By Anna Hoffman Shakira Henderson, PhD, DNP, MS, MPH, EMBA, IBCLC, RNC-NIC, has been named the Linda Harman Aiken Chair at the University of Florida College of Nursing. Henderson, who joined UF in January 2024, is the sixth dean of the College of Nursing, as well as the UF Health Associate Vice President for Nursing…| College of Nursing » University of Florida
After a year of focused planning and bold action, the University of Florida College of Nursing celebrates a historic milestone: welcoming its largest-ever class of Bachelor of Science in Nursing students. On Aug. 21, 226 BSN undergraduate students — including 85 newly created seats — will begin their nursing journey. The 60% leap in enrollment,…| nursing.ufl.edu
In a recent blog post, we explored how treating AI like a junior teammate rather than a static tool helps nurses get the most out of generative AI. When we guide, question and validate these systems, they can amplify our thinking, reduce cognitive load and spark new ideas. But here is where we need…| College of Nursing » University of Florida
RSVP Deadline: Friday, Oct. 8, 2025 Hosted by the UF College of Nursing, this special session with Dr. Sara Horton-Deutsch, national expert in Watson Caring Science and Caritas Coach, strengthens well-being, deepens connection, and reflects the evolving focus of nursing education. The event is open to students, faculty, alumni and professional colleagues. Attendees may be…| nursing.ufl.edu
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The University of Florida College of Nursing is the first nursing college in the nation to partner with Nurses United Against Human Trafficking (NUAHT) to offer a specialized certificate in anti-human trafficking. This groundbreaking program equips health care professionals with the tools and knowledge needed to recognize, respond to and help prevent human trafficking in clinical and…| College of Nursing
The UF College of Nursing welcomed the Class of 2027 at student orientation on Aug. 11 and 12, marking the official start of their Gator Nursing journey. New BSN students connected with peers, met faculty and staff and learned what to expect as they begin their academic and clinical training. This year’s incoming class is…| nursing.ufl.edu
The University of Florida College of Nursing rolled out the orange and blue carpet on Sunday for the inaugural Gator Nurse Supporter Orientation event in honor of those supporting the incoming fall class of Bachelor of Science in Nursing students. Nearly 75 parents, partners, loved ones and advocates attended the event in the HPNP…| College of Nursing » University of Florida
The University of Florida College of Nursing honored its Summer 2025 graduating class during its traditional Pinning Ceremony on Friday, Aug. 8, at the historic University Auditorium. The ceremony marked not only the transition from student to nurse but also underscored the enduring support of loved ones who helped make the journey possible. Continuing a…| College of Nursing » University of Florida
At the Summer 2025 UF Nursing Pinning Ceremony on Aug. 8, Kristiana Cummins will pin her brother Zachary, returning the heartfelt gesture after he pinned her during her graduation in May. Zachary and Kristiana Cummins aren’t just siblings; they’re inseparable teammates. Born just 16 months apart, the nursing grads call themselves “twins” and have tackled…| College of Nursing » University of Florida
By Carlos E. Medina It began as a conversation in Chicago last fall among a group of researchers who shared a persistent question: Why do so many mothers struggle to provide exclusive breast milk feedings to their infants? During August, which is National Breastfeeding Month in the U.S., we focus on a group of researchers,…| College of Nursing » University of Florida
The UF College of Nursing is grateful for our Gator Nursing Preceptors who lead the way in shaping the future of nursing through their dedication and expertise. Our preceptors play a crucial role in the education and professional development of our nursing students, providing them with invaluable real-world experience and guidance. To express our heartfelt…| nursing.ufl.edu
As a naturally inquisitive nurse and, honestly, a somewhat organizationally challenged individual, I have long dreamt of a world where the power of advanced data analytics and AI could be at our fingertips. Imagine a world where nurses have direct access to the cutting edge of innovative AI to help them tame vast amounts…| nursing.ufl.edu
The UF College of Nursing is grateful for our Gator Nursing Preceptors who lead the way in shaping the future of nursing through their dedication and expertise. Our preceptors play a crucial role in the education and professional development of our nursing students, providing them with invaluable real-world experience and guidance. To express our heartfelt…| nursing.ufl.edu
The University of Florida College of Nursing has again been named a National League for Nursing Center of Excellence, highlighting its national leadership and exceptional faculty. UF’s nursing students continue to excel, with a 98% NCLEX-RN pass rate and 100% pass rate for nurse practitioner exams — both well above state averages. Nearly a quarter…| nursing.ufl.edu
By: Lisiane Pruinelli and Tamara Macieira What if we told you that within the next few years, every nurse entering the workforce could be equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence to safely and effectively use artificial intelligence (AI)? Not as a distant dream, but as a direct result of how we design nursing education…| nursing.ufl.edu
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Our Accelerated BSN students recently marked an important milestone in their journey to becoming compassionate, skilled health care professionals. On June 30, Jacksonville students were honored in a memorable White Coat Ceremony held at the Jacksonville Main Library. On July 1, Gainesville students celebrated this tradition at the HPNP Auditorium. These ceremonies symbolize our students’…| nursing.ufl.edu
TEACHINGDr. Bjarnadottir teaches Applied Statistics and Nursing Informatics and Information Management to DNP students.RESEARCHDr. Bjarnadottir’s research focuses on leveraging health informatics and data science to improve health care quality for underserved populations. Her dissertation research examined home care nurses’ assessment and documentation of patients’ sexual orientation and gender identity. She has also explored EHR implementation and nurses experiences with documentation ...| College of Nursing
I am Hwayoung Cho, an assistant professor at the University of Florida College of Nursing. It’s an honor to share how my nursing experience sparked my interest in using technology — specifically artificial intelligence and nursing informatics — to reduce health care disparities and promote positive health outcomes. Twenty years ago, as a registered nurse…| nursing.ufl.edu
By: Ragnhildur (Raga) I. Bjarnadottir What if the next big leap in nursing practice isn’t about mastering new tech, but about reframing how we relate to it? Since generative AI like ChatGPT and other AI-powered chatbots have hit the mainstream, many people have treated them like advanced search engines or task automation tools. You enter…| nursing.ufl.edu
WelcomeThe University of Florida College of Nursing is a catalyst for nursing excellence and transformative health innovation. Our mission is to provide excellent personalized nursing care, generate research and scholarship that have an impact on practice, and advance health equity and prepare graduates who care, lead, and inspire. Campus Interview Finalists Below are active faculty…| nursing.ufl.edu
By Lisiane Pruinelli Imagine if nurses could anticipate environmental risks people face, not after symptoms appear, but before. This is the promise of precision environmental health — an emerging field that integrates environmental exposure data with personal health characteristics to generate real-time, individualized insights. It moves us from vague public health alerts to targeted, actionable risk information, enabling…| nursing.ufl.edu
The University of Florida College of Nursing is the first nursing college in the nation to partner with the Nurses United Against Human Trafficking, or NUAHT, organization to offer a specialized certificate in anti-human trafficking. This groundbreaking initiative represents a major step forward in equipping health care professionals with the tools and knowledge necessary to…| nursing.ufl.edu
The College of Nursing was proud to welcome back distinguished alumni as part of the University of Florida’s Grand Guard festivities on May 15. The event honored Gator Nurses who graduated 50 or more years ago, celebrating their enduring legacy and contributions to the nursing profession. During the event, alumni reconnected, shared memories and heard…| nursing.ufl.edu
The annual Elevate & Celebrate Award Ceremony was held on Friday, May 9, and honored the outstanding contributions of our dedicated Gator Nursing team. The recognitions included the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurse Educators, College Faculty and Staff Awards and special honors for faculty members moving on to new adventures. Faculty and Staff Awards: Kasey…| nursing.ufl.edu
As we close out National Nurses Week — a time when we honor the heart and soul of health care — it’s easy to focus on those frontline nursing professionals. But behind every compassionate caregiver is a teacher, a mentor and a leader who believed in their potential and helped guide their journey. Today, we…| nursing.ufl.edu
As we kick off Nurses Week, May 6-12, the spotlight turns on those professionals who serve at the heart of our health care system. For many, the image of nursing remains the caregiver at the bedside, dispensing the comfort and compassion central to the profession. However, nursing has evolved into a multidisciplinary profession encompassing…| nursing.ufl.edu
While University of Florida College of Nursing student Caroline Schapansky wears many hats — beauty queen, nursing student and student senator — they all align with a shared purpose: advocating for and uplifting those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. “At the heart of everything I do, whether it’s nursing, pageants or advocacy, it’s all…| nursing.ufl.edu
By Raga Bjarnadottir The team at FloGatorAI is dedicated to showcasing important work and highlighting expertise, particularly related to the application of Artificial Intelligence-driven projects that improve clinical care. A key aspect of improving care is successfully navigating the fast-evolving landscape of health care education and how we incorporate AI-driven tools. In this space,…| nursing.ufl.edu
The University of Florida College of Nursing celebrated research, scholarship and the future of health care at the 2025 Nursing Research Summit and Malasanos Lectureship. This year’s theme,Then, Now & Forward: Advances in Nursing Education, Practice and Research, emphasized the power of nursing science to drive meaningful change in patient care, policy and practice. With…| nursing.ufl.edu
When Mariella Marfori, a graduate student at the University of Florida College of Nursing, was invited to join a team tasked with designing a health care facility from the ground up for the 2025 PDC Summit Student Design Challenge, she felt both intrigued and uncertain. She wondered what a nurse and Doctor of Nursing Practice…| nursing.ufl.edu
A new study from the University of Florida College of Nursing and UF Health sheds light on the challenges new graduate nurses face as they enter the workforce — particularly those entering high-pressure settings like intensive care units and emergency departments. The study was recently published in Nurse Educator, a leading peer-reviewed journal. The research,…| nursing.ufl.edu
Bryce Catarelli, a clinical assistant professor at the University of Florida College of Nursing, considers herself a Gator Nurse through and through. The double Gator — who earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees from UF — was honored to be selected as one of this year’s 40 Gators…| nursing.ufl.edu
The College of Nursing is in an exciting moment of transition and development. The induction of Dr. Shakira Henderson as the college’s sixth dean in January 2024 provides the perfect time to re-evaluate goals and strategies and position the college to lead the field of nursing.| nursing.ufl.edu
By Tamara Macieira and Hwayoung Cho Nurses are widely known for their caring contributions, but what is the economic value of nursing? What is their role in the growing data economy that fuels AI advancements? These were among the topics explored at the 2025 Rita Kobb Nursing and Health Informatics National Symposium held on Feb.…| nursing.ufl.edu
The 2025 Florida Center for Nursing Education Symposium, co-hosted by the University of Florida College of Nursing, kicked off on Friday at the UF Hilton in Gainesville, drawing almost 1,000 health care professionals, educators and nursing students from across the state both online and in person. This year’s event, themed “Leading Excellence and Innovation in…| nursing.ufl.edu
The 2025 Rita Kobb Nursing & Health Informatics Symposium was a resounding success! The bi-yearly lectureship series brought together experts and innovators to explore the vital intersection of nursing, data science, implementation science and clinical practice. Thanks to the generous gift made by Bill and Patti Alcorn in honor of UF College of Nursing alumna…| nursing.ufl.edu
Do you know of a UF College of Nursing faculty member who has gone above and beyond for nursing education and is deserving of special recognition? The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune SYstem) Award is an international recognition program that honors and celebrates the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide every day. The DAISY Foundation was…| nursing.ufl.edu
The University of Florida College of Nursing aspires to be a model of excellence, recognized nationally and internationally, for innovative education, dynamic programs of research, and creative approaches to practice. We are committed to preparing nurses for leadership as clinicians, scientists and educators who reflect and care for a diverse society; foster interdisciplinary collaboration; and improve the health of individuals, families and communities.| College of Nursing
The University of Florida College of Nursing aspires to be a model of excellence, recognized nationally and internationally, for innovative education, dynamic programs of research, and creative approaches to practice. We are committed to preparing nurses for leadership as clinicians, scientists and educators who reflect and care for a diverse society; foster interdisciplinary collaboration; and improve the health of individuals, families and communities.| College of Nursing
By Tamara Macieira, PhD, RN Nursing-generated data holds immense potential to transform patient care, research, and health care system operations. At the point of care, these data can inform real-time clinical decisions, enhance patient safety, and improve outcomes. For example, the analysis of detailed standardized nursing care plans can help predict the length of…| nursing.ufl.edu
The University of Florida College of Nursing aspires to be a model of excellence, recognized nationally and internationally, for innovative education, dynamic programs of research, and creative approaches to practice. We are committed to preparing nurses for leadership as clinicians, scientists and educators who reflect and care for a diverse society; foster interdisciplinary collaboration; and improve the health of individuals, families and communities.| College of Nursing
The University of Florida College of Nursing aspires to be a model of excellence, recognized nationally and internationally, for innovative education, dynamic programs of research, and creative approaches to practice. We are committed to preparing nurses for leadership as clinicians, scientists and educators who reflect and care for a diverse society; foster interdisciplinary collaboration; and improve the health of individuals, families and communities.| College of Nursing
The University of Florida College of Nursing is pleased to announce the appointment of Ann Horgas, PhD, RN, FGSA, FAAN, to the position of executive associate dean. Horgas, who has served as the interim executive associate dean since February, has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to advancing the college’s mission. “I am thrilled to…| nursing.ufl.edu
UF College of Nursing PhD students Magali Rezende de Carvalho, MSN, APRN, and Hyehwan Yang, MSN, APRN, were recently selected as Jonas Scholars for the 2024-2026 cohort by Jonas Nursing and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Scholars are selected based on their focus of study in a high-priority area and a career commitment to academic…| nursing.ufl.edu
In 2020, UF Health Shands Hospital nurses Cindy Westbrook and Randy Brian used their wound care skills to help keep oxygen-rich blood flowing through critically ill COVID-19 patients’ bodies. They were called after doctors and nurses noticed skin around oversized extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, or ECMO, tubes hooked into major blood vessels breaking down from bleeding,…| nursing.ufl.edu
