Online Refresher Courses for Nurses: Course and Class Overviews

Refresher courses for nurses are open to inactive nurses with expired licenses or active nurses seeking credits for re-licensure. Nurses are licensed by individual states and some education requirements can vary. Prospective students are encouraged to check course and school qualifications before enrollment in an online or hybrid refresher program.

Overview of Online Nurse Refresher Courses

Online refresher courses for registered nurses (RNs) are available on a limited basis. Since most states require both theoretical and clinical education for re-licensure, many nurse refresher programs involve both components. Most online programs are in hybrid format, with the theory-based learning taking place online and the clinical practicum completed at a nearby medical facility or setting. Generally, courses award a certificate upon completion, which can be used for state re-licensing requirements.

Course Requirements

Students need access to a computer with high-speed Internet, video card and audio speakers. Streaming media or DVD is commonly used for lecture presentations. Textbooks may be required for separate purchase. Some schools may use specific online teaching modules such as Blackboard for course instruction. Software programs such as Adobe Reader, Microsoft PowerPoint and Word are required. Web discussion forums and e-mail are used for communication with classmates and faculty. Hybrid courses require travel to medical facilities for clinical work experience conducted under supervision.

List of Online Nurse Refresher Courses

Medical Law and Ethics Course

In this course, legal and ethical issues specific to nursing are reviewed, including standards of care and nursing values. The American Nurses Association (ANA) code of ethics is also a topic of study.

Medication Administration Course

Students of this course go over different types of medications, systems of administration and safe techniques for administration of drugs. Prescription abbreviations and calculations for medications are also reviewed.

Medical-Surgical Nursing Course

This course provides a comprehensive review of medical and surgical nursing topics including infection control, nutrition and elimination. Specific nursing care for patients with a variety of conditions such as cancer, diabetes or surgery is taught. This course is often implemented in clinical practicum in which online theory is translated into actual practice.

Psychiatric Nursing Course

Students review psychiatric disorders such as depression or schizophrenia in this online course along with appropriate psychiatric nursing methods. Mental health issues such as mourning and grief are another focus.