RN Refresher Course
Course approved by: Colorado Board of Nursing and the Colorado Coalition of Nurse Educators
- Purpose
- Goals
- Prerequisites
- Course Details
- Course Management
- Textbooks
- Background Screening
- Information
- Frequently Asked Questions (will go to a new page)
- Login to RN Refresher course (must have account first)
Purpose
This course has been designed and developed as an "online" refresher course for the RN who wishes to return to active nursing practice. It is an "anytime, anywhere" program where the individual student directs and controls his/her own learning environment. The theory is offered through the Central Colorado Area Health Education Center (AHEC) on BlackBoard that can be accessed from any computer. The clinical practicum is arranged by the student at an acute care or long term care facility of their choice in his/her own community. The course is sponsored and managed through the Colorado Center for Nursing Excellence and the Central Colorado AHEC.
Goals
- Update the knowledge and skills of RNs reentering the nursing profession to function competently within the legal requirements of the Colorado State Nurse Practice Act and the ANA Code of Ethics.
- Reinstatement application from the Colorado State Nursing Board.
- Instill self-confidence for the nurses returning to active practice.
- Return a competent nurse back to the health care environment.
Prerequisites
- Registered Nurse
- Complete BlackBoard Orientation at the University of Colorado - Denver Blackboard FAQ page.
- The ability to use e-mail to include sending and accessing attachment
- Conduct a WWW search for an assigned topic. Use discussion forums ·
- Use online quiz and exam tools Upload and download documents and programs.
- Proof of current nursing license or in process of re-instatement of license
- Proof professional liability insurance
- Proof current CPR
- Proof of current immunization
- Healthcare Background Screening
Course Details
Theory
The course is designed using case based learning where actual case scenarios are used to develop critical thinking in the learner. There are four theoretical modules that can be accessed through the Internet on BlackBoard. Each module has assigned readings, case studies through a CD ROM from the textbook and self-testing. The student is expected to read the assignments, review the web links, and complete the self-tests. A proctored final test of the theory will be given at the assigned facility under the direction of the Human Resources/Nursing Education Department, or in a local AHEC Center.
- Module One - Current Concepts in Nursing Theory
- Module Two - Therapeutic Advances
- Module Three - Systems Review and Current Trends
- Module Four - Contemporary Issues
Professional Development System: Several interactive modules from Software for Nurses Professional Development System (PDS) have been integrated into the course. These include critical thinking exercises in adult health (all systems), med-surg problems, procedures and treatment, mathematical practice, acid base and electrolytes, infection control and wound care, and psychiatric fundamentals, procedures and disorders and treatment. Some of these have been approved for continuing education.
Clinical Practicum
Module Five is 120 hours of clinical practicum, skills training and hospital required training utilizing "self-assessment" and "competency" tools under the direct supervision of an RN preceptor. The clinical experience is individualized for the student based on their background, education and planned work environment. The experience is a contract between the student, healthcare facility and assigned preceptor.
- At least 120 hours of supervised clinical practicum in a hospital or long-term care facility. The student is expected to complete a minimum of 3 days per week to achieve 120 hours in six weeks.
- In addition the student is expected to attend mandatory training classes of infection control, fire, safety, quality assurance, risk management, disaster and other required training. (Approximately 20 hours).
- A contract will be signed between facility and student with required skill competencies and experiences the student is expected to complete. The preceptor will sign a document validating completion of expected activities.
Management of Course
This course is managed by Central Colorado AHEC in collaboration with the Colorado Center for Nursing Excellence.
Instructors/Subject Matter Experts
The subject matter experts who wrote this course are specialists in their fields and are currently working in the health care environment. Their education ranges from BSN to Ph.D. and all are certified in their area of expertise. This course was written in coordination with the required textbook.
Required Textbooks
Medical - Surgical Book Nursing textbook from Mosby by Lewis, Heitkemper and Dirksen, Sixth Edition: ISBN 0-323-01611-1. Required for the course.
This book may be purchased through Elsevier Health Science or through Amazon.com (prices fluctuate so it is best to check both for the best deal).
Required Healthcare Background Screening
American Data Bank (ABD): Direct Link to American Data Bank: http://www.ccahecbackgroundcheck.com/ Cost:$40.00 Paid directly to ABD
Registration and Information
Self-directed online course through BlackBoard at Central Colorado AHEC. This is an on-line course. Students will need access to a PC with web access. At this time, the on-line course does not support Macs.
Start date: "Any time - Anywhere", Download the registration form
Cost: $1,200.00 effective Feb 1, 2007
Contact Jenny Dull @ 303-724-0335 for more information.