general.

The woman I spoke with at PHES seemed to think there weren't ANY nursing jobs to be had. Has nursing become that difficult to get a full time job??! I keep reading how badly nurses are needed, but is that just a bunch of baloney?

Thank you.

[TexasNurseEducator]

Dear Ilmbg,

There are not many programs around anymore. We run on a very tight budget to be able to continue to provide this service. Most comanies have gone out of business. There is just not enough demand for the time and cost that go into this type of program. At any rate, you could try San Antonio Community College or Austin Community College. Just make sure about the clincials because I have had several students from ACC that were angry because they took course then, would not arrange clinicals. Secondly, I think you may have misunderstood something my staff or I said when you called PHES. The job market is tighter and I have instructed our staff to relay that to nurses that call so they have realistic expectations of the time it may take now versus 2 years ago to find the exact position you want. But, there are certainly jobs for nurses out there. Some things that make a difference are: geographically where you are (urban vs rural), your degree (easier the higher degree), the amount of time you have been out, the # of years you worked, and how picky you are regarding the areas of practice, shifts,etc. Also, there is some agesim out there and some facilities dont want to spend the extra time to extend orientation for a returning nurse. Most marinated nurses have seen these type of cycles. It will turn around a. with the economy, and b. when Washington makes up their mind what we are doing about healthcare reform one way or the other (right now still some uncertainty). With that being said let me share some recent statistics. For the nurses that finished clincials from October's Refresher Program. Out of a class of 18 only 1 RN has not found a job and she is looking for 1 particular area. 2 LVNs have not found full time employement but, are working part time. It always helps to network and go to job fairs once you have assumed professional accountability by refreshing yourself, even if not required by your BON. I hope you find something that meets your needs.

[NanikRN]

I understand what that nurse was telling you. I don't totally agree, though.

I took a refresher course last Jan after a 16 yr break from the hospital. I did do some home health about 8 years ago but that's all.

I initially couldn't get into a hospital job so I took a private duty vent case. And kept applying at hospitals. I was finally accepted into an internship at Dallas Presby and am now working full time on an oncology floor.

Is it a tough market? You bet.

Is it impossible? No way.

Best of luck to you.

[Susy Q]

I just finished the PHES refresher course and I would like to recommend that you consider doing it even though you are from San Antonio. I personally came from Oklahoma to do the course and I can certainly say that it was worth it. I drove to Houston the day before the course and left on Saturday right after the course was over. Coming from San Antonio you could even drive up on the first day of the course because it does not start until after noon. Although I did the course in Houston, I will be doing my clinicals in Abilene where we are moving to. PHES has helped me with everything necessary to work this out. You might look into this possibility of working out clnicals there in San Antonio. As for the course itself, I am very happy with it. There is a tremendous amount of information given during the course, with many more pages of information to read afterward, as well as numerous other resources to access. Being in a classroom setting with a live teacher is invaluable when it comes to asking your own specific question. Being surrounded by other refreshing nurses with a wide range of experiences is a rich source of information as well. The camaraderie that develops during the course is icing on the cake. I went through a progression of being excited, to scared to death, to hopeful that I could make a go of this (with just the right amount of apprehension to keep me on my toes). The most important part was that the instructor transmitted clearly that she was not simply committed to covering the material, but to doing what ever was necessary for us to feel prepared AND confident.

[katrn2324]

I know it has been 4 years but I am hoping to know where at in Dallas you completed your refresgher course? Thanks!