Anonymous ~ March 2025

"Throughout my time in the RN Refresher program at SR-AHEC with Tonja, I have been incredibly impressed by the high quality of the education, support, and professionalism consistently provided. The course was well structured, informative, and thoroughly engaging. The curriculum through UNC was comprehensive while reinforcing core skills essential for re-entering the nursing workforce. I felt fully supported in my learning journey, and the practical application of concepts was reinforced in a way by Tonja that boosted my confidence and readiness. Tonja played a pivotal role not only in this educational journey but in a personal way as well. Her heart felt leadership, dedication, and accessibility were and are invaluable to me. Tonja's commitment to my success was evident in the way she fostered an environment of open communication and personalized attention. She was always available to answer my questions and provide guidance and ensure that I felt valued. Thanks to her leadership and exceptional personal guidance, I feel well-prepared to re-enter the nursing field. I highly recommend SR-AHEC and Tonja to anyone considering this course as their expertise, commitment, and support were crucial to my success. Thank you Tonja and SR-AHEC."

Stacy Anderson ~ March 2025

"I reached out to Southern Regional AHEC, along with several other nursing programs in North Carolina, when I decided it was time to activate my RN license after many years of being inactive. I graduated with my RN in 2011, but after relocating to NC and becoming a military wife and stay-at-home mom to seven young children, I never had the opportunity to put my degree to use. After some significant life changes, I realized it was time to put my degree to work and pursue a career in nursing. During my search for a program, I spoke with Tonja Teter, and from that conversation, I knew Southern Regional AHEC was the right place for me. She made everything incredibly smooth—from registration to walking me through every step of the process. Tonja’s timely reminders kept me on track, and whenever I doubted myself, she was right there, encouraging me and giving me the pep talks that boosted my self-confidence. I believe the NC AHEC RN Refresher Program is perfect for anyone, no matter their circumstances. Whether you’re someone with few responsibilities, able to focus solely on the program to complete it quickly and get back into the workforce, or a busy individual juggling a full-time job, multiple children, and the challenges of being a single parent, this program is flexible. You can go at your own pace, putting in fewer hours during busy weeks and maximizing your study time when life gives you a break from things like sick children and laundry."

Lisa Gavin ~ October 2024

"I am returning to nursing after an 8-year hiatus. I was nervous when I began, but it turned out to be a great experience. There were many occasions on which Tonja had to help navigate the special circumstances required for my licensure pursuit. She was very understanding and helpful. I would highly recommend SR-AHEC and all of their continuing education programs.  I will be using SR-AHEC for continuing education in the future because they offer a wide range of interesting and pertinent courses."

Bethany Sachs ~ September 2024

"Working with Tonja and AHEC to recertify my license has been a great experience. Tonja walked me through each step of the process and encouraged me along the way.  When I expressed a desire to get everything done quickly to fit into my busy schedule with 4 kids, as a single mom and teacher, she made sure to stay on top of things to get everything lined up for me. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to do it having been out of nursing for close to

20 years but it was a great experience and AHEC really works with you to help you get there. Everyone at First Health made me feel welcome and was happy to answer questions and made my clinical experience enjoyable. I feel confident now in skills I had lost or forgotten and I’m ready to re-enter the workforce. "

Bonnie M. Walden ~ May 2024

“I've been retired for 19 years before starting the Nursing Refresher Course through Southern Regional AHEC and UNC -Chapel Hill. When I signed up, at 63, I was a little nervous coming back into nursing after so many years and wondered if I'd be able to pass all the tests and clinical. After I began, everything started coming back to me, of course some things I had to relearn, since it had been many years since I worked in Medical-Surgical Nursing. It actually became enjoyable and I did better on the tests than I thought I would. The seminars offered to me through Southern Regional AHEC were very helpful and I'm very appreciative for them. The staff at Southern Regional AHEC were very helpful, supportive and pleasant to work with during my refresher course. They were there with me every step of the way. The staff at UNC -Chapel Hill were always available when you needed them and they provided materials online that were very helpful through the course. The staff at First Health were patient, helpful and supportive of me. Even the patients were supportive. I really missed working and going through the refresher course made me realize that. I would not have had the courage to do this without the support of God, my Saviour Jesus Christ, my husband and the wonderful people at Southern Regional AHEC, UNC¬ Chapel Hill, and First Health Hoke. This program is ideal for anyone, even older adults, who have been out of the Nursing field for many years and want to re-enter. If I can do this at my age, anyone can, just put aside your fears and begin.”

Jennifer Ewell ~ April 2023

“I am a military spouse, mother, and RN. Unfortunately, due to several factors out of my control I had to step away from my nursing career and work outside of the home. My break in employment was over a ten-year span and although I really wanted to get back to work in the profession I love, I was absolutely terrified.   I did not know how my dream to work as an RN again would become reality.  Throughout my time away from nursing I kept my license current and decided to complete the Southern Regional AHEC RN – Refresher course in order to build my confidence and to become reacquainted to life as a floor nurse.  From the moment I expressed interest to my last clinical hour, Tonja Teter has been there every step of the way.  She listened to what was best for me and was able to secure a daytime clinical position at a hospital located close to my home.  The floor I precepted on has expressed interest in hiring me and I look forward to working again! Excellent program and thanks for getting me back into the career I love.”

Rebecca Canny ~ December 2022

“I have been fortunate enough to stay home with my kids for many years but as my youngest entered school full time, I felt it was time to rejoin the workforce as a RN. Taking the RN refresher course was the stepping stone I needed to get back into the profession I love so much. Tonja Teter guided me through the process and has given me the tools I need to be a confident nurse again. Thank you!”

Anonymous ~ September 2022

“After focusing on the family and living overseas, I

wanted to return to the nursing profession. The refresher program at SR-AHEC

was a great refresher and the 24 modules of didactic portion and 140 hours of

clinical experience at a local hospital helped me tremendously to regain my

skills and improve confidence to work as a nurse again. Tonja Teter, BSN, RN

helped me from the beginning of this journey, and she was very helpful and

encouraging to help me finish the program.”

Carolyn Haines ~ September 2022

"I had physical challenges to overcome to get through the RN Refresher rogram. The staff

at SR-AHEC is very encouraging to get you through. If I can do it, anyone can do

it. My love of nursing also helped get me through the program."

Sunny Dixon Sowell ~ July 2022

“After leaving the nursing profession to focus on my family, the refresher course allowed me to return to the career I loved so much. The self-paced didactic piece and the clinical piece were challenging, but thorough. I feel confident returning to the nursing profession after being out for so long. Thank you to Tonja Teter at SR-AHEC and UNC for the trusted and knowledgeable guidance that allowed my success. Also, thank you to my local hospital, Moore Regional, for allowing me to complete my clinical hours. I highly recommend this program for anyone considering getting back into the nursing profession. “

Aileen M. Ticzon-Ung ~ December 2021

"I have wanted to refresh my nursing skills and reactivate my nursing license for many years.  The program through UNC Chapel Hill and SR-AHEC was such a blessing and answer to what I perceived as a daunting task.  It is the ideal “work at your own pace” program in an age where everyone is always busy.  While I was able to complete the didactic portion over a summer, finding the time to complete the clinical portion took longer.  Tonja, the RN Refresher Coordinator, was a patient guide and mentor through all of it.  In the end, she paired me with the perfect preceptor at FirstHealth Moore Regional in Pinehurst.  I feel prepared to challenge myself in the next stage of my life as a nurse."

Kim W. Howard, MSN Ed ~ November 2021

"I have a personal belief that you can't lead something you can't follow. I am in charge of the incoming Army lieutenant nurses, and I needed to understand what they do. My background was 21 years of NICU nursing, and although this would be a learning curve, I needed a solid foundation.

I remember when I heard about the UNC-CH Nurse Refresher Program on the morning news. I couldn't wait to call the number and find out how to get started. I would not trade a moment of my experience. All of the step-by-step videos in the didactic portion were exactly what I needed. When I got placed for my clinical, I was truly blessed with the most wonderful preceptor ever. This is a great investment in learning and experience. I didn't waste one penny. "

Cortney Robertson ~ July 2021

“I have had such a great experience with the RN Refresher course through Southern Regional AHEC. I have been out of the nursing profession for nine years. I had almost given up on returning to the career I was so passionate about. Through the NCBON & Southern Regional AHEC I have now reinstated my nursing license & can return to practice! The online modules were very easy to use & understand. The clinical portion was amazing & gave me so many opportunities to refresh an array of hands on experiences. I cannot brag on Mrs. Tonja Teter enough! She was so supportive & helpful throughout every part of the course. I feel excited & prepared to re-enter the nursing profession all because of this program!"

Phil Bivens ~ November 2020

“I am very grateful for the opportunity afforded me by UNC Chapel Hill and SR-AHEC to take and complete the Accelerated RN Refresher Program. It’s been challenging to say the least but it’s been an awesome experience. Nursing has changed a great deal since I retired 12 years ago. But the one thing that hasn’t changed is the caring and professional attitudes and work ethic of all the RN’s I had the privilege of working with during this experience. I would highly recommend this program to anyone desiring to have their RN License reinstated. I am extremely grateful to my RN preceptor, Lisa Lassiter, RN and to the lady who made it all work Tonja Teter, RN, BSN. Thank you to all who made this possible."

Amy Manchester ~ August 2020

"I found myself in a tricky situation after years of focusing on family and not working. I wanted to find work as a nurse, but needed to reinstate my inactive license in order to do so. Enter the Southern Regional AHEC RN refresher program. Under the guidance of program director Tonja Teter I quickly completed the RN Refresher program at UNC and am now able to pursue employment as a registered nurse.

The program was well organized, beginning with online modules that provided essential updates on nursing theory and ending in a clinical rotation on a med-surg unit at a local hospital. I was assigned an outstanding preceptor on a unit that provided a wide variety of clinical situations and skills to practice. After completion of the RN Refresher program I feel well prepared to begin my journey into acute care nursing. I highly recommend this program for anyone that has been out of practice for an extended period of time and wants or needs to update their knowledge base and clinical skills before returning to the field."

Dannika Garber ~ August 2020

"I am a foreign nurse who recently moved to the US. I have been out of the field for over 5 years and I wanted to re-enter nursing again. After passing the NCLEX-RN, I enrolled into the NC RN Refresher Program through UNC Chapel Hill and Southern Regional AHEC. I have learned a lot from the theoretical and clinical components of the program. It has helped me advance my knowledge and skills to the current practice.

I also want to give a special mention to the RN Refresher Coordinator, Tonja Teter. From the first time that I spoke to her on the phone, I could tell that she cared about helping refresher nurses. She is professional, genuine, and she worked with my unique situation.

I am grateful that this program is available for nurses like me. This experience has been a valuable one. Thank you!"

Erin Wallace ~ July 2020

"I am very happy with my decision to complete the RN Refresher program through Southern Regional AHEC. I am a nurse who worked for a few years before taking significant time off to stay home and raise my children. Completing both the didactic and clinical aspects of the RN Refresher program has prepared me to confidently re-enter the nursing workforce. From start to finish, I had a very positive experience with SR-AHEC, UNC, and my clinical site. Tonja advocated on my behalf throughout the program and was always very helpful. Among many things, she promptly answered all of my questions, frequently checked in on me during the didactic portion, and facilitated placement at the clinical site and unit of my preference. I am so pleased with my decision to enroll in and successfully complete the RN Refresher program!"