Nurses are an investment in a healthy future

As we celebrate National Nurses Week, we take this opportunity to recognize their invaluable contributions to our healthcare system and community.

Every day, I'm privileged to hear remarkable stories of our nurses exceeding expectations by delivering expert clinical and compassionate care to patients and their families during critical moments. Nurses show grace under pressure, adapt to challenging situations and are deeply committed to maintaining hope.

Our commitment to nurses extends well beyond this week. We provide resources that support their professional development, ensuring they excel in their roles and advance in their careers.

We believe investing in our nurses is an investment in a healthy future. From preparing the next generation of nurses to career transitions. I am excited to share some initiatives designed to support nurses at every stage of their career journey.

• Shoring up nursing pipeline: With the Florida Center of Nursing anticipating a decline in registered nurses by 2035, strategic partnerships with Jacksonville University and the University of West Florida are building talent pipelines across our market. The JU partnership currently has 38 students in the cohort and UWF has 12 scholarship students.
  
  

• Future of nursing education: Skills training programs from Pensacola to Panama City and Jacksonville equip nurses with hands-on experience to excel in their careers and adapt to the ever-evolving healthcare landscape.
  
  

• Helping nurses grow, succeed:
• • The Nurse Residency Program in Pensacola and Jacksonville provides new nurses with clinical experience while developing their critical-thinking skills through lectures, classroom training and projects.
  • A nursing-led mentorship program at Sacred Heart Pensacola offers associates considering a shift in healthcare careers with valuable insights, guidance and emotional support. In five months, they have 100 participants.

I am so incredibly grateful to our nurses, and nurses everywhere, for how they continue to serve, care, inspire and offer hope to us all.