Hallo debmarie,
As I understand it, your fern stands in a pot. The thing I would do is put it in a bigger pot and plant it in peat. Because your plant is totally soaked with water, don't water it for a few days after replanting. The new layer of peat around the old soil will act like a sponge. Don't forget to put some gravel on the bottom of the pot, it will give you better drainage in the future.
Bye,
Danny

Better yet, plant it in a pot with drainage holes. If the roots are black and stinky, don't bother. Throw it out and start over. Most ferns, even the old Boston fern, need excellent drainage.