One of the most important parts of a nurse refresher course is the clinical hours. These supervised experiences are designed to refresh your hands-on skills, boost your confidence, and ensure you meet Florida Board of Nursing requirements for reactivation. In this guide, we’ll walk through exactly what to expect from the clinical component of your refresher program.
1. How Many Clinical Hours Are Required?
- Florida BON refresher courses typically require 96 hours of supervised clinical practice.
- These hours are split between simulation (online or lab) and community-based clinical placements.
2. Where Do Clinicals Take Place?
- Refresher programs partner with hospitals, clinics, or long-term care facilities.
- You’ll work alongside preceptors to practice safely in real-world environments.
3. Skills You’ll Refresh During Clinicals
- Medication administration, documentation, and patient assessments.
- Prioritization, delegation, and infection control.
- Communication skills like SBAR reporting and patient education.
4. Why Clinical Hours Matter
- Hands-on practice ensures you’re not just reviewing theory—you’re proving you can safely deliver care.
- Clinicals build confidence, preparing you for both reactivation and the demands of today’s healthcare settings.
5. Tips for Making the Most of Your Clinical Hours
- Treat it like a real job shift—arrive early, be engaged.
- Ask your preceptor for feedback daily.
- Keep a reflection journal to track your growth and areas to improve.
FAQ Section
Q: How many clinical hours are required for a nurse refresher course?
A: Florida BON refresher courses require at least 96 clinical hours.
Q: Can refresher clinicals be done online?
A: Half may be simulation-based, but a portion must be in-person under supervision.
Q: What skills are covered during refresher clinicals?
A: You’ll practice core skills like patient assessments, medication administration, documentation, and communication.
