Refresher Basic Nursing

Refresher Basic Nursing is a short-term training program designed for nurses whose professional practice has been interrupted for a long period or whose licenses have lapsed. The program helps them update their knowledge, sharpen their clinical skills, and reintegrate into active nursing practice.

This program is typically organized and approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) or equivalent bodies in other countries. It is meant for nurses who trained in Basic Nursing but have not practiced for a while or did not complete the licensing requirements at the time of graduation. The Refresher Basic Nursing program allows them to retrain, meet regulatory standards, and qualify to sit for the licensing examination, leading to full recognition as a Registered Nurse (RN).

Refresher Basic Nursing Programme Duration

The Refresher Basic Nursing program usually lasts 6 months to 1 year, depending on the institution and regulatory requirements. The duration includes both classroom learning and supervised clinical practice.

Who needs the Refresher Basic Nursing?

  • A nurse who stopped practicing for several years returns through the refresher course.
  • Nurses with expired practicing licenses update their training to regain certification.
  • Graduates of Basic Nursing who failed to sit or pass the licensing exam can enroll to qualify for registration.
  • Nurses who trained abroad may be required to take a refresher program before being licensed locally.

Refresher Basic Nursing Career Opportunities

After completing Refresher Basic Nursing and obtaining registration, graduates can:

  • Work as Registered Nurses (RN) in hospitals, clinics, and health centers.
  • Pursue Post Basic Nursing or Post Basic Midwifery specializations.
  • Join public health programs in communities.
  • Qualify for employment in NGOs and international health organizations.
  • Advance academically by enrolling in Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) programs.

Refresher Basic Nursing is a bridging program that helps inactive or unlicensed nurses update their knowledge, restore their practice status, and re-enter the nursing profession.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Refresher Basic Nursing

Who is eligible for Refresher Basic Nursing?

  • Nurses who completed Basic Nursing but are not licensed, nurses with lapsed practicing licenses, or those who have been out of practice for several years.

How long does the Refresher Basic Nursing program take?

  • The program usually lasts 6 months to 1 year, depending on the training school and NMCN regulations.

What is the difference between Basic Nursing and Refresher Basic Nursing?

  • Basic Nursing is the original three-year program for secondary school graduates.
  • Refresher Basic Nursing is a shorter retraining program for inactive or unlicensed nurses to restore practice rights.

Is Refresher Basic Nursing compulsory for all nurses?

  • No. It is only required for nurses who have not practiced for a long time, those whose licenses have expired, or those needing retraining before licensure.

Do graduates of Refresher Basic Nursing become Registered Nurses?

  • Yes. After completing the program and passing the council’s examination, participants are licensed as Registered Nurses (RN).

Can Refresher Basic Nursing graduates specialize further?

  • Yes. After regaining RN status, they can enroll in Post Basic Nursing, Post Basic Midwifery, BNSc programs, or other nursing specializations.
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