Class begins May 17, with five days of lecture classes and five days of clinical experience at Lancaster Regional Medical Center.
"The benefit of this course is that it increases the employability of a nurse who hasn't worked in a number of years," said Alice A. Hinkle, noncredit Allied Health coordinator for the Lancaster and Lebanon campuses of HACC.
"Most hospitals are hoping for some recent experience, and this course shortens any orientation time required once a nurse is hired," said Hinkle. "This course is a win-win situation for both nurses and area healthcare providers which are experiencing a shortage of nurses."
The Lancaster Campus of HACC offers the refresher course once a year. Current trends in nursing theory and clinical skills are presented in a non-threatening atmosphere. The course involves 42 hours of lecture and 40 hours of clinical experience.
A variety of topics will be covered including basic introduction to the nursing process, infection control, physical assessment, pre- and post-operative patient care, fluid and electrolytes, IV therapy, and nutritional management.
Class lectures also will include nursing care of patients with a stoma, neurovascular or cardiopulmonary disorders, diabetes, as well as those receiving oxygen therapy, those experiencing a gastrointestinal disorder and those affected by substance abuse. A general skills review and working as a team also will be covered.
Prerequisites include AHA CPR for Healthcare Providers. Students also must supply a copy of their RN/LPN license and complete a college Health Information Form and criminal history before the first day of class.
The Lancaster Campus of HACC is located at 1641 Old Philadelphia Pike. Information about the Nursing Refresher Course can be obtained by calling 358-2962. Early registration is suggested for all Allied Health classes at the Lancaster Campus of HACC, as it is one of the most popular programs of study.