RN Skills Refresher Course, Spring 2026

Thursday, April 16, 2026, 8:00 AM - Thursday, June 25, 2026, 4:00 PM, Online and In-Person

This course is designed to provide inactive nurses with an update of both the theoretical content and clinical practice needed to return to employment in nursing. Content will include the nursing process, nursing assessment, legal-ethical issues, common IV and drug therapy and medical- surgical conditions encountered in contemporary practice. Participants can expect to receive up-to-date information on health problems, new technology, and the current role expectations of the registered professional nurse. Experienced faculty in a supportive environment will assist the nurse who wishes to return to bedside nursing. Clinical experiences will help the nurse gain confidence and skill in order to be able to function with adult medical/surgical clients. A continuing education certificate will be awarded upon successful completion of the program.

Who Should Attend
Inactive Registered Nurses who are considering returning to full or part-time employment, or those who have let their licenses lapse.

Requirements
Listed below are the course requirements. All requirements must be completed no later than Thursday, April 16, 2026. This includes receiving clinical clearance from Rutgers Student Health Services. Early registration is encouraged to allow enough time to complete requirements. Course access will be sent the following week.

1. Current, valid New Jersey registered nurse license or copy of a letter of permission to practice under supervision from the NJ Board of Nursing (email letter not valid, must be a scan of a hard copy letter)
2. Individual professional liability insurance
3. Current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider BLS Certification
4. Background check – via CastleBranch
5. Drug screening - completed week before course starts
6. Required immunizations, including physical examination (forms provided by Student Health Services)
7. Copy of health insurance card

Important Note
Nurses from other states are required to have a valid New Jersey RN license in order to participate in clinical practice. For those who have had their license lapse, permission may be granted by the New Jersey Board of Nursing for participants to do clinical practice under supervision. The BON will provide a letter of permission if approved, but it may take some time to receive it. 
You must allow at least 8-10 weeks OR MORE for the application process through the New Jersey State Board of Nursing to receive your letter.

1. Describe how changes in the health care delivery system have had an impact on nursing practice. Analyze the steps of the nursing process related to providing care for clients with selected health problems.
2. Analyze the steps of the nursing process related to providing care for clients with selected health problems.
3. Describe the ethical and legal issues involved in the care of acutely ill clients.
4. Demonstrate skill in obtaining a complete health history and physical assessment.
5. Formulate nursing diagnosis and interventions for clients with selected health problems.
6. Evaluate the effectiveness of various nursing strategies used with clients who have health problems.
7. Compare and contrast the provision of nursing care in the hospital vs. nursing care in the home.
8. Define the expanded nursing roles in the health care arena.

• $500 - Deposit, non-refundable and required from all participants at the time of registration. This is deducted from your total amount due. A link for the remaining balance will be sent before the course begins.

• $2,595 - General Registration
  ($2,095 remaining balance after deposit)

• $2,225 - Rutgers School of Nursing Faculty, Students, Preceptors, and Alumni, including Legacy UMDNJ School of Nursing and Legacy Rutgers College of Nursing
  ($1,725 remaining balance after deposit)

• Advanced registration and payment is required for all programs. Please review the Registration & Refund Policies.

Schedule
This course offers blended learning- both online and in-person. The first portion takes place online starting in late April and is self-paced. Access to online learning will be provided once all requirements have been completed and approved, and the remaining balance of the course is submitted. In-person clinical rotations will be scheduled for the second and third weekend of January.

Future Interest
If you're interested in our course and can't register at this time but would like to be notified about future availability, please click HERE to complete a contact form.

In support of improving patient care, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

In order to meet the learning objectives and receive continuing education credit, participants are required to complete all of the online coursework and complete the online evaluation form at the conclusion of the activity. A letter certifying attendance and credit certification will be emailed to participants upon completion of the online evaluation survey. 

Questions?

[email protected]
973-972-6655

View more Continuing Education Courses

ANCC Contact Hours (81.00 hours)