RN and LPN Independent Study Refresher Courses

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.

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 10.12 or higher.

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. Participants are required to have camera access on their computer when taking a module exam in the D2L. This webcam may be included in the participant’s computer or an added accessory. A webcam is not provided by SDSU and will be an additional cost to the participant. 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 has been 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 and should be completed as assigned. ATI skills modules are designed with a pre-test, completion of learning modules, then followed by a posttest. 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. Participants should allow time to complete the pretest, review the tutorial including the overview, step-by-step viewing, accepted practice components and posttest.

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 document their test activities on the SDSU provided form and submit to the CNE office upon completion. This data will be verified by the CNE office before approval will be granted to proceed to the clinical experience.

Participants will also complete five virtual ATI Skill scenarios: HIPAA, nutrition, blood administration pain assessment and vital signs. The participant will document time spent and date completed on the SDSU provided form and submit to the CNE office upon completion. This data will be verified by the CNE office before approval will be granted to proceed to the clinical experience.

ATI Pharmacology Made Easy

There are 11 modules assigned in modules five through nine. Each pharmacology module includes a welcome/introductory, lessons, activities and case study. There is one module, Introduction to Pharmacology, that 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. The participant will identify one medication from the module content that they are familiar with and document it on the provided form. Participants will document their test activity, familiar medication and date on the SDSU provided form and submit to the CNE office upon completion. This data will be verified by the CNE office before approval will be granted to proceed to the clinical experience.

Note: Review of two modules is optional – hematologic and immune system.

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. The participant will document their test activities on the SDSU provided form and submit to the CNE office upon completion. This data will be verified by the CNE office before approval will be granted to proceed to the clinical experience.

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%. The participant will take test A. If a score of less than 100% is attained on test A, the participant will reenter the submission, review questions answered incorrectly noting their rationale and review ATI modules as needed. After review, the participant will take test B. If a score of less than 100% is attained on test B, the participant will reenter the submission, review questions answered incorrectly noting their rationale and review ATI modules as needed. When participant is ready for the final attempt, test C, the participant will email instructor the date and time they request to take test C. The instructor will open test C for participant completion. If a score of less than 100% is attained on medication calculation tests A, B and C, the participant will be dismissed from the program.

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.
• Unit E – Nursing Process: Foundations for Clinical Judgment.

Module 2

Nursing Process

• Unit A – Nursing Assessment.
• Unit B – Nursing Diagnosis.
• Unit C – Outcome Identification and Planning.
• Unit D – Implementation and Evaluation.
• Unit E – Healthcare Team Communication: Documenting and Reporting.
• Unit F – Focus Studies in Leadership and Management, Delegation, Informatics.

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.
• Unit F – Caring for the Older Adult.

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 – Safety.
• Unit B – Health Assessment.
• Unit C – Vital Signs.
• Unit D – Asepsis and Infection Control.

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.

MODULE 7

Concepts Involving Protection and Movement - Part Two

• Unit A – Mobility.
• Unit B – Pain Management.
• Unit C – Sensory Perception.

Module 8

Concepts Involving Homeostasis and Regulation - Part One

• Unit A – Nutrition.
• Unit B – Urinary Elimination.
• Unit C – Bowel Elimination.
• Unit D - Sleep.

Module 9

Concepts Involving Homeostasis and Regulation - Part Two

• Unit A – Respiratory Function.
• · Unit B - Cardiac Function.
• · Unit C – Fluids, Electrolytes and Acid-Base.

Module 10

Clinical Care Competencies - Part Two

• Unit A - Medication Administration.
• Unit B - Intravenous Therapy.

Integrated Material Throughout Modules

ATI Skills

• Air-way Management.
• Blood Administration.
• Central Venous Access Devices.
• Closed-Chest Drainage.
• Concepts of Medication Administration.
• Diabetes Management.
• Enteral Tube Feedings.
• HIPAA.
• Infection Control.
• Injectable Medication Administration.
• Intravenous Therapy and Peripheral Access.
• IV Medication Administration.
• Nasogastric Intubation.
• Nutrition.
• Oral and Topical Medications.
• Oxygen Therapy.
• Pain Management.
• Physical Assessment – Adult.
• Surgical Asepsis.
• Urinary Elimination.
• Vital Signs.

ATI Pharmacology Made Easy

• Introduction to Pharmacology.
• The Neurologic System Part 1 and 2.
• The Gastrointestinal System.
• The Reproductive and Genitourinary Systems.
• The Respiratory System.
• The Cardiovascular System.
• The Endocrine System.
• Infection.
• The Musculoskeletal System.
• Pain and Inflammation.
• Optional: The Hematologic System and The Immune System.

ATI Dosage Calculation - Dimensional Analysis

• Safe Dosage.
• Medication Administration.
• Oral Medications.
• Injectable Medications.
• Powdered Medications.
• Parenteral (IV) Medications.
• Dosage by Weight.
• Optional: Pediatric Medications and Critical Care Medications.

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 activities are assigned in modules five through 10 to augment the textbook learning. Three ATI products included with the course will focus on skills, pharmacology and dosage calculation. 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 get 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 posttest 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 posttest 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 Pharmacology Made Easy: There are eleven pharmacology modules are assigned in modules 5 through 7. Each pharmacology module includes a welcome/introductory, lessons, activities and case study. The posttest contains twenty-five NCLEX-style questions to assess knowledge acquisition.

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. The participant will document their test activities on the SDSU provided form and submit to the CNE office upon completion. This data will be verified by the CNE office before approval will be granted to proceed to the clinical experience.

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%. The participant will take test A. If a score of less than 100% is attained on test A, the participant will reenter the submission, review questions answered incorrectly noting their rationale and review ATI modules as needed. After review, the participant will take test B. If a score of less than 100% is attained on test B, the participant will reenter the submission, review questions answered incorrectly noting their rationale and review ATI modules as needed. When participant is ready for the final attempt, test C, the participant will email instructor the date and time they request to take test C. The instructor will open test C for participant completion. If a score of less than 100% is attained on medication calculation tests A, B and C, the participant will be dismissed from the program.

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: HIPAA, nutrition, pain assessment and vital signs.

Clinical Component

Arranging for the clinical experience is the responsibility of each prospective participant. Work to secure 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.

Prospective participants will make the initial contact to request and secure that the facility can provide a clinical experience. After a verbal commitment is achieved, enrollment in the course can begin. SDSU staff will contact the clinical site to establish the required affiliation agreement after participant enrollment.

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 SDSU 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.

Clinical Plan and Preclinical Requirements

When preparing for clinical, the participant will submit a completed Clinical Plan to SDSU. This one-page form is reviewed and may be approved after the following preclinical requirements are uploaded and approved in the participant’s CastleBranch account. When all preclinical requirements are met, the Clinical Plan is approved and a date range for clinical hours will be set. The start date for clinical will be a minimum of 10 business days after approval, or longer if work to complete a required affiliation agreement with the site is still underway.

Pre-Clinical Requirements

1. Copy of government issued photo identification card (submitted with enrollment).
2. FBI background check with fingerprinting (completed with enrollment application).
3. Online background check (completed with enrollment application).
4. Multi-waiver release form.
5. Measles (rubeola) immunity.
6. Mumps immunity.
7. Rubella (German measles) immunity.
8. Varicella immunity.
9. Hepatitis B immunity or waiver.
10. TB skin test.
11. Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis immunity.
12. Influenza vaccination – required during flu season October - March.
13. COVID-19 vaccination (where required).
14. CPR certification for the professional rescuer/health care provider.
15. Proof of personal health insurance coverage.
16. Professional liability insurance.
17. Drug screening (10 panel – current within three months of beginning clinical).
18. Temporary permit or limited license (where required).

Participants that elect to complete only the theory portion of the course will not open a CastleBranch account 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

The participant must successfully pass both the theory and clinical components to complete the refresher course. Upon successful completion, a certificate will be mailed to the participant. A copy of the certificate will be sent to the participant’s board of nursing to document successful completion of the course.

If a participant is unable to successfully complete either the theory or the clinical portion, this will result in failure of the refresher course. Appeals for the opportunity to retake course exams or the clinical experience are not guaranteed and will be handled on a case-by-case basis. No participant will be allowed more than two opportunities to successfully complete clinical. Any dismissal from the course for academic reasons is appealable pursuant to University Policy 2:4.

Completion Time Frame

The participant is permitted one year to successfully pass both the theory and clinical components to complete the refresher course. If the course is not completed within the one-year deadline, the participant may purchase a one-time extension for $500. The extension adds three months for course completion. 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 program 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 SDSU Cannot fully support the applicants needs through distance education in any aspect of the program.

Admission to the clinical portion of the refresher course is conditioned on the results of the background checks completed through CastleBranch and acceptance into clinical placement determined by a health care agency.

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 SDSU. 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.

Participants that elect to complete only the theory portion of the refresher course are not required to open a CastleBranch account to complete the background checks.

Technical Standards

CNE Program participants must be able to independently, with our 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.

The following steps must be completed BEFORE you submit an application for enrollment in the refresher course:

1. Open an account with CastleBranch.
   1. CastleBranch Package
   2. Complete BOTH of the required background checks. See the compliance guidelines for background checks for more information.
   3. Upload a copy of your government issued identification card.
   4. The online search is completed by CastleBranch. The FBI background search requires you to have fingerprints taken locally and sent to the channeling service in Ohio. Follow the instructions provided by CastleBranch carefully. The results of both searches will be accessible by SDSU via your CastleBranch account.   
   5. Please note that participants who elect to complete only the theory portion of the course are not required to open a CastleBranch account to submit the background checks.
2. Email Coordinator for Continuing Education your verification of past/present licensure. 
   1. This information may be obtained free of charge from Nursys:
      • Select Quick Confirm Option
      • Enter your information to conduct the search
      • Download and email your personal report to the CNE office
3. Complete the enrollment application.
   1. Complete the enrollment application.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. Clinical sites must be within the United States, or on a US Military base in a health care setting operated by medical staff licensed within the US. Examples of SDSU accepted clinical settings include but are not limited to hospitals, nursing homes, surgery centers, urgent care centers, rehabilitation centers, home health or hospice agencies. A State Board of Nursing may require the clinical to be completed in a specific healthcare environment. Prospective participants will make the initial contact to request and secure that the facility can provide a clinical experience. After a verbal commitment is achieved, enrollment in the course can begin. SDSU Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) staff will contact the clinical site to establish the required affiliation agreement.

Proceed to application

• Full payment of the program fee is due when the participant is accepted for enrollment. Payment plans are not available. Payment may be made via check, money order or credit card. The accepted credit cards are MasterCard, VISA, American Express and Discover.
• All refresher course participants must establish an account with CastleBranch, the chosen vendor for document management. CastleBranch is endorsed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), and is the source to submit program preadmission and the aforementioned clinical requirements. The pre-enrollment package price for CastleBranch covers the two background checks. The post-enrollment package is required for clinical preparation. These are additional costs to the participant and will be paid directly to CastleBranch. The participant will experience variable expenses as they prepare for clinical. Participants that elect to complete only the theory portion of the course are not required to open a CastleBranch account to submit the background checks or preclinical requirements.
• Textbooks are purchased by participants at their cost.
• If the participant receives the course materials and decides against continuing, 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%. After 30 days, no refund will be granted. 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 SDSU for qualified educational expenses.

Requirements

Two background checks are required for all individuals who wish to enroll in the RN or LPN refresher course:

1. The online background check.
2. The FBI background check.

The online background check conducted by CastleBranch is commonly completed within five to 10 business days. This check must provide a minimum history of seven years. The online background check must be updated yearly.

The FBI background check processing time can vary from the date the FBI receives the request with a complete application and legible fingerprints. Customary return date via email is seven to ten business days when using the channeling service.

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.

Implementation

A prospective participant that wishes to complete both theory and clinical portions of the course may not be considered for enrollment into the refresher course until both the online background check and the FBI background checks are completed. Prior to acceptance:

• An account with CastleBranch has been opened in the prospective participant’s legal first and last name. The necessary information to conduct the online personal background search has been provided, and s/he has requested and approved this check to begin. Results will automatically be posted to the account.
• The prospective participant has obtained the required fingerprints, and has entered on their CastleBranch account when the fingerprints were sent to the channeling service.  The results of this search will be returned from the FBI to the prospective participant via email. This return date is entered, along with a copy of the results, onto their CastleBranch account.

Course Enrollment

An enrollment request will be reviewed when the results of both background searches are accessible by the CNE office via the prospective participant’s CastleBranch account, along with the receipt of a completed enrollment application and verification of prior licensure from Nursys.com (or the state Board of Nursing where Nursys.com is not available). 

• A verbal commitment from the clinical site must be received by the participant before enrolling in the refresher course. This is a requirement of enrollment, and will not be waived.
• After enrollment, SDSU reaches out to the contact person from the clinical site and begins work to establish a needed affiliation agreement.
• When applying for enrollment, the participant must indicate if they are completing the clinical component of the course. A participant is not allowed to enroll and add the clinical component later.

• The clinical component will be completed at a health care provider of your choosing in your local area. We encourage prospective participants to consider what area of health care nursing they wish to return to, and pursue clinical in that direction. SDSU approves a wide variety of clinical settings, ranging from the hospital location and acute care, to long term care, home health and hospice, etc. Hands-on nursing practice is required. Each state Board of Nursing may define parameters for refresher course clinical practice.
• Communication with the desired clinical site should be in the same manner that one uses when seeking employment.  Professional communication via phone, email and in person is essential. Update a resume and have it available to reference former nursing experience. Discuss the desired direction of the next phase of a nursing career. Follow-up to an inquiry with patience and professionalism. Understand it is at the health care providers discretion if they are willing and able to accept a clinical student.
• Do not attempt to find a clinical site using Facebook or other social media platforms.

Participants experience expenses for the course at:

• Enrollment
• Clinical preparation

Enrollment

Clinical Preparation

The expenses for clinical preparation vary per participant. Review the below list to identify what pieces you need, and determine a close estimate for the cost of this segment of the program.

On average, participants complete the refresher course in approximately seven to eight months. Consider that some participants will move more quickly, and some will take longer.

No. While the course is an independent study course, understand that there are multiple parties working together for the benefit of each participant. Not all progression through the course is at the complete control of the participant.

The drug screen is required prior to clinical, not prior to enrollment. The purchase of a 2nd package with Castle Branch is made when clinical preparation begins. This package includes the checklist of items needed for transition into clinical. At this time, the nearest Lab Corp or Quest Diagnostic testing laboratory is identified for the completion of the panel. The drug screen must be current within three months of beginning clinical.

All students and participants in a Nursing program at SDSU are required to utilize Castle Branch as their document manager. Castle Branch provides detailed instructions for completing each requirement, and reviews all documentation submitted. SDSU does not accept required documentation directly from each student.

SDSU does not place a time limit on the absence from the nursing field. We assist nurses that have been out of the field for 5-10-25 years.

• Please email Continuing Nursing Education department to request a ten-minute phone conference.
• Indicate your name, phone number, state in which you are calling from and a date/time during regular business hours that would work well for you. When the call is scheduled, you will receive a confirmation email.

No. Full payment of the program fee can be made after all enrollment requirements are met, and prior to beginning your course.