RN Refresher Course needed

regularRN · Apr 25, 2007

I attended one at in Dublin, CA but it was a waste of money - $900!!! The instructors were totally useless. However, I applied at my local hospital and was offered a job on the "new grad" program, but because I wasn't really a new grad, I started as an RN II. Anyway, I was offered the job before I took the re-entry course - unfortunately I was already committed.

My advice - after seven years out of nursing - would be to try for the new grad programs at hospitals of your choice, or even just apply for a regular vacancy because you will be given plenty of orientation.

Re-entry RNs are a good bet for hospitals because they have already had their kids and they are settled in the area (mortgage etc.). Try approaching the managers in a hospital that you like the sound of - you'll be surprised. Be prepared to work hard - really hard - and your schedule may not be perfect to begin with, but you can work on it!

Good luck!

RNinSoCal · Apr 26, 2007

Hello,

I did attend an RN refresher course in Los Angeles County and it was good. It was through Azusa Pacific University and I got a job within 2 weeks of completing the course. I currently work in the Bay Area (mid Peninsula) in med/surg and if I were you I would check with local hospitals to see if they offer in house 2 to 3 month orientation programs for returning RNs. I personally just precepted a nurse who had been in MDS for 12 years on a long term care unit and was returning to med/surg. She did just great and really just needed me to orient her on the updates and how to's of current med/surg nursing. Many Bay Area nurses are realising that the good pay and job satisfaction are at the bedside and are returning to direct patient care. Don't lose your confidence, you are still a nurse and a good preceptor/program can bring you back to the bedside.

Best wishes!!!!!

TazziRN, RN · Apr 26, 2007

Call the local ADN programs, some of them offer refresher courses. I don't know about SF but I know that Chabot and Ohlone in the East Bay have good ADN programs, they may have refresher courses also.