If you're a registered nurse who has been out of the workforce for an extended period of time and you are looking to return to bedside nursing, you may find the process daunting. However, there's good news – nurse refresher courses are designed specifically to help you refresh your knowledge, skills, and confidence to reenter the nursing profession. In this blog post, we'll provide a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the journey of getting back into work through a nurse refresher course. We'll also cover important steps such as license renewal, background checks, and other prerequisites necessary to practice as a registered nurse after an extended absence from the bedside.
Assess Your Readiness:
Before diving into a nurse refresher course, take some time to evaluate your readiness to return to bedside nursing.
Consider your motivation, physical and emotional preparedness, and commitment to ongoing learning and professional development. Reflect on your previous nursing experience and identify any specific areas where you feel less confident or would benefit from a refresher. Also, take time to consider other options that could be a better fit for you. With the rise of telehealth professions there are many remote options that can be considered to see if they are a right fit for you.
Research Nurse Refresher Programs:
Look for nurse refresher programs in your area or those available through reputable online platforms.
These programs are designed to update your knowledge and skills while helping you regain your confidence in a supportive learning environment. Consider factors such as program duration, content coverage, cost, and flexibility to find a program that suits your needs. May programs offer remote, hybrid, onsite, and even working at your own pace to complete the didactic content portions of the program.
Choose an Accredited Program:
Ensure that the nurse refresher program you select is accredited by a recognized nursing education or regulatory body. Accreditation ensures that the program meets established standards of quality and will provide you with the necessary education and clinical experience to reenter the nursing profession confidently.
Complete the Nurse Refresher Course:
Enroll in the nurse refresher program and actively engage in the coursework, lectures, simulations, and clinical components.
The program will cover essential topics such as current nursing practices, technological advancements, patient care techniques, and legal and ethical considerations. Take advantage of the opportunity to refresh your skills and update your knowledge in areas relevant to your desired practice setting. Additionally, this can be utilized as a wonderful time to build a network of other professionals who may be able to help your chances of interviews with potential employers.
Renew Your Nursing License:
Depending on the duration of your absence from the bedside, your nursing license may need to be renewed.
Research the requirements of your state's nursing board or regulatory body regarding license renewal after an extended period of inactivity. You may need to complete continuing education units (CEUs) or other specific requirements to reinstate or reactivate your license.
Complete Background Checks and Drug Screenings:
Many healthcare facilities require background checks and drug screenings as part of the hiring process. Be prepared to provide the necessary documentation and undergo these screenings. Ensure that your background check and drug screening results are up to date and compliant with current regulations.
Update Your Nursing Skills and Knowledge Outside the Classroom:
While completing the nurse refresher course is a significant step, ongoing self-study and professional development are essential to stay current in the nursing profession. Take advantage of nursing journals, textbooks, online resources, and continuing education opportunities to update your knowledge and skills continually.
Seek Clinical Practice Opportunities:
To regain confidence in your clinical skills, seek opportunities for hands-on practice.
Consider reaching out to local healthcare facilities, clinics, or volunteer organizations to explore options for supervised practice or refresher clinical rotations. Such experiences can help you rebuild your confidence and demonstrate your commitment to professional growth. This also serves as a wonderful opportunity to build relationships and network at these facilities. This networking can be critical down the line when you have completed the refresher program and are actively seeking employment.
Network and Seek Support:
Connect with fellow nurses, professional nursing associations, and online communities to expand your professional network and seek support. Engage in discussions, attend nursing conferences, and join relevant professional groups to stay informed about industry updates, job opportunities, and continuing education opportunities.
Apply for Bedside Nursing Positions:
Once you feel ready and confident, start applying for bedside nursing positions.
Update your resume to highlight your nursing experience and the completion of a nurse refresher course. Nursing experience includes recent volunteering at local healthcare facilities and clinics, any recent clinical hours that you have completed as part of the refresher nursing course, and any past experience that you have in nursing that are beyond 5 years ago. Be prepared for potential interviews and demonstrate your enthusiasm, dedication, and commitment to providing high-quality patient care.
Returning to bedside nursing after an extended absence can be a challenging but rewarding journey. Nurse refresher courses, license renewal, background checks, and ongoing professional development are crucial steps in reentering the nursing workforce. By following this comprehensive guide, you'll be better equipped to refresh your skills, update your knowledge, and confidently embark on your journey back to the fulfilling world of bedside nursing.
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