Seeking IL RN Refresher Course

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:rolleyes: Hello!

I have been an actively licensed RN in Illinois for 25 years, out of clinical setting for the last 5 years. I have been searching for a hospital position in IL and am being told I need to take a "RN refresher course". I began to search via the web, however, the places nearest to me geographically are "in chaos", "not taking students right now", etc..

To the RN posting I saw when I scanned the list--seems you DO need the refresher course as even the places where I last worked as a clinical RN would not take me back---without a refresher course. I offered to take a job as a "new grad" and was still told I need to take a refresher course. So much for the "nursing shortage". Although I have not "on paper" had a paid nursing job I HAVE cared for parents, children, family members, and friends for free AND have kept many of my nursing skills up. I live in the Western Suburbs and want to stay with a place close to home. Does ANYONE out there know who's offering refresher courses, how long they take and how much they cost?

Also, re: Gov. Blagojevich, Illinois Governor. One of his first actions once he became governor was to clean out one of the multi-million dollar accounts set aside from partial payment of our nursing fees. He didn't touch the M.D. or Realtor or other professional groups' funds. Now he's allocating a few hundred thousand dollars back to the RN professional groups for educational purposes. Incredible!!!!

You wont find one in Illinois. I looked for some time. Finally, I contacted the Illinois Board of Nursing and they recommended the University of South Dakotas distance learning program/Rn Refresher. The theory is done via internet, the clinicals are done locally wherever you may be working after passing the theoretical portion. The total cost is 500$$.

Specializes in PeriOp, ICU, PICU, NICU.

hello, and welcome to the family. good luck to you. :)

Thank you for your reply. I found the S. Dakota AND the N. Dakota courses and checked both out with the IDPR and they are both well regarded. I'm getting a child off to college and plan to do one of them first thing. I received my mail from N. Dakota, nothing yet from the S. Dakota RN Board.

Question: What are the benefits of being a "Premium Member"? In advance, thanks.

Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatric, Behavioral Health.

Welcome to allnurses!!!!!!!!!!

Greetings and welcome to allnurses

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