Socialization of inactive non-employed nurses returning to the professional nursing role.

Several conclusions were reached as a result of a study of nurses who had enrolled in an RN refresher course between 1981 and 1987. 1. An RN refresher course with both a theory and clinical component is a viable means for preparing registered nurses to return to work. 2. Seventy-one percent of those responding to a mailed questionnaire had returned to active employment, with the majority seeking work in a hospital setting. 3. Forty-seven percent were interested in continuing their education through seminars, workshops, and in-service programs. Of this 47%, 21% expressed interest in obtaining a baccalaureate degree. Although some of the positive results appear intangible, respondents identified a real sense of peer relations, mutual support, lasting friendships, as well as feelings of enhanced self-esteem. And, they experienced an enhanced personal role within the family. Inactive nurses are capable of assuming roles and responsibilities of adult learners and professional caregivers.