Take a refresher course? Practice as an intern? Review for inclex? What to do first!!

Published

I graduated my BSN 2008 and took my licensure exam in my country same year and passed. I did not practice my profession after that. So now after almost 6 years I am trying to get my NCLEX. I'm waiting for my papers to be evaluated by ERES since I studied outside the US. Now I'm really confused where to start and what to do first. I already spoke to Texas BON but the one in charge with my case is not available and did not get a complete info. The one I spoke to only said, since I didn't practice and no nursing experience I need to get a refresher course.

So now after my papers is being evaluated and submitted to Texas BON what to do next??? Will they send me a note? Receipt? Permit? Can I work as an intern instead of taking a refresher??? Atleast I get paid as an intern while for the refresher course we need to pay $2,500-$3,000 and aside from that we need to pay some fees to take the NCLEX exam and review. I am really confused right now.. Is there someone here same situation as mine.. Please I need help..

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am sorry I do not have the specific answers to your question, however, I would personally take a refresher course rather than work as an intern. Not only does it seem like the BON is requiring you to do this in order to be eligible, but, it would strongly benefit you after not practicing for 6 years.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

If you haven't practiced nursing in the past 4 years you must take a nurse refresher course with clinical, lab & theory. You will not be issued a license until you do so & pass the NCLEX. You cannot work as a nurse or nurse intern without a valid nursing license

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you so much for the response. @RN403 @JUSTBEACHYNURSE.

I thought being an intern will work as a refresher too :( I will definitely do the refresher course I just thought It's an option..

Anyway Does anyone know if I need to do the refresher course first before I can take my NCLEX exam? Thank you so much.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Yes you will have to do the refresher course before you can write the NCLEX. You could not work as an intern with no license.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Check TX BoN it may be pass the NCLEX then take refresher (not an NCLEX refresher but a FENS refresher) or it's the reverse pass the refresher take the NCLEX. The info is on the TXBoN website

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency, Tele, Med Surg, DOU, ICU.

Do a refresher. Remember you are up against thousand of recently graduated US educated nurses. You need to look marketable.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

The refresher is mandated as a condition of licensing by the TX BoN. The options are 1. Successfully complete the refresher and pass the NCLEX = licensed RN in Texas. Or 2. Refuse the refresher course as an IEN who has not practiced nursing in over 6 years = not eligible for an RN license in Texas

Up Vote Up Vote ×
The refresher is mandated as a condition of licensing by the TX BoN. The options are 1. Successfully complete the refresher and pass the NCLEX = licensed RN in Texas. Or 2. Refuse the refresher course as an IEN who has not practiced nursing in over 6 years = not eligible for an RN license in Texas

Option 1 will really benefit me more. It will help me with my review in taking my NCLEX exam. I would love to get my RN license. I don't want my 5 years study of Nursing go to waste. Thank you so much for the insight. I really appreciate it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Do a refresher. Remember you are up against thousand of recently graduated US educated nurses. You need to look marketable.

But many only have a 2 years Associate Degree in nursing and BSN are getting the edge in hospitals

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Yes you will have to do the refresher course before you can write the NCLEX. You could not work as an intern with no license.

They want you to pass the NCLEX before you can take the Refresher class, At least the hospital part.

You can do the classroom which is mostly online class before you pass the NCLEX

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Not many FENS in Texas but these people tend to be best ones I have found so far and most easiest to deal with

Rn Refresher Course - Nurse Refresher Course - Nursing School Houston - Immunizations Houston

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion