UF Nursing launches initiative to elevate care by empowering nurses

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida College of Nursing is launching a transformative initiative designed to strengthen nurse education, expand workforce readiness and improve access to care across Florida and beyond. This work has been made possible by an $8.6 million gift from DeLuca Philanthropy, the largest in the college’s history.

The Elevating Care by Empowering Nurses initiative advances how nursing students and professional nurses are prepared, supported and retained in the workforce.

“Nurses are the backbone of our health system,” said Elisabeth DeLuca, president of DeLuca Philanthropy. “We chose to invest in Elevating Care by Empowering Nurses because it strengthens nurse education, readiness and retention — where we believe lasting impact begins.”

Leveraging the dual leadership of Shakira Henderson, Ph.D., D.N.P., M.S., M.P.H., MBA, who serves as both the dean of the UF College of Nursing and the system chief nurse executive of UF Health, the initiative bridges academic preparation with real-world clinical practice and strengthens mentorship across the profession.

“This monumental gift will shape nursing and health care for generations to come at UF Health and far beyond, reaching communities across Florida, the nation and the world,” said Stephen J. Motew, M.D., M.H.A., president and system CEO of the UF Health clinical enterprise. “By strengthening nursing education and advancing care delivery, we are investing in the heart of patient care. Nurses are leaders in every aspect of health care, and this support ensures they have the resources and training to continue driving excellence for generations to come.”

The initiative focuses on four areas: reimagining academic-practice models and community immersion, establishing a nurse residency program, expanding simulation training and supporting nurse-led clinics in underserved areas.

A central component connects every Bachelor of Science in Nursing student with an experienced UF Health nurse for sustained one-on-one instruction throughout their academic training — a significant evolution from traditional clinical models. This approach strengthens hands-on learning, improves workforce readiness and formally recognizes nurse mentors as courtesy faculty.

Students will also gain expanded experience in rural and underserved areas throughout Florida, building confidence and competence from Day 1.

The enhanced UF Health nurse residency program will introduce a yearlong onboarding program focused on technical and leadership development. Advanced virtual and augmented reality tools will support ongoing clinical skill-building for practicing nurses.

In addition, the College of Nursing will expand its nurse-led rural health services, including UF Health Archer Family Health Care. Expanded hours, additional mental health services and deeper student integration will improve access to high-quality care for communities that face barriers to timely treatment. The clinic will serve as a national model for scalable, nurse-led solutions.

“We are deeply honored by this extraordinary gift from DeLuca Philanthropy,” Henderson said. “It reflects the trust and confidence in our commitment to academic excellence and innovation — and it will expand opportunities for students, strengthen our faculty and improve care for the communities we serve."