Outcomes-based research: evaluating the effectiveness of an online nurse refresher course.

According to the Monthly Labor Review, 1 million new nurses will be needed by the year 2010. Returning inactive nurses to the profession is undoubtedly an economical and cost-effective approach to address this need. Embracing an online methodology will reach nurses in less populated, geographically dispersed areas with limited access to traditional educational opportunities.

Returning nurses to the workforce: developing an online refresher course.

The crisis of a nursing shortage is encouraging unemployed nurses to return to practice. A refresher course is needed before they return safely. Historically, schools of nursing and hospital-based continuing education departments offered refresher courses in the traditional classroom-based environments.

When protocols are not enough. Intuitive decision making by novice nurse practitioners.

The pressing need for health care reform in this century has contributed to an increasing interest in educating health care providers who can deliver cost-effective, high-quality care. Demand for primary care nurse practitioners has risen significantly, and nursing education has responded by increasing the numbers and graduates of nurse practitioner programs. Although this century brings new opportunities for expanded nursing roles, it also presents challenges for nurse practitioners to sustain a holistic perspective while providing quality care.