Frequently Asked Questions

Orientation FAQ

Who should attend?

This orientation is designed for parents, guardians, spouses, partners, siblings, family members, friends and other supporters of incoming University of Florida College of Nursing students.

Is there a cost to attend?

No. Attendance is complimentary.

Where should I park?

Parking information will be provided to registered attendees before the event.

Can more than one supporter attend?

Yes. Multiple family members and supporters are welcome. Please indicate the number of attendees when completing the RSVP form.

What should I wear?

Business casual or comfortable attire is recommended.

Will refreshments be provided?

Light refreshments will be available.

Academic Program & Curriculum FAQ

How has the curriculum and scheduling changed from previous years? 

We are using the Clinically Reimagined Immersive Model (CRIM) which splits the semester into 3 sections: didactic, labs/simulations, and clinical immersion.  

What is the overall semester and program schedule?

The first 6 weeks of the semester will include didactic coursework such as focus learning, weekly TA sessions, intro to nursing simulation. The students will then go into 2-3 weeks of clinical immersion that includes 1:1 mentorship, clinical debriefing & reflection. The last 4 weeks of the semester  will include 1:1 clinical mentorship, clinical debriefing & reflection.

How do Focus Fridays work, including scheduling and communication throughout the semester?

Focus Fridays are mandatory and designed to provide students with professional development opportunities outside of the classroom such as leadership, skill-building, and service. Each Clinical Immersion Cohort (CLIC) will have set experiences coordinated for them that vary per semester based on what they have learned in the didactic. A schedule of the events will be provided to you each semester. You will also be getting reminders in your email and on canvas. 

If coursework is completed earlier in the semester and clinical experiences occur later, how will examinations be scheduled? 

Exams are scheduled within the didactic or lab/simulation portion of the semester to avoid it conflicting with your clinical experience.   

Clinical Experiences FAQ

How are clinical placements assigned?

Clinical placements are assigned based on the skills that students have learned during their didactic to ensure they are getting the most out of the experience.

Do students generally need access to a personal vehicle?

Some clinical placements may require travel up to 100 miles. Students are responsible for arranging and maintaining reliable personal transportation to attend campus activities, clinical placements, and any other required academic or program-related events. 

Are there opportunities to pursue specialty clinical experiences?

Focus Fridays are designed to provide students exposure to specialty clinical experiences based on what they are covering each semester. 

What are the relationships between clinical instructors and students?

Students will have a 1:1 mentorship with their clinical mentors to provide them with personalized feedback, high instructor engagement, and strong professional relationships.

Career Preparation FAQ

How does the College assists graduates with employment?

The goal with the new model is to embed career preparation into the curriculum through some Focus Fridays that target workforce readiness, skill building and professional development. An example of a Focus Friday will be a resume review session and mock interviews to prepare the students for their Career Fair.

Are there career placement resources and employer partnerships?

We work together to position the College as a hub for nursing innovation and leadership. We have major partnerships with UF Health, the VA, and our alumni networks that allow us to create talent pipelines for our students.

Is there preparation for graduate school and advanced nursing education?

We emphasize research, leadership, and mentoring opportunities to our students for their academic excellence to shine. We have designed our program to provide them a strong foundation for graduate school readiness.

Student Success Resources FAQ

Are there study resources available to nursing students?

The Office of Student Services assists with connecting students to tutoring, wellness, counseling and any disability resources.

What are the available academic support services?

The Office of Student Services provides academic advising, early intervention, course registration, compliance management, and serves as a communication hub for students.

What are College of Nursing’s student success initiatives?

Our key student success initiatives include Focus Fridays, experiential learning, community engagement, mentoring opportunities, clinical immersion, student support & retention programs.

Financial & Program Requirements FAQ

What are the program costs and financial considerations?

Students are encouraged to review the information on the CON website: Click to view BSN student expenses.

What are the required scrubs, equipment, and supplies?

• Clinical supplies will be provided in the backpacks students will receive during student orientation their first week.  
• Click to view information regarding uniforms.
• All BSN students are required to have a laptop computer that must meet all specifications listed here: Laptop Requirements for BSN Students.

Requirements to complete before beginning the program

Student Handbook Review

Students must review the Student Handbook and College policies. These resources contain important information about program processes, academic policies, student expectations, and the University of Florida College of Nursing. Becoming familiar with these materials will help you navigate your program successfully and make the most of your student experience:
Student Handbook.

Photo Release Form

The University of Florida College of Nursing may photograph, video record, or audio record students during college activities and events for educational, marketing, fundraising, recruitment, publication, public relations, and promotional purposes. Materials may be used in print, digital, website, social media, and other University communications. Please fill out this photo release form:
Photo Release Form.

DRC Petition

The Disability Resource Center (DRC) is dedicated to ensuring equal access and removing barriers that may impact a student’s educational experience. Because accommodation needs can vary across courses and learning environments, students with disabilities are encouraged to connect with the DRC to explore available support services and accommodations. If you believe you may need accommodations, please review the registration process and contact the DRC to begin establishing services as early as possible.
Get Started with the DRC: Disability Resource Center.

Exxat Profile and Health Compliance

Students have now received an invitation to Exxat and should log in as soon as possible. They are required to complete their Exxat profile, including their photos, all personal and academic information, and begin working on their health compliance requirements. Health compliance items include immunization records, background checks, drug screening, CPR certification, and any other documentation required for clinical placements. Students are encouraged to monitor their Exxat account regularly and submit all required documents by the designated deadlines to ensure eligibility for clinical experiences. 

Questions?

If you have questions about the Family, Friends & Supporters Orientation, please contact: Faith Snow