Frequently Asked Questions

How fast can I complete this program?
The didactic portion of the program takes approximately 15 weeks. The clinical component requires 80 hours in an acute care setting with the schedule determined by the participant and preceptor. Both components can be completed in as little as 18 weeks. Both components must be completed within six months from start of the course. Exceptions (up to 1 year) will be made only in extremely extenuating circumstances. No one can begin clinical hours until all required pre-clinical documentation is completed and permission is given by the Division of Special Program.

Is there a list of clinical competencies to be achieved during the clinical experience?
Yes. These will be the basis for clinical evaluation. This information is available to registered students on the password protected course web site.

Is there a comprehensive written exam?
Yes, but mastery of the online self-assessment quizzes associated with each content topic will provide a strong foundation for success on the comprehensive didactic exam. This will be a paper and pencil exam (final exam taken on set date/time by all participants approximately 15 weeks from the start of the course) with directions included on the secure course web site.

Is it possible to take the didactic component without the clinical component?
This would be your choice but the fee would be the same, and it would not meet relicensure requirements in Delaware. However, the didactic component can be used to meet contact hour requirement for license renewal by those holding an active license (94 contact hours will be awarded).

If I am a currently licensed RN and wish to "refresh" my medical/surgical knowledge base and skills, can I enroll in the course and receive contact hour credit for license renewal purposes?
Yes. Registered nurses holding current licenses are eligible for enrollment in the course. Nursing contact hours (94 contact hours) will be awarded for successful completion of the didactic component (including mastery of online quizzes, completion of assignments, and final exam). No additional credit will be awarded for completion of the clinical component should you choose to do this.

Is there a prescribed schedule for the 80 clinical hours?
No. Hours are to be arranged with the preceptor who must be present whenever you are on the unit. A schedule must be shared with the course instructor with completed hours verified by the preceptor.

Where do I purchase the required text and any associated materials?
Purchase information for the required textbook will be sent to you with the CD-ROM containing the video content presentations. The required text for the course is Medical-Surgical Nursing: Assessment and Management of Clinical Problems, 7th Edition, Lewis, Heitkemper, Dirksen, 2007 (subject to change).

How do I contact the course instructor if I have a question about lecture materials or assignments?
E-mail, fax, and phone contact information is provided on the secure course web site.

Where do I find information about the course assignments?
The password protected web site homepage will provide links to assignments and other course components.

Once I register and pay the fee, how do I get access to the password protected web site?
You will receive your access information by e-mail approximately one week before the course start date.

How do I locate a preceptor for the clinical component?
The major acute care hospitals in Delaware have received information about the online RN Refresher Course. Included on this site is a listing of these institutions. If you are not a Delaware resident, please notify the Division of Special Programs with the name of your preferred local hospital to complete the clinical experience. If UD does not already have a contract with the preferred hospital, it is the student's responsibility to make the initial contacts.

Can the clinical component be arranged in a long-term care or pediatric facility?
No. The clinical must be arranged in an adult, acute care facility. However, the didactic component of the course provides updates in the specialty areas including maternal/child, psy/mental health, oncology, gerontology, etc.

Is it possible to repeat the clinical component if I am not successful the first time?
Unsuccessful completion of the clinical component will result in student failure of the RN Refresher Course. If you wish to repeat the course, a new registration form must be completed and accompanied by the required fee.

Would a person who graduated from a nursing program but has not yet taken or has failed the NCLEX exam be eligible for the course?
No. The course is designed for nurses who previously held active RN licenses but have been inactive for a specified period of time. Someone who is preparing to take or retake the NCLEX exam should seek a review course specifically developed for that purpose.

Where are the forms that must be submitted to gain approval for the clinical component?
All forms related to the clinical component are posted on the password protected course web site.