If a licensee has not held an active license in any jurisdiction within the previous five years,
the licensee must complete a nurse refresher course in accordance with Iowa Administrative Code within 12 months of applying for reactivation.
A nurse refresher course shall meet the following requirements:
- A minimum of 80 hours of theory, with content in basic nursing skills, pharmacology, physical assessment, intravenous (IV) therapy (registered nurse only), and legal and ethical considerations in health care; and
- A minimum of 80 hours of hands-on supervised clinical learning experiences.
To participate in the clinical component of a nurse refresher course in Iowa, a licensee must have an active license to practice nursing in Iowa or a limited authorization issued by the board. A licensee shall request the limited authorization from the board prior to beginning the clinical component of a nurse refresher course.
To receive a certificate of completion from the nurse refresher course, a licensee must complete all requirements of the nurse refresher course to the satisfaction of the course provider. The course provider shall submit proof of the licensee’s completion of the nurse refresher course directly to the board.
For questions and concerns, contact IBN-Nursing-Practice@dial.iowa.gov.