Nursing Refresher/Re-Entry Program
Refresher Courses are programs designed to update knowledge of current nursing theory and clinical practice to ensure the competence of nurses re-entering nursing practice. The University of Houston-Clear Lake at Pearland can help you relaunch your career!
Who is a Refresher Program For?
- A registered nurse (RN) who holds a Texas RN license that has lapsed (typically after
more than 4 years of inactive status).
- An RN with a current RN license who desires to update skills or reenter the nursing
workforce.
- An RN from out of state (Texas) who desires an endorsement license for Texas. Individuals who received their initial RN license from another state and whose license has lapsed can apply for a Texas license through the "Endorsement" process after completing this program.
A Concept-Based Focused Program
This refresher program will deliver the essential skills to update your nursing knowledge. The program includes a didactic component and an evidence-based clinical acute care practice component. Highly knowledgeable faculty will guide the individual to successfully and safely return to practice in the nursing field. Participants can expect to receive up-to-date information on health issues, health promotion, informatics, and the current role expectations of the registered nurse.
This program is intended only for currently licensed RNs seeking the limited clinical hours required for Texas licensure endorsement or reinstatement.
It is not designed for individuals who:
- Do not hold an RN license.
- Need clinical hours beyond the 80 hours required for a lapsed license renewal or endorsement to Texas.
- Are seeking preparation for or eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN examination
This program provides knowledge that meets the content criteria and requirements for the Texas Board of Nursing for successful reinstatement/endorsement of a Texas nursing license. Completion of the course does not guarantee employment.
Modality
- Face-To-Face (12 seats open to first paid in full, first served)
- Online Synchronous
Program Overview
The Full Program Requires Didactic, Simulation, and Clinical Rotation
This program is for Registered Nurses only and includes two courses:
- Course 1 – Didactic: Attend face-to-face sessions at the Pearland site or participate synchronously online, including a simulation component (40 hours).
- Simulation-One day in-person during last didactic class meet
- Course 2 – Clinical: Precepted hospital rotation (80 hours).
Note: The program requests rotations for enrolled students through our contracted facilities in the Houston area. Students do not choose sites or rotations. Rotations are accepted, and assignments are made by the healthcare facility as space allows. Location varies depending on availability, including day or Night shifts and assigned days.
Fees
Program Fee - $2000
The $2000 fee covers registration, course materials (except textbooks), didactics, simulation, and hospital rotation. Required textbook books are purchased by the student. Textbook purchasing information will be provided upon registration, including details on purchasing textbooks at a discounted rate. Students are responsible for purchasing all required books prior to the first-class meeting.
Payment must be made in full by the last day of registration. No payment plans are available for this program. Veteran benefits may fund this program (check with your VA office).
*All fees are non-refundable.
Clinical Placement Fee
MyClinicalExchange: An additional external fee is required to set up an account for the clinical placement request used by the Texas hospital facilities we contract with.. This fee is payable by the student directly to an external portal. Do not request the “MyClinicalExchange” account until instructed to do so. Students who do not have all required documents and immunizations at the first-class meet will not be able to set up account. Further, a delay may result in not being able to have a clinical rotation assignment and not continue in the program.
Notes:
- Clinical slots (facility, days, times) are assigned by the hospital hosting the clinical. UHCL does not have the authority to assign Preceptors, facilities, days, or shifts. Students are responsible for their transportation to and from the clinical rotations.
- We hold contracts with Houston-Gulf Coast facilities. We can only guarantee a rotation in our contracted area. If students from outside of the Houston-Gulf Coast area desire to do a clinical in another area of Texas they must provide the UHCL Clinical Coordinator with the facility and contact information of the Nurse Educator upon registration. We will request an agreement with that facility to allow the student to do a rotation. However, there is no guarantee the facility will oblige.
Temporary License
- It is the student's responsibly to ensure you are eligible to apply for a Texas Temporary License.
- The Temporary License from the Texas Board of Nursing should be requested after the first class meet and not until you are instructed by your course instructor. *The Background check is conducted at the time of submitting the Temporary License.
Note: *These steps should be initiated only after registering, completing full payment, and attending the first-class meeting.
If your RN license is delinquent/expired, over 4 years old, or if you are endorsing to Texas, you are required to obtain a temporary license.
If there are any issues that affect the ability to obtain a temporary license you will need to check with the Texas Board of Nursing directly prior to registering for the program!
This program is not for individuals who do not hold an RN license or need to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
Individuals involved in "Operation Nightingale" are not eligible for this program.
Insurance
Each student is required to purchase their own malpractice insurance policy prior to the start of clinical rotations. This coverage is essential for your practice and protection during clinical experiences. We encourage you to research available options and select a policy that best meets your needs. We do not advise students on which policy they should choose.
Each student must have active personal health insurance or be responsible for paying for any health care needs related to the clinical experience throughout the program. The university does not provide health insurance to non-credit students, so be sure to arrange your own coverage before the first-class meeting.
Immunizations
Complete all required immunizations and/or titers prior to the first-class meeting.
Complete Pre-Program Requirements for Refresher Registration
Completed requirements and submission of documents to the Program Coordinator must be done on the first day of class.
Submission includes all items below:
- All immunizations or Titers, including influenza (during the flu season), must be completed and submitted at the first class. The recommended CDC timing of flu vaccination, which hospitals comply with, is September through February.
- Immunizations:
- Current TB test (negative) or (evidence of negative chest X-ray if BCG has been taken in the past year)
- Immunizations/titers (MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Tdap)
- Influenza-Flu (if in season)
- Must have a basic urine drug screen completed
- Proof of current American Heart Association Basic Life Support Certification
- Malpractice insurance
RN Refresher Program Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
Questions?
Program Contact
Email: Continuinged@uhcl.edu
Texas Board of Nursing Questions
333 Guadalupe, Suite 3-460 Austin, TX 78701-3944
Phone: 512-305-7400
Fax: 512-305-7401
To protect and promote the welfare of the people of Texas: Texas Board of Nursing - Refresher Courses