RN refresher course needed?

52 Posts

Hello All:

I was laid off after 9-11 and decided to get an RN license. After attending an accelerated BSN program, I passed boards and got my license. Started working on a med-surg floor at a busy Chicago-area teaching hospital. After only 7 months on the job, discovered that I had a congential foot condition that made being on my feet for 12 hr. shifts very painful. Had surgery and then had to be off the floor and mostly off my feet for an extended period of recovery. Std. length of time for full recovery is about 12-15 months, which matches my experience. The good news is that I am well, and fully-recovered, but of course the bad news is that I have now been away from nursing for over a year.

Those of you who've been away from active practice (or anyone else) for that length of time, please share your insights. Do you think it is feasible to re-enter the RN work force as is, with a good orientation and some self-study or is an RN review course called for? Frankly, I do feel a little rusty but my scientific background is really strong (prior career was in pharmaceuticals and research as a biochemist).

I can simply apply at some places and see who is interested, but the underlying issue is that I want a smooth re-entry into the field, and do not want to endanger myself or my patients.

All observations and advice gratefully accepted....