RN refresher course

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Sep 28, 2005

Welcome aboard, and good luck to you. :)

suzanne4, RN · Sep 28, 2005

Refresher courses are best done in person, as you need the hands on experience.

nsteves · Sep 28, 2005

I am returning to nursing too after having been out for around a decade. I am taking a self study refresher course that is accepted by Illinois, the state in which I was originally licensed. It is through South Dakota State University. North Dakota also has one, as well as University of Delaware. You would need to find out if they are accepted in you situation.

Hi all!:)
I'm a Canadian grad RN, BScn from 1994. To make a long story short, after being out of the profession for 10 yrs, I got my Pa license by endorsement and have been working in an outpatient setting doing one procedure at a hospital for a year. It was tough to get back in, but thanks to a great supervisor, I've remembered alot...but I have a long way to go.
If I am ever going to be competent in other settings, I would need to take a refresher course. Since I am a mom of 2 young kids also, it would be alot more convenient to take it online. Anyone know of such a course offered through any Pa colleges/universities? Any other suggestions other than a refresher course?
Any ideas would be appreciated guys...thanks.

Jolie, BSN · Sep 28, 2005

I am returning to nursing too after having been out for around a decade. I am taking a self study refresher course that is accepted by Illinois, the state in which I was originally licensed. It is through South Dakota State University. North Dakota also has one, as well as University of Delaware. You would need to find out if they are accepted in you situation.

I was going to make the same suggestion. I've looked into the SD State program, and have decided against it for myself, but it seemed like a well-done and well-respected program. I also thought the cost was quite reasonable.

The reason I've decided to look elsewhere is that I'm new in my state, and have never worked or gone to school in this area. SD State's refresher requires the student to set up their own clinical experience, which I think would be difficult to do, given my situation. Since you are currently employed, and have a supportive supervisor, you could probably make those arrangements easily. And with your time constraints, an on-line program would probably work well.

Good luck to you.

Jolie, BSN · Sep 28, 2005

Refresher courses are best done in person, as you need the hands on experience.

I agree that's a good idea, in theory, but many areas lack traditional courses. There are far more options for those willing to consider distance-learning or on-line programs. Most of these include local sites for skills checks and clinical experiences.

gr8rnpjt, RN · Sep 28, 2005

Hi all!:)
I'm a Canadian grad RN, BScn from 1994. To make a long story short, after being out of the profession for 10 yrs, I got my Pa license
Any ideas would be appreciated guys...thanks.

I am an RN practicing in PA. When I first graduated I worked a couple of months and then took 7 years off when I had my first two children. I took a refresher course offered by the local community college. It was a couple of days a week in the evenings and was well worth it. You may be able to find someone a family member or friend who will sit for the kids for free or you could trade off sitting their kids. Online applications for grants and loans online are easy. That is what PHEAA is there for. Good luck