Overview

CLN has partnered with Charter Oak State College to offer this RN Refresher Certificate Program. At the present time, the clinical practicum associated with this program is available only for nurses currently licensed, or in the process of obtaining a license in Connecticut.

The RN Refresher Program was developed by CLN to prepare RNs – who have been out of the clinical practice setting for three or more years – to return to bedside practice.

Clinical experiences prepare the nurse for a medical/surgical staff level position in a hospital, sub-acute or long-term care setting or in home care.

The program provides the RN with up-to-date content reflecting the current scope and standards of nursing practice. The program is offered in three modules. Modules 1 and 2 are offered entirely online and are accessible 24/7. Module 3 is a precepted clinical practicum in a cooperating clinical agency. Upon successful completion of all three modules 180 contact hours of continuing education credit are awarded.

Participants must successfully complete all three modules to earn a refresher program certificate. Others interested in taking the online modules for personal enrichment may do so and can earn the associated continuing education credit. (45 contact hours for each module)

NUR011 RN Refresher Course, Module One
Addresses basic concepts and skills with universal application in the care of patients experiencing a variety of health care problems, with a focus on skills review. This course is six weeks in length.. (Click here to access the module one syllabus)

NUR012 RN Refresher Course, Module Two
Focuses on selected health problems for which there have been recent therapeutic advances. In each instance, the pathophysiological and psychosocial aspects of the problem are explored, and the contemporary medical/surgical, pharmacological and nursing regimens are examined. Primary emphasis is on new knowledge development. This course is eight weeks in length. (Click here to access the module two syllabus).

NUR013 RN Refresher Course, Module Three
Consists of a three-week, 90-hour precepted, hands-on, clinical practicum in a cooperating hospital, or long term or home care agency, providing direct care to patients. The clinical experience will integrate the new knowledge and updated skills addressed in the first two modules at the bedside. Experiences will be designed by a clinical coordinator and supervised by a nurse preceptor in the hospital or long-term care setting to which the participant is assigned. The clinical practicum is typically three weeks in length.
• Click here to access the module three syllabus.
• Click here to access the clinical practicum patient problems and skills checklist.

To register for each of the modules, click here to visit the Charter Oak registration website.

Clinical Placement Process

Clinical placement is a five step process:

1. Step one: In module one, participants complete a survey which outlines their demographics, past educational and clinical experiences, and identifies an early description of the type of placement desired for module three. (Click here to access the survey)
2. Step two: During module two, participants engage in a pre-placement interview with the clinical coordinator to discuss their career goals and placement preferences for module three and finalize a resume for use by the placement agency. (Click here to access the resume)
3. Step three: The clinical coordinator makes the placement decision after a review of all the data and the student’s preferences, and refers the decision to the CLN staff.
4. Step four: The CLN staff will monitor submission of the required prerequisite documentation (physical examination, immunizations; general liability and malpractice insurance; successful completion of the online health and safety self-study course and examination; Health Care Provide Level CPR certification; resume; and current or temporary Connecticut license. (Participants are urged to complete these prerequisites during modules one and two in order to expedite the process.)
5. Step five: After the participant has registered and paid for Module three, (this is an essential step in the process and no actions will be taken to place the participant until registration is complete) and all the prerequisites have been met, the CLN staff will:
   • Negotiate the recommended placement with the affiliating agency
   • Document completion of the prerequisites and send a copy of the participant's resume, the module three Syllabus, the Clinical Practicum Patient Problems and Skills Checklist, and copies of the documentation of prerequisites as requested by the agency, to the agency coordinator
   • Finalize the placement start date according to the agency's unique orientation schedule and assure that the participant is notified
   • Send a copy of the Module three Syllabus and the Clinical Practicum Patient Problems and Skills Checklist to the participant
   • Upon completion of the experience, receive the signed Clinical Practicum Patient Problems and Skills Checklist from the agency's clinical coordinator/educator documenting that the experience has been successfully completed and file it in the participants record
   • Initiate the award of the RN Refresher Certificate from Charter Oak State College.

CLICK EACH LINK BELOW TO ACCESS THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

• Checklist for Completion of Prerequisites for Clinical Practicum
• Checklist for Clinical Practicum Patient Problems & Skills
• CLN Refresher Course Malpractice Insurance
• CLN Refresher Course Student Health Assessment
• CLN Health & Safety Training Post-Test

To register for each of the modules, click here to visit the Charter Oak registration website.