Instructors cover the syllabus of the refresher program through lectures and classroom discussions. Candidates already have knowledge of the basics, so these classes emphasize the latest developments taking place in therapeutics, patient management and changes in state laws in relation to nursing. In online nursing refresher courses, students receive online access to course material which they study. They complete and submit assignments online and participate in live chat room discussions with faculty.
Students take prescribed exams on completing the theoretical portion of the refresher course. On clearing these, they are eligible to participate in supervised clinical practice to gain practical experience. Courses conduct this part of the course at a local hospital with which they have an agreement. Online refresher programs may or may not have such agreements, sometimes leaving it to students to make their own arrangements. These programs often recommend that students confirm a contract with a local hospital to complete this clinical experience before beginning the didactic course.
States differ with respect to the eligibility criteria they specify for enrollment in a nursing refresher program. A few states require candidates who apply for a refresher program to hold a Registered Nurse license or a temporary permit to practice. Other states provide these courses to those with an inactive or lapsed license. It is important to check this requirement before enrolling for the nursing refresher program. Students who enroll for an online refresher course require a personal computer, audio and video cards and computer speakers, printer, high-speed Internet connection, an active email account, and Internet browsing software.
Check if the institution is a state-approved course provider before enrolling for a nursing refresher program. Online programs provide a flexible learning option for candidates who are unable to attend an on-campus course, but be sure to stick to a regular study schedule to complete your course on time. Interact with other students taking the online course, form study groups and discuss topics through live chats to make up for the lack of live interaction. Communicate regularly with instructors and build a supportive network that helps in your job search after completion of the course.