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The objectives of the course are to provide an opportunity for the participant to:

• Recognize current philosophy, objectives and social and cultural implications of nursing.
• Review selected nursing skills and identify their evidence base for practice.
• Recognize the role of the LPN/LVN/RN in assessing clients’ needs, planning and implementing individualized care.
• Review and identify therapies, procedures, current diagnostic and treatment measures and patient care needs for selected medical and surgical conditions.
• Demonstrate dosage calculation to selected client situations.
• Review the practice standards for respective state's requirements.
• Implement learning during the hands-on patient clinical experience. 

The program is ongoing. Participants may enroll at any time.

A desktop or laptop computer is required when taking exams. iPads, iPhones, tablets, etc. are not permissible. Chromebooks are not recommended. The system requirements are:

• Windows 10, 11
• Mac OS 10.15 or higher
• Web camera (internal or external) and microphone.

It may not be possible to access exams when using a computer operating system that is not listed above.

All course materials and theory module exams are delivered online through Desire2Learn (D2L) and Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) supported modules. The participant will complete course review and exams at a time and location of their choosing. When logging in to take an exam in the course delivery system D2L, the participant will initially download the safe and free software application Respondus Monitor and LockDown Browser. This application will provide participant verification and testing security measures and video the participant while an exam is taken. Once an exam is accessed, the participant’s browser will be locked to prevent other software applications or web pages to run or be accessed.

Theory Component

The theory component is based on a textbook to help direct and reinforce learning. The theory portion is organized into 10 major instructional modules with an examination after each module. ATI products are integrated in the theory modules and include Skills, Pharmacology Made Easy and Dosage Calculation – Dimensional Analysis, with a final medication calculation test. After successful completion, the RN refresher participant is awarded 160 theory hours. Completion of theory involves successful completion of all module tests, ATI skills, ATI pharmacology, ATI dimensional analysis modules and the final medication calculation test.

Modules

Modules one through nine contain multiple choice examinations. Each examination contains 25 questions in varying formats such as true/false, multiple choice or multiple select. Two opportunities are allowed to successfully complete each module post-test with a score of 76% or greater. If a score of less than 76% is attained on post-test A, the participant will re-enter test A submission to review incorrect answers, refer to textbook content as noted in rationale and review the module material again before completing post-test B. If a score of 76% or greater is not obtained on either posttest A or B, the participant will be dismissed from the program.

ATI Skills

The 21 required ATI skills provide learning opportunities related to the requirements of a registered nurse in various clinical settings and are assigned in modules five through 10. The ATI skills provide in-depth information and visual cues for each learning experience. The modules are self-paced and interactive, contain audio and video clips as well as step-by-step procedures. Case studies in the form of practice challenges are included in each module. The modules will support participant’s skill-building, apply the theoretical and evidence-based information and instill confidence in understanding of skills. 

A post-test score of 76% or greater must be achieved on each of the 21 mandatory ATI Skills. If a 76% is not attained on the first attempt, participants will retake the posttest until the passing score of 76% or greater is achieved. 

Participants will also complete five virtual ATI Skill scenarios.

ATI Pharmacology Made Easy

The pharmacology module includes a welcome/introductory, lessons, activities and case study. One module, Introduction to Pharmacology, must be completed in its entirety followed by as posttest. The posttest contains 25 NCLEX-style questions to assess knowledge acquisition. Participants will receive immediate feedback with rationales provided for both correct and incorrect answer choices to reinforce learning. Participants must receive a score of 76% or greater on the test. If a 76% is not attained on the first attempt, participants will retake the posttest until the passing score of 76% or greater is achieved.

Module content will be reviewed for the other 10 pharmacology modules, with no posttest required.

ATI Dosage Calculation

This ATI product is an interactive, media-rich, online tutorial that is designed to help participants learn the basics of safe medication administration. The dosage calculation series improves comprehension and critical-thinking skills in relation to safely calculating medication dosages. The seven modules include activity questions interspersed throughout the material to provide practice problems, in which the participant receives immediate feedback with rationales provided for both correct and incorrect answer choices along with equations to reinforce learning.

Participants must receive a 76% or greater score on each of the seven required module tests. If a 76% is not attained on the first attempt, participants will re-take the posttest until the passing score of 76% or greater is achieved. 

Final Medication Calculation

The participant will take a Medication Calculation Test in D2L at the end of theory in module ten, and before proceeding to clinical. The test includes 10 questions that require the participant to calculate and document their answer. A practice medication calculation test is available for the participants to help prepare for the final test and may be utilized as many times as needed.

Three opportunities are allowed to successfully complete the medication calculation test with a score of 100%. 

Theory Overview

Module 1: Professional Concepts

• Unit A – The Profession of Nursing
• Unit B – The Nurse’s Role In Health Care Quality and Patient Safety
• Unit C – Values, Ethics and Legal Issues
• Unit D – Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Care
• Focus Studies in Leadership and Management, Delegation, Informatics
• Exploring Your State's Board of Nursing Website

Module 2: Nursing Process

• Unit A – Introduction to the Nursing Process, Critical Thinking and Clinical Judgement
• Unit B – Nursing Assessment
• Unit B - Nursing Diagnosis/Analysis
• Unit C – Planning: Generating Solutions
• Unit D – Implementation and Evaluation
• Unit E – Healthcare Team Communication: Documenting and Reporting

Module 3: Healthcare Delivery Concepts

• Unit A – Health, Wellness and Integrative Healthcare
• Unit B – Healthcare In the Community and Home
• Unit C – Culture and Diversity
• Unit D – Communication in the Nurse-Patient Relationship
• Unit E – Patient Education and Health Promotion

Module 4: Psychosocial Concepts

• Unit A – Self-Concept
• Unit B – Families and Their Relationships
• Unit C – Cognitive Processes
• Unit D – Sexuality
• Unit E – Stress, Coping and Adaptation
• Unit F – Loss and Grieving
• Unit G – Spiritual Health

Module 5: Clinical Care Competencies - Part One

• Unit A – Caring for the Older Adult
• Unit B - Safety
• Unit B – Health Assessment
• Unit C – Vital Signs
• Unit D – Asepsis and Infection Control
• Focus Study on Genetics and Genomics
• Selected ATI Modules

Module 6: Concepts Involving Protection and Movement - Part One

• Unit A – Hygiene and Self-Care
• Unti B – Skin Integrity and Wound Health
• Unit C – Infection Prevention and Management
• Selected ATI Modules

Module 7: Concepts Involving Protection and Movement - Part Two

• Unit A – Mobility
• Unit B – Pain Management
• Unit C – Sensory Perception
• Selected ATI Modules

Module 8: Concepts Involving Homeostasis and Regulation - Part One

• Unit A – Nutrition
• Unit B – Urinary Elimination
• Unit C – Bowel Elimination
• Unit D - Sleep
• Selected ATI Modules

Module 9: Concepts Involving Homeostasis and Regulation - Part Two

• Unit A – Respiratory Function
• Unit B - Cardiac Function
• Unit C – Fluids, Electrolytes and Acid-Base
• Selected ATI Modules

Module 10: Clinical Care Competencies - Part Two

• Unit A - Medication Administration
• Unit B - Intravenous Therapy
• Selected ATI Modules

The online theory component of the LPN independent study refresher course utilizes a textbook and online interactive ATI products. The theory portion is arranged into 10 major modules in D2L, with an examination at the end of each module. ATI products are integrated in the theory modules and include skills, pharmacology made easy and dosage calculation - dimensional analysis, with a final medication calculation test. After successful completion, the LPN refresher participant is awarded 120 theory hours.Completion of theory involves successful completion of all D2L and ATI module tests

Theory Overview

• Module 1 – Foundations and Settings
• Module 2 – Personal, Environmental Health and Safety
• Module 3 – Development Throughout the Life Cycle
• Module 4 – The Nursing Process and Focus Studies
• Module 5 – Adult Care Nursing (Part 1) and selected ATI pharmacology
• Module 6 – Adult Care Nursing (Part 2) and selected ATI pharmacology
• Module 7 – Adult Care Nursing (Part 3) and selected ATI pharmacology
• Module 8 – ATI Skills/Client Care (Part 1)
• Module 9 – ATI Skills/Client Care (Part 2)
• Module 10 – ATI Pharmacology and Dosage Calculation and Safe Medication Administration

Module Tests: A reading outline is provided for the participant to use to guide learning, for test preparation and may be used for testing. Modules one through nine contain multiple choice examinations. Each examination contains 25 questions in varying formats such as true/false, multiple choice or multiple select. Participants have two opportunities to successfully complete each module post-test with a score of 76% or greater. If a score of less than 76% is attained on post-test A, the participant will re-enter the test A submission to review incorrect answers, refer to textbook content as noted in rationale and review the module material again before completing post-test B. If a score of 76% or greater is not obtained on either post-test A or B, the participant will be dismissed from the program.

ATI Pharmacology Made Easy: Each pharmacology module includes a welcome/introductory, lessons, activities and case study. One module, introduction to pharmacology, must be completed in its entirety followed by as post-test. The post-test contains 25 NCLEX-style questions to assess knowledge acquisition. Participants will receive immediate feedback with rationales provided for both correct and incorrect answer choices to reinforce learning. Participants must receive a score of 76% or greater on the test. If a 76% is not attained on the first attempt, participants will retake the post-test until the passing score of 76% or greater is achieved. Module content will be reviewed for the other 10 pharmacology modules, with no post-test required. 

ATI Dosage Calculation: This ATI product is an interactive, media-rich, online tutorial that is designed to help participants learn the basics of safe medication administration. The dosage calculation series improves comprehension and critical-thinking skills in relation to safely calculating medication dosages. The seven modules include activity questions interspersed throughout the material to provide practice problems, in which the participant receives immediate feedback with rationales provided for both correct and incorrect answer choices along with equations to reinforce learning.

Participants must receive a 76% or greater score on each of the seven required module tests. If a 76% is not attained on the first attempt, participants will re-take the posttest until the passing score of 76% or greater is achieved. 

ATI Skills: Nineteen required ATI Skills provide learning opportunities related to the requirements of a nurse in various clinical settings and are assigned in modules 8 through 10. The ATI Skills provide in-depth information and visual cues for each learning experience. ATI Skills are designed with a pretest, completion of learning modules, then followed by a posttest. Case studies in the form of practice challenges are included with each module. The modules will support the participant’s skill-building, apply the theoretical and evidence-based information and instill confidence in the understanding of skills. Participants will also complete four virtual ATI Skill scenarios.

Final Medication Calculation: The participant will take a Medication Calculation Test in D2L at the end of theory in module ten, and before proceeding to clinical. The test includes 10 questions that require the participant to calculate and document their answer. A practice medication calculation test is available for the participants to help prepare for the final test and may be utilized as many times as needed.Three opportunities are allowed to successfully complete the medication calculation test with a score of 100%.

Clinical Component

Arranging for the clinical experience is the responsibility of each prospective participant. A verbal commitment from a clinical site is required prior to requesting enrollment in the course. The prospective participant must employ professionalism in all phone or email communication with the health care site.

After a verbal commitment is achieved, the program enrollment application may be completed. For questions and guidance on how to secure the verbal commitment for clinical, please refer to the FAQ section of the website.

Clinical sites must be within the United States or on a U.S. Military base in a health care setting operated by medical staff licensed within the US. Examples of ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ accepted clinical settings include but are not limited to hospitals, nursing homes, surgery centers, urgent care centers, rehabilitation centers, home health or hospice agencies.

Hours Required

A minimum of 80 clinical hours is required for course completion. If the respective state board of nursing requires more than 80 hours, this requirement will be adhered to during the clinical experience.

License

Where required, a limited license must be obtained from the state board of nursing during the clinical component of the refresher course. The limited license allows nursing practice under the direct personal supervision of a licensed registered nurse identified as the clinical preceptor. The limited license is only valid for a specific time period and may not be used for gainful employment.

Pre-Clinical Requirements

The following documentation will be required prior to clinical, but not prior to enrollment. 

1. Measles (rubeola) immunity.
2. Mumps immunity.
3. Rubella (German measles) immunity.
4. Varicella immunity.
5. Hepatitis B immunity.
6. TB skin test.
7. Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis immunity.
8. Influenza vaccination – required during flu season October - March.
9. COVID-19 vaccination (where required).
10. Certificate of Health after review of primary care provider.
11. CPR certification for the professional rescuer/health care provider.
12. Proof of personal health insurance coverage.
13. Professional liability insurance.
14. Drug screening (10 panel – current within three months of beginning clinical).
15. Temporary permit or limited license (where required).

Participants that elect to complete only the theory portion of the course will not open a account with Exxat to obtain the above preadmission background checks or preclinical requirements. A copy of a government-issued identification card may be submitted with the enrollment application.

Successful Course Completion

Full course completion includes both the theory and clinical components. The participant may enter and complete only the theory component if completion of a program is not required. 

Completion Time Frame

The participant is permitted one year to successfully complete both the theory and clinical components of the refresher course. If the course is not completed within the one-year deadline, the participant may request an extension. The cost of a one-time, three-month extension is $500. A request to extend must be received within 30 days of the course end date. After this period, re-enrollment with payment of the full program fee and background checks is required.

The refresher course considers enrollment from prospective participants in the following circumstances:

• Formerly licensed LPN/RNs who wish to reactivate their nursing licensure.
• Currently licensed LPN/RNs who desire to refresh their knowledge or skills in the profession due to time away from practice.
• Unlicensed LPN/RNs that have successfully completed an education program, however, have not yet successfully completed the NCLEX exam. Admission for this participant is accompanied by the requirement that s/he must successfully complete the NCLEX exam prior to receiving approval to begin the clinical component of the course.

Conditional Admission

Applicants must answer all questions in full on the enrollment application. Supplemental information or documents may be provided via email to the CNE office. Information provided will be reviewed by course leadership. Admission to the Independent Study Refresher Course may be denied if it is determined that ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ cannot fully support the applicants' needs through distance education in any aspect of the program.

If a prospective participant has been convicted, pled guilty or no contest to, or received a suspended imposition of sentence for a felony or other criminal offense or is under disciplinary action with their current or former Board of Nursing, the participant is advised it may not be possible to be accepted into the refresher course at ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ. Participants may be denied reinstatement from their state Board of Nursing, from taking the required licensure exam, and/or may be prevented from gaining employment in the field of nursing.

Entrance to the clinical portion of the refresher course is conditioned on the successful completion of the theory component, acceptance into clinical placement determined by a healthcare agency, and approval from program faculty.

Participants that elect to complete only the theory portion of the refresher course are not required to open an account with Exxat for clinical compliance.

Technical Standards

CNE Program participants must be able to independently, with OR without reasonable accommodation, meet the following technical standards for enrollment in and successful progression through the refresher course program. These requirements pertain to participant conduct regardless of the setting (ie didactic, clinical, email communication, etc).

General Abilities

Functional use of the senses of vision, touch, hearing, taste and smell is expected of every participant so that this sensory information may be integrated, analyzed and synthesized accurately and consistently. A participant must also possess the ability to perceive pain, pressure, temperature, position, vibration and movement which are essential to gather information needed to effectively evaluate and care for patients. Each participant must be able to promptly respond to urgent situations that may occur during clinical learning experiences and must not obstruct the ability of other members of the health care team to provide prompt treatment and care to patients.

Observational Ability

Sufficient capacity to make accurate visual observations and interpret them in the context of laboratory studies, medication administration and patient care activities must be present. The participant must consistently be able to document these observations and maintain accurate records.

Communication Ability

The participant must effectively communicate verbally and non-verbally to gather information and to translate that information to diverse others. The abilities each student must possess include: reading, writing, comprehending and speaking the English language to facilitate communication with patients, their family members and other health care professionals. Additional essential abilities are: to maintain accurate patient records, to present information professionally and logically; and to provide counseling and teaching to effectively care for patients and their families. Verbal and written communication skills that permit effective communication during both the didactic and clinical portions of the course are expected.

Motor Ability

Each participant is required to possess the motor movements needed to perform gross and fine motor movements with sufficient coordination needed to perform complete physical examinations utilizing the techniques of inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation and other diagnostic maneuvers. A participant must develop the psychomotor skills reasonably needed to perform or assist with procedures, treatments, administration of medication, management and operation of diagnostic and therapeutic medical equipment and such maneuvers to assist with patient care activities such as lifting, wheel chair guidance and mobility. The participant must have sufficient levels of neuromuscular control and eye-to-hand coordination as well as possess the physical and mental stamina to meet the demands associated with extended periods of sitting, standing, moving and physical exertion required for satisfactory and safe performance in the clinical setting including performance of CPR, if necessary. The participant must possess the ability of mental dexterity that would be required for certain activities, such as drawing up solutions in a syringe.

Conceptual and Quantitative Intellectual Abilities

Developing and refining problem-solving skills are critical developmental learning abilities for participants to return to nursing practice. The abilities to measure, calculate, analyze, reason and synthesize objective and subjective data and to make informed decisions, frequently in a time-sensitive environment are essential for nursing refresher course participants. These intellectual abilities must reflect careful and consistent deliberation and sound clinical judgment. Mastery of these skills is expected. The ability to integrate and sensitively respond to new information from peers, faculty and the evidence based literature must be present in order to make sound judgments in all aspects of patient care.

Social and Behavior Attributes

Participants must possess effective interpersonal skills, including the qualities of integrity, compassion, motivation and a genuine concern for others. Participants must be comfortable in the role of a student nurse and accept that the role functions under supervision of a preceptor. Full utilization of the personal intellectual abilities and skills are essential, including sound judgment; timely completion of clinical responsibilities; and the ability to work with patients and members of the healthcare team effectively and with maturity. Stable, sound judgment must be demonstrated at all times to conduct assessment, intervention and evaluation activities. An ability to sensitively establish rapport and carry out interpersonal relationships with individuals, families and groups from diverse social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds is essential. The participant must learn to function cooperatively and efficiently in the face of uncertainties inherent in clinical practice and be able to flexibly adapt to changing environments. A willingness to accept and respond to constructive criticism given in the didactic and clinical settings is critical.

Management of Stressful Situations

Adapting and functioning effectively in the face of stressful situations, including emergencies or situations in the clinical are necessary. Nursing education inherently includes encounters with multiple stressors, which may include multiple personal, patient care/family, faculty/peer and/or program related factors.

• Full payment of the program fee is due when the participant is accepted for enrollment. Payment may be made via check, money order or credit card. The accepted credit cards are MasterCard, VISA, American Express and Discover.
• Payment plans are not available.
• Refresher course participants must establish an account with Exxat, the chosen third-party vendor for compliance.
  • Participants who elect to complete only the theory portion of the course are not required to open a Exxat account for background checks or clinical compliance.
• The textbook is purchased by participants at their cost.
• If the participant receives course access and decides against continuing in the program, s/he is allowed 30 days from the date of enrollment to notify the CNE office of their intent to withdraw and receive a refund of 70% of the program fee. After 30 days, no refund will be granted. No refund will be granted of fees paid to the program identified compliance provider or the participant’s state Board of Nursing. No refund will be extended to the participant if s/he is dismissed from the refresher course. 
• Participants in this course will not be issued a 1098T from ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ for qualified educational expenses.

A background check is required for all individuals who wish to enroll in the theory and clinical components of the RN or LPN refresher course.

The background check is conducted by Exxat and is commonly completed within five to 10 business days. This check must provide a minimum history of seven years. The report is valid for one year.

Prospective participants who are not U.S. Citizens, or have not resided within the United States for at least seven years, may require additional background searches. Contact the Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) office for further direction regarding this need.

The following steps must be completed to request admission to the refresher course: 

• Complete and submit the . The application requires information for the requested clinical site. Arranging for the clinical experience is the responsibility of each prospective participant. A verbal commitment from a clinical site is required prior to requesting enrollment in the course.  Prospective participants will make the initial contact to request and secure that the facility can provide a clinical experience. 
• Provide verification of past/present licensure. This information is obtained free of charge of Nursys.com:
  • Select quick confirm option.
  • Enter your information to conduct the search. 
  • Select the search result that represents your licensure. Download your personal report and email the PDF file to the CNE office. 

If you have not previously been licensed, email the continuing nursing education office to inquire what pre-licensure documentation is required from you. 

Upon receipt of the application, ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ will review and respond to the request via email within four business days. At that time, you may be requested to provide additional information.

After review of the enrollment request, you may be permitted conditional admission to the refresher course program, pending the completion of a background search.  At that time you will be provided with instructions to open and purchase an account with Exxat, ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ’s selected vendor for compliance,  to complete the final pre-enrollment items.

Participants who elect to complete only the theory portion of the course are not required to open an account with Exxat.