WI Nurse Refresher Courses

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Hi All,

My question surrounds WI Nurse refresher courses. I am interested in returning to bedside nursing and currently looking for employment. My dilema is being away from the bedside for about 7 years and having no recent clinical experience.

Prior to that I was teaching and completed my MS in Nursing. Many of the WI nurse refresher courses are quite pricey and have both a theory and clinical portion (you have to set up on your own).

While I understand the importance of staying up to date in nursing and the importance of patient safety etc. I am somewhat disheartened to dole out additional monies that I currently do not have (unemployed) on more theory classes as well as set up your own clinical practicum)

Dont get me wrong, I understand the reasoning behind refresher courses, however, I think there are many RNs out there such as myself that have practiced nursing in the past only to find themselves in a similar situation (out of a job due to no current clinical practice, overqualified based on education, and no more money to dole out for more theory classes mainly due to time as well as unemployment. Heck, I cant even believe the price that some of these schools are charging--essentially for a do it yourself course and clinical arrangement)

What is the difference in hiring a new grad w/o any experience (not trying to put any new grads down) vs an RN who has been away from bedside nursing and going through a 6-8 week new employee orientation? (please dont tell me its education).

Everyone talks about such a nursing shortage, but what are healthcare organizations and nursing schools doing to encourage RNs (especially older Rns) who have gained knowledge and experience working at the bedside in the past and have an interest in returning to nursing practice at the bedside?? Absolutely nothing!! Otherthan charging them money and being totally humiliated!! I myself, know of several nurses currently working in nursing education, who have not worked at the bedside for eons. More money, more education, more certification........

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

Well, Mickey, have you applied for any positions at this point? If so, and have been turned down due to your time away from the field, then I guess I'd seriously consider taking a refresher.

If you haven't applied for any jobs yet, then I would do so before assuming that they will not hire you. Have you done any continuing education during your time away? That may count for something. Also, with your education, I find it hard to believe that an employeer would turn you away without at least offering you a lengthy orientation.

Good luck to you.

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Specializes in Education, IV Therapy, Travel Medicine.

Hi Mickey, it is frustrating but, there are a couple of options. Since, you are unemployed try applying for financial assistance through your government Unemployment division. It is called WOrksource in my state. They do scholarships for situations like yours. Second, start doing some CEs in your area of practice. Look for onces that are sponsored by a professional organization in your area for ex. AACN for critical care or AORN for OR nurses. Look online for review type info and try and update yourself for ex. The Auscultation Assistant has heart and lung sound review for no cost. Also, see if the facility would be willing to pay up front or reimburse for refresher course in lieu of sign on bonus (most will want a 1 or 2 year committment). It can be done. Stay encouraged. We do need you. They just want to make sure you are competent and safe to return.

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Yes, some tech schools in Wis, offer RN Refresher Course. I am currently enrolled in the one at Chippewa Valley Tech. in Eau Claire. If the school has a nursing program then chances are good it have a refresher program. The program currently costs @ $500.00 + registration fees. The program is independent study and consists of book work "modules" for refreshing nursing theory and pt's with cardiovascular problems, GI, GI, resp.....etc. The modules lengthy and in depth for each area.

After all modules are completed and approved then comes lab work, vitals, blood draws, IV's, med pass....etc After lab comes clinical which your instructor sets up for you at an area of your choice, hospital, clinic, nrsg home, home care, plus any specialty as med-surg., psych., ICU...etc. Clinical is 2 weeks consisting of 80 hours with a preceptor at your chosen clinical site providing care. There are some miscellaneous things you will need such as temp. lic. from WI Department of Regulation and Licensing, current cost $97.00 and after finishing refresher course it rolls over into regular RN lic., also current CPR-ALS,

a physical exam stating you're in good health/free from communicable diseases. Lastly don't forget books and you can get them used at school's bookstore. All total I've probably spent @ $1200.00. So start calling technical colleges in WI to get started and GOOD LUCK!!!

ps. You will also need .

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Specializes in Home Health, LTC.

Dear jashrine,

Do nurses have the option of choosing their own clinical experience regardless of what technical school/refresher program they choose. I have been an RN since '89 (LPN six years before that at the age of 19), out five years now, and never worked in a hospital. I would like to refresh my skills in long-term care and homecare. I spoke to someone at NWTC (Green Bay) regarding the refresher and when I asked where the clinicals were held she said "hospital." I left it at that. She wasn't the #1 person to speak to. I was also told for anyone else out there interested in GB's refresher, if you do well in the skills lab, it may not be necessary to go onto clinical. I would think clinical would be helpful in any case. I noticed that you said you need CPR-ALS; did you mean BLS? nrswrk

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Specializes in Home Health, LTC.

Dear jashrine,

Do nurses have the option of choosing their own clinical experience regardless of what technical school/refresher program they choose. I have been an RN since '89 (LPN six years before that at the age of 19), out five years now, and never worked in a hospital. I would like to refresh my skills in long-term care and homecare. I spoke to someone at NWTC (Green Bay) regarding the refresher and when I asked where the clinicals were held she said "hospital." I left it at that. She wasn't the #1 person to speak to. I was also told for anyone else out there interested in GB's refresher, if you do well in the skills lab, it may not be necessary to go onto clinical. I would think clinical would be helpful in any case. I noticed that you said you need CPR-ALS; did you mean BLS? nrswrk

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Yes, you do have a choice of clinical sites, hospital, clinic, long-term care, home care, etc.... You will need CPR that is for the professional rescuers. In my previous posts I believe I explained the additional requirements. If you care to correspond with my more directly, email me at [email protected] and I will answer all questions I can.

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Does anyone know of an RN refresor course in or near to Milwaukee WI that is state of WI accredited? What about an online school?

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