Table of Contents A Message from the Executive Director........4 Strategic Plan..................................................7 Areas of Impact..............................................9
Policy & Governance.......................................11
Nursing Workforce Research..........................19
Programs & Initiatives....................................29
Recognition.....................................................43
A Message From the Executive Director Dear Colleagues and Partners, As we reflect on 2025, the Florida Center for Nursing (FCN) remains dedicated to its mission to strengthen Florida’s nursing workforce through data-driven insights, strategic collaboration, and innovative solutions. The year was marked by progress, resilience, and a shared commitment to addressing the challenges and opportunities that shape the future of nursing in Florida.
4 | Executive Director
Our work in 2025 focused on three critical priorities: •
Workforce Data and Research FCN published critical technical reports, providing comprehensive analyses of trends impacting Florida’s nursing workforce and health care system. These reports inform policy decisions and resource allocation across the state.
•
Strategic Planning and Partnerships We advanced Florida’s statewide strategic plan for nursing, developed in collaboration with nursing leaders and guided by FCN data. The statewide plan sets a clear roadmap for addressing workforce shortages and improving nurse recruitment, retention, and utilization of nursing workforce resources.
•
Education and Professional Development FCN launched a continuing education program on disaster preparedness and recovery, offered monthly webinars, and provided resources focused on faculty and preceptor development, reaching hundreds of nurses statewide. We also convened nursing students to discuss strategies for successful transition to practice, NCLEX success, and nurse well-being.
These achievements were possible because of the dedication of our partners, the leadership of our Board of Directors, and the unwavering commitment of Florida’s nurses. Together, we are building a future where every Floridian has access to high-quality care delivered by a robust and well-supported nursing workforce.
As we look ahead to 2026, FCN will continue to lead with innovation, collaboration, and purpose. Thank you for joining us in this vital work. Your engagement and support make a lasting impact on the health of our state.
Rayna Letourneau PhD, RN, FAAN Executive Director, Florida Center for Nursing Associate Professor, University of South Florida College of Nursing President, National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers
Executive Director | 5
Vision
Values
The health care needs of the residents and visitors of Florida are met by a competent and sufficient nursing workforce.
Accountability - We commit to deliver on the Florida Center for Nursing’s statutory goals to the nursing profession and the residents and visitors of Florida.
Mission The Florida Center for Nursing is established to research and address issues of supply and demand for nursing, including issues of recruitment, retention, and utilization of nurse workforce resources.
Integrity - We practice high ethical standards through interpersonal and interprofessional relationships. Respect - We cultivate collaborative partnerships that promote access for everyone. Courage - We take bold risks to create innovative best practices to advance the nursing profession.
A Message From the Director of Operations The Florida Center for Nursing proudly completed its 2023–2025 Strategic Plan, achieving every objective and advancing our mission to strengthen Florida’s nursing workforce. This milestone reflects our dedication to operational excellence, data-driven strategies, and collaborative partnerships. Together, we have built a strong foundation for future initiatives that will support nurses, promote innovation, and improve health outcomes across the state.
Ana Sanchez BA, PMP
Director of Operations, Florida Center for Nursing
6 | Strategic Plan
Strategic Plan 2023-2025 Per Section 464.0195, Florida Statutes, the Florida Center for Nursing is tasked to develop a strategic statewide plan for nursing in Florida. We’re proud to have closed out the 2023–2025 Strategic Plan with all objectives met, as demonstrated in the following pages.
Strategic Plan | 7
8 | Areas of Impact
Areas of Impact Policy & Governance Nursing Workforce Research & Scholarly Work Programs & Initiatives Recognition Areas of Impact | 9
10 | Policy & Governance
Policy & Governance The Florida Center for Nursing operates under the strategic guidance of its Board of Directors, whose leadership ensures accountability and alignment with the Florida Center for Nursing’s statutory goals. This section includes a message from the Chairperson of the Board, as well as a roster of Board members, reflecting the breadth of expertise that informs our work. Additionally, it introduces the Well-Being Advisory Board, created to provide the Board of Directors with informed input and guidance on policy matters related to the well-being of Florida’s nursing workforce.
Policy & Governance | 11
A Message From the Board of Directors Chairperson Section 464.0196, Florida Statutes, states that a policy-setting board of directors shall govern the Florida Center for Nursing. This year, our board met as a group and in subcommittees to help direct and guide the FCN.
As we close 2025, I am honored to share this Impact Report on behalf of the Florida Center for Nursing’s Board of Directors. Throughout my nearly three decades in nursing education, I have witnessed the transformative power of data-driven collaboration, and this year, the Florida Center for Nursing exemplified that commitment in addressing Florida’s most pressing workforce challenges. The Florida Center for Nursing has made remarkable strides this year. Our newly published Florida Health Care Workforce Projections 2022–2037 provides critical insight into the projected shortage of 57,000 nurses by 2037, underscoring the need for immediate, strategic action. Through our statewide Community Engagement Tour— spanning all eight regions—we gathered invaluable perspectives from health care leaders, educators, and
12 | Board of Directors
consumers about the unique challenges facing their communities. This grassroots approach culminated in the publication of the Community Engagement Tour Report, outlining actionable recommendations to strengthen and sustain Florida’s nursing workforce and ensure that our solutions are grounded in real-world needs. The convening of the Well-Being Advisory Board marks a pivotal advancement in addressing nurse retention and burnout. Our innovative wellness pilot program powered by Emotional Vaccines® created evidence that will inform future strategies to nurses across Florida, recognizing that supporting our nurses’ well-being directly impacts patient care quality. Additionally, our Nursing Education Symposium in March convened nearly 1,000 participants, fostering critical conversations on improving NCLEX pass rates and strengthening educational quality across Florida’s nursing programs.
Despite these accomplishments, challenges remain. Florida’s NCLEX pass rates, while improving, continue to fall below national averages—a reality that affects workforce pipeline development and places added strain on experienced nurses mentoring new graduates. Coupled with an aging population and growing demand in underserved communities, these factors intensify the urgency of our work. Looking ahead to 2026, our priorities are clear: expanding innovative educational models to better prepare students for licensure success, strengthening faculty
development through evidence-based programs, and leveraging our robust workforce data to guide strategic investments. Building strong partnerships between education and practice will be essential to ensure Florida’s nurses have the resources and support systems needed to thrive both professionally and personally. The work ahead is substantial, but our progress this year demonstrates what collaborative commitment can achieve. We are not simply tracking workforce statistics, we are investing in the nurses who form the backbone of health care for Florida’s families and communities. Thank you for your continued partnership in this essential mission. With Gratitude,
Michele Heston PhD, RN, CNE Chairperson, Florida Center for Nursing Board of Directors VP for Academic Affairs, South Florida State College
Board of Directors | 13
Board of Directors Members
Michele Heston
Kristina Cloversettle
Julianne Colle
Suzanne Depew
Mary Anne Enns
Joanne S. Hoertz
PhD, RN, CNE Term ended 06/30/2024, but still serving. Recommended by the State Board of Education to represent nurse educators.
MSN-Ed, RN Term ends 06/30/2026. Recommended by the State Board of Education to represent the Florida College System.
14 | Board of Directors
MSN, RN, NE-BC Term ended 06/30/2024, but still serving. Recommended by President of the Senate.
DNP, RN, CNE Term ends 06/30/2026. Recommended by the State Board of Education to represent nurse educators.
BSN, RN Term ended 06/30/2025, but still serving. Recommended by President of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
MSN, RN, CRRN Term ended 06/30/2024, but still serving. Recommended by the Speaker of the House of Representatives to represent the Long-Term Care industry.
Board of Directors Members
Louisana Louis
Robert Keiser
Robin McGuinness
Jacqueline Munro
Monica Puga
Leslie Rogers
DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC Term ended 06/30/2025, but still serving. Recommended by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
PhD, APRN, NE-BC Term ended 06/30/2024, but still serving. Recommended by the Governor to represent registered nurses.
PhD, MBA Term ended 06/30/2024, but still serving. Recommended by the Governor.
MSN, RN Term ends 06/30/2026. Recommended by the Governor to represent registered nurses.
DNP, RN Term ends 06/30/2026. Recommended by President of the Senate to represent the Florida Hospital Association.
PhD, MBA, BSN, RN Term ends 06/30/2026. Recommended by the President of the Senate to represent the Florida Organization for Nursing Leadership.
Board of Directors | 15
Well-Being Advisory Board Nurses spend their time caring for others. This is essential for the well-being of the population. However, if nurses do not care for themselves, they risk burning out and leaving the workforce. The Florida Center for Nursing (FCN) established the FCN Well-Being Advisory Board in 2024 to provide input and advice on policy matters related to the well-being of the nursing workforce. Over four quarterly meetings in 2025, the FCN Well-Being Advisory Board analyzed and discussed topics including nurse mental health and burnout, curriculum considerations, transition-to-practice needs, and peer and leadership support frameworks. These discussions helped inform FCN’s 2026–2028 Strategic Plan.
By The Numbers
7
regions represented
20
board members
4
quarterly meetings
16 | Well-Being Advisory
Well-Being Advisory | 17
18 | Nursing Workforce Research
Nursing Workforce Research & Scholarly Contributions This section showcases the Florida Center for Nursing’s role in advancing nursing science and generating new knowledge to inform workforce solutions. It includes technical reports published in 2025, along with peer-reviewed publications, invited presentations, legislative testimonies, commencement addresses, and expert panel contributions. These scholarly activities expand the evidence base for nursing workforce development and foster innovation in education, practice, and policy across Florida.
Nursing Workforce Research | 19
Quarterly NCLEX Reports By The Numbers
7,581 impressions
5,280 reads
The purpose of quarterly NCLEX data reporting is to provide a review of Florida’s NCLEX progress over a three-month period. The Florida Center for Nursing (FCN) publishes quarterly reports to assist communities to track Florida’s first attempt NCLEX pass rates and compare performance across quarters and against national benchmarks. Data for the fourth quarter of the calendar year will be published in The State of Nursing Education in Florida 2026 report.
62
downloads
as of 12/15/2025
20 | Technical Reports
Technical Reports | 20
The State of Nursing Education in Florida 2025 By The Numbers
8,668 impressions
4,415 reads
327
downloads
1,500+ printed copies
This report provided a comprehensive view of nursing education in Florida. Part One: Nursing Education Program Report AY 2023-2024 details the nursing programs’ capacity, enrollment, and graduation rates. Part Two: 2024 NCLEX Results, provided detailed analysis of Florida’s NCLEX pass rates.
Scan to view
as of 12/15/2025
Technical Reports | 21
Community Engagement Tour Report: Data, Dialogue, & Direction By The Numbers
1,478 impressions
275
reads
An in-depth report outlining recommendations to strengthen and sustain Florida’s nursing workforce. This report distilled feedback from nurses, educators, and health care leaders across Florida’s eight regions into an actionable roadmap for building a resilient workforce in the state. The report addressed the full scale of Florida’s nursing shortage challenges and outlined a series of short- and long-term strategies to stabilize and grow the workforce.
as of 12/15/2025
22 | Technical Reports
23
downloads Scan to view
Florida Health Care Workforce Projections 2022-2037 By The Numbers
4,426 impressions
881 reads
93
downloads
1,000+ printed copies Scan to view
This report covered methodology, projections, and a geographic gap analysis for the supply and demand of various health care professions in Florida, including registered nurses (RN), licensed practical nurses (LPN), physicians, advanced practice registered nurses (APRN), physician assistants (PA), pharmacy, allied health, and nursing assistants, with analysis of critical workforce trends, regional disparities, and implications for health care delivery across the state.
as of 12/15/2025
Technical Reports | 23
Scholarly Work Publications Peer-reviewed articles Pryor, S., Brunner, H., Chan, J., Hanson, A., Letourneau, R. M., & Menon, U. (2025). Nurse well-being and patient specific outcomes: A scoping review. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 40(1), 46-55. doi: 10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000776 Letourneau, R. M., Pryor, S., Arzola, S., & Menon, U. (2025). Assessing the feasibility and acceptability of an online group coaching program designed to disrupt nurse burnout: The SHINE pilot. Nursing Management, 56(1), 16-22. doi: 10.1097/ nmg.0000000000000206 Bonamer, J., Baumgardner, L., BlatzStone, B., Rossetti, V., Pryor, S., Williams, K., & Letourneau, R. M. (2025). Reaching clinical nurses where they are in their journey toward well-being: A virtual well-being coaching program feasibility pilot. Journal for Nurses in Professional Development, 41(6), 338-343. doi: 10.1097/ NND.0000000000001165
24 | Scholarly Work
Pryor, S., Carden, A., Letourneau, R. M., & Menon, U. (2025). Excellence in nursing during COVID-19 and beyond well-being coaching: A pilot program for prelicensure baccalaureate nursing students. Online Journal of Nursing Workforce, 1(2), 50-64. Cadorette, J. H., McCurry, M. K., Letourneau, R. M., & Viveiros, J. D. (2025). Attributes of employment important to pre-licensure and newly licensed nurses for recruitment and retention. Journal for Nurses in Professional Development. Published online ahead of print. doi: 10.1097/NND.0000000000001171 Book Chapter Letourneau, R. M. (2025). The nursing faculty shortage. In M. L. Churchill (Ed.), The conversation on higher ed (Chapter author). Johns Hopkins University Press. https://doi. org/10.56021/9781421451398 Editorial Contributions Contributor, The Nurses’ Station. MedPage Today. (2025). A national editorial platform amplifying nursing voices and leadership. • Letourneau, R. M. Fellow Nurses: Have you made mistakes? If so, how did you learn from them? (October 13, 2025). • Letourneau, R. M. Fellow Nurses: Is your workplace understaffed? (November 17, 2025).
Presentations Legislative Testimonies/Presentations Letourneau, R. M. (2025, February 12). Florida Center for Nursing update on nursing education and workforce. Inperson presentation to the Florida Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education. Tallahassee, FL. Letourneau, R. M. (2025, February 19). Florida Center for Nursing update on nursing education and workforce. Inperson presentation to the Florida House of Representatives Health Profession and Programs Subcommittee. Tallahassee, FL. Letourneau, R. M. (2025, December 4). Florida Center for Nursing update on nursing education and workforce. Inperson presentation to the Florida House of Representatives Health & Human Services Committee. Tallahassee, FL. Commencement Speeches Letourneau, R. M. (2025, April 30). Indian River State College. Port St. Lucie, FL.
Expert Panel Presentations Dewan, N., Colovos, N., Bonamer, J., & Letourneau, R. M. (2025, January). Sustainable strategies to support wellbeing for healthcare professionals. Inperson panel presentation at the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) Western Florida Chapter. Tampa, FL. Letourneau, R. M., Hagopian, C., LoarteRodriguez, T., Burns, E., & Gonzalez, T. (2025, June). The changing nursing workforce conversation. In-person, keynote panel presentation at the National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers Annual Conference. Philadelphia, PA. Sawmelle, T., Louis, L., Young, J., & Sharp, S. (2025, September). The nursing workforce dilemma in Florida – part II: From classroom to career. Hybrid panel presentation at the St. Petersburg College Institute for Strategic Policy Solutions. Lakewood Ranch, FL.
Letourneau, R. M. (2025, June 20). Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology. Altamonte Springs, FL. Letourneau, R. M. (2025, June 30). Fort Myers Technical College. Fort Myers, FL. Letourneau, R. M. (2025, August 22). Arizona College of Nursing. Tampa, FL. Letourneau, R. M. (2025, September 12). Chamberlain University. Miramar, FL.
Scholarly Work | 25
Podium Presentations (peer reviewed) Carden, A. & Letourneau, R. M. (2025, June). NCLEX special code test takers: Understanding performance gaps and challenges. Podium presentation at the National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers Annual Conference Showcasing, Innovating, and Strengthening the Nursing Workforce. Philadelphia, PA. Carden, A. & Letourneau, R. M. (2025, June). The impact of delayed NCLEX testing: Does waiting affect performance? Podium presentation at the National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers Annual Conference Showcasing, Innovating, and Strengthening the Nursing Workforce. Philadelphia, PA. Gaul, K., Campbell, C., Fluharty, M., Garcia, A., Letourneau, R. M., & Shobo, Y. (June, 2025). Roamin’ numerals: How do states decide which nurses to count? Podium presentation at the National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers Annual Conference Showcasing, Innovating, and Strengthening the Nursing Workforce. Philadelphia, PA. Poster Presentations (peer reviewed) Franqueiro, T., Pryor, S., Gonzalez-Rosario, J., & Letourneau, R. M. (2025, February). Emotional vaccine program: A feasibility & program evaluation pilot study. Poster presentation at the University of South Florida Health 2025 Research Day. Tampa, FL.
26 | Scholarly Work
Letourneau, R. M. & Moulton Burwell, P. (2025, June). Nursing workforce shortage across the United States of America. Poster presentation at the International Council of Nurses (ICN) Congress 2025. Helsinki, Finland. Invited Presentations Letourneau, R. M. (2025, January). Florida’s nursing workforce. Virtual presentation at the CareerEdge Healthcare Council. Sarasota, FL. Letourneau, R. M. (2025, February). Florida Center for Nursing update on nursing workforce strategies. In-person presentation at the 2025 Florida Nurses Association Advocacy Days. Tallahassee, FL. Letourneau, R. M. (2025, March). The state of nursing education in Florida: Data-driven perspectives. In-person presentation offered to a hybrid audience at the Florida Center for Nursing Education Symposium: Leading excellence and innovation in Florida. Gainesville, FL. Franqueiro, T. (2025, March). Learning from nursing’s past and present to improve the future. In-person presentation at the Pinellas Area Nurse Educators (PANE) Showcase. Pinellas Park. FL.
Letourneau, R. M. (2025, September). Data to decisions: Empowering local change through statewide nursing workforce trends. In-person presentation at the AdventHealth Nursing Professional Development Dynamic Learning Conference. Celebration, FL. Letourneau, R. M. (2025, September). Advancing nurse well-being: Strategies for a healthier workforce in Florida. In-person presentation at the BayCare Health System 2025 Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Conference. Clearwater, FL. Letourneau, R. M. (2025, September). Preparing for the future of nursing: Empowering local change through statewide nursing workforce trends. In-person presentation at the Memorial Healthcare System Clinical Forum. Miramar, FL.
Scholarly Work | 27
28 | Programs & Initiatives
Programs & Initiatives This section highlights the Florida Center for Nursing’s (FCN) efforts to advance workforce development through innovative programs and strategic collaborations. It features state and national engagements, outreach activities, and pilot initiatives designed to identify best practices and support recruitment, retention, and optimal utilization of nursing resources. Additionally, it reports on continuing education opportunities offered by FCN, reinforcing our commitment to professional growth and workforce sustainability.
Programs & Initiatives | 29
State and National Engagements The Florida Center for Nursing (FCN) engaged health care consumers, nursing students, nursing faculty, nurses, and other health care leaders across the state and country at conferences, meetings, and additional gatherings.
30 | Events
At each event, the FCN shared information, research, continuing education opportunities, and other resources, increasing awareness and expanding FCN support for Florida’s health care community.
75 state and 5 national meetings and conferences
3,807.5 continuing education credits awarded to Florida nurses in 2025
Events | 31
Nursing Education Symposium: Leading Excellence and Innovation The Florida Center for Nursing (FCN) Nursing Education Symposium: Leading Excellence and Innovation was a day-long event hosted by FCN in March 2025. The symposium • presented critical statewide nursing workforce data analyses • addressed current trends, challenges, and opportunities in nursing education • developed forward-thinking recommendations for the future of nursing education in Florida This hybrid event was offered in partnership with the University of Florida College of Nursing. Over 800 participants joined the symposium from across Florida and beyond, including nurses, nursing faculty and students, executives, and health care leaders.
By The Numbers
1,282.5
continuing education credits awarded
791
total attendees
32 | Faculty and Preceptor Development
Faculty and Preceptor Development | 33
APNEF Cultivating Competence: The Future of Practical Nursing Education The Florida Center for Nursing partnered with the Association of Practical Nurse Educators of Florida (APNEF) to host the annual statewide conference, Cultivating Competence: The Future of Practical Nursing Education. The two-day event convened practical nursing (PN) faculty, program administrators, nurse executives, and health care educators to strengthen teaching practices, examine workforce trends, and support Florida’s practical nursing pipeline. The conference provided evidencebased content, emerging best practices, and practical tools to enhance faculty effectiveness, encourage collaboration across programs, and support a prepared and resilient PN workforce. Sessions highlighted evidence-based teaching in PN education, continuing education opportunities, statewide collaboration, and the connection between educator preparation and workforce needs.
By The Numbers
637
continuing education credits awarded
79
total participants
34 | Faculty and Preceptor Development
Faculty and Preceptor Development | 35
Webinar Series
Strategies to Strengthen Florida’s Nursing Workforce The Florida Center for Nursing (FCN) webinar series highlighted strategies and practices supporting the development, advancement, and sustainability of Florida’s nursing workforce, featuring presenters from academic, clinical, leadership, and community settings across all eight Florida regions. The series was designed to share innovative approaches and practical strategies that support recruitment, retention, and professional development across Florida’s nursing pipeline. Expert speakers presented on issues related to nursing education, clinical practice, leadership, academicpractice partnerships, and workforce wellbeing. Webinars Included: • Preceptor Role and Strategies (3 parts) • Nurse Faculty Development (2 parts) • Dedicated Education Units & Academic-Practice Partnerships • Leadership in Rural Health care • Student Success and NCLEX Preparation • Active Learning and Simulation • Nurse Emeritus • Public Health
36 | Faculty and Preceptor Development
By The Numbers
543
continuing education credits awarded
736
live attendees
Licensure by Examination
with the Florida Board of Nursing Staff By The Numbers
212
total video views
In 2025, the Florida Center for Nursing (FCN) focused on efforts to increase Florida’s NCLEX pass rate, an essential step in securing the future of nursing in Florida. In partnership with the Florida Board of Nursing, FCN recorded this 50-minute informational session to clarify Florida’s licensure by examination process for deans, directors, faculty, clinical coordinators, and advisors. The recorded session stands as a continuous resource, serving to standardize statewide understanding of the licensure by examination process. It fills a longstanding information gap and establishes a reusable model for future cohorts.
100%
of participants reported the session clarified the process
Faculty and Preceptor Development | 37
Prelicensure Professional Networking Program Graduating nurses represent the future of nursing in Florida. The Prelicensure Professional Networking Program offered these students an introduction to nursing career pathways, residency expectations, and real-life nursing experiences to help facilitate a smooth transition to practice and strengthen Florida’s future nursing workforce. Through these live events, the Florida Center for Nursing supported senior nursing students with opportunities for professional socialization, exposure to complex health care environments, career guidance, and mentorship opportunities.
By The Numbers
82
graduate nursing students reached
98%
overall satisfaction
38 | Future Nurse Development
Next Generation Initiatives By The Numbers
The Florida Center for Nursing engaged K–12 students across Florida through outreach initiatives including interactive programming, presentations from nurses, and hands-on experiences. These initiatives increased awareness and sparked early interest in the opportunities available in a Florida nursing career.
total students reached:
383
North Florida Worlds of Work Career Expo
982
Great American Teach-In
3,455
Junior Achievement
Future Nurse Development | 39
Community Forums South Florida State College Future Nurse Forum This forum was designed to bring together health care leaders, educators, policymakers, and residents of Central Florida to address the evolving challenges and opportunities within the nursing workforce. South Florida State College Community Forum This forum featured expert insights on NCLEX success strategies, career pathways in nursing, and tools to support students’ personal and professional well-being. Florida Atlantic University Future Nurse Forum For this forum, Florida Center for Nursing Executive Director Rayna Letourneau, PhD, RN, FAAN, visited Florida Atlantic University to speak to FAU nursing students.
40 | Community Forums
Community Forums By The Numbers
449
total attendees
From Preparedness to Recovery: Nurses’ Roles in Disaster Management Virtual Symposium The Florida Center for Nursing designed this virtual symposium to strengthen Florida’s nursing workforce, equipping participants with foundational knowledge across all phases of emergency management. This information serves the residents and visitors of the state during Florida’s unique disaster challenges. Florida Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners: Roles and Opportunities in Our Behavioral Health System of Care The Florida Center for Nursing and the Florida Center for Behavioral Health Workforce partnered to present this statewide virtual community forum, exploring the roles and opportunities for Psychiatric-Mental Health Practitioners in Florida’s behavioral health system of care.
Community Forums | 41
42 | Recognition
Recognition This section celebrates initiatives that enhance and promote recognition, reward, and renewal for nurses across Florida. It showcases statewide programs and individuals advancing nursing excellence, while highlighting efforts that honor achievement and elevate the profession’s image. 2025 activities included rewarding and renewing nurses through meaningful programs, as well as media campaigns that emphasized the vital contributions of nurses. These recognition efforts not only celebrated excellence but also strengthened morale, fostered pride, and drove engagement within the nursing workforce.
Recognition | 43
2025 Florida
Class of American Academy of Nursing Fellows The American Academy of Nursing is an honorific society and a policy organization. The Academy is a respected policy think tank of nursing experts focused on improving health and health care and exploring how the Academy Fellowship can disseminate nursing knowledge for change. With more than 3,000 Fellows, the Academy represents nursing’s most accomplished leaders in policy, research, administration, practice, and academia. The 2025 Class of Fellows, selected from a historically high number of applicants, represent the continued influence of nurses in championing innovative, evidence-informed solutions that champion health and well-being in their systems and communities.
• • • • •
• • • • • •
44 | AAN Fellows
Mildred Fennal, International Nursing Education Consortium Ryannon Frederick, Mayo Clinic Juan M. Gonzalez, University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies Rebecca Koszalinski, University of Central Florida College of Nursing Rayna Letourneau, University of South Florida College of Nursing and Florida Center for Nursing Joy Parchment, University of Central Florida College of Nursing Caroline Piselli, Piselli Global Consultants, LLC Lisiane Pruinelli, University of Florida College of Nursing Shannon Smith, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Tony Umadhay, Barry University School of Nursing Kathleen Wilson, Florida State University College of Nursing
American Nurses Credentialing Center Credentials Florida is home to numerous programs recognized for nursing excellence through American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) designations, demonstrating a strong statewide commitment to quality and professional growth.
“The Magnet Recognition Program designates organizations worldwide where nursing leaders successfully align their nursing strategic goals to improve the organization’s patient outcomes.”
“The Pathway to Excellence Program® is the premier designation for healthy work environments and recognizes health care organizations and Long Term Care organizations for positive practice environments where nurses excel.”
“The ANCC Practice Transition Accreditation Program® (PTAP) sets the global standard for residency or fellowship programs that transition registered nurses (RNs).”
“Well-Being Excellence™ offers a solution by providing evidence-based standards to evaluate and enhance your organization’s well-being efforts.” BayCare is one of five organizations nationally, and the only one in Florida to receive the credential.
ANCC Credentials | 45
Nursing Graduate Recognition
The Florida Center for Nursing (FCN) aims to recognize and support nurses and future nurses across the state. To honor graduates completing nursing education programs, FCN invited faculty and staff to celebrate cohorts with recognition packets. The recognition packets were distributed to students in pre- and post-licensure programs, connecting graduates with FCN resources such as workforce data and professional development opportunities. These graduates can confidently begin or continue their careers knowing support is available for growth and success.
By The Numbers
6,309
graduating nursing students reached
50
institutions
46 | Nursing Graduate Recognition
Nursing Graduate Recognition | 47
Frontline Nursing Podcast An increasing number of nurses are leaving the field, in part because of a lack of recognition. The Florida Center for Nursing presented the Frontline Nursing podcast to highlight nurses throughout the state and beyond. This series showcases the endless possibilities of nursing and features a wide variety of people doing the critical work of care. In 2025, Frontline Nursing featured guests from six of Florida’s eight regions, as well as outside of the state, representing an even wider variety of nursing pathways than in 2024. Highlights include Kim Cartwright, LPN, WCC, FADLN, sharing the challenges of home care, and Jose D. Castillo III, PhD, MSNA, CRNA, APRN, FAANA, discussing his work with the Florida Board of Nursing and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
By The Numbers
21,855 listeners
155
countries reached
48 | Podcast
The podcast saw growth at all levels this year, including in downloads (21,855), episodes produced (24), and listener locations (3,079 cities and 155 countries). Featured guest specialties also grew in variety, with roles including nurse educator, pediatric nurse practitioner, military flight nurse, and Chief Nursing Officer.
Top Five Episodes of 2025
as of 12/15/2025
Not Every Nurse Works in a Hospital Susan Parda-Watters, DNP, MMOAS, MSN, APRN/ACNS-BC, CMSRN, Board Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist, Ret Lt Col United States Air Force, Chief Flight Nurse No More Fraudulent Nursing Schools Jose D. Castillo III, PhD, MSNA, CRNA, APRN, FAANA
Empowering Florida Nurses Dakota Redd, RN
Once a Nurse, Always a Nurse Francine Bono-Neri, PhD, RN, APRN, PNP
Advocating for Yourself and Others Francine Bono-Neri, PhD, RN, APRN, PNP
Podcast | 49
NCLEX Now Campaign Data identified by the Florida Center for Nursing (FCN) show that nurse graduates who take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) within one month of graduating are two times more likely to pass than those who take it after six months and three times more likely than those who wait more than nine months. FCN launched the NCLEX Now campaign to improve awareness of this data and encourage nurse graduates to take the test soon after graduating. The online campaign ran August 1-31 and included both paid and organic social media, as well as email outreach. These drove users to a dedicated web page, which offered a downloadable NCLEX toolkit and NCLEX Prep packages sent to individuals.. The FCN plans to continue this campaign in 2026.
By The Numbers
243
toolkits downloaded
124
NCLEX prep packages mailed
50 | Marketing Campaigns
If You Nurse, You Know Campaign By The Numbers
1,096,721 clicks
This Florida Center for Nursing (FCN) statewide media marketing campaign consisted of digital and print materials, as well as billboards placed in strategic areas around the state. The FCN campaign, which ran from January 27–March 31, 2025, focused on increasing brand awareness, newsletter subscriptions, and social media presence within the nursing community. The If You Nurse You Know campaign consisted of a targeted strategy that spoke directly to nurses, highlighting insights that only a nurse would understand. This positioned the FCN as an inside resource with a full understanding of nursing.
12,428
social media follows
Campaign run time: Jan 27 - March 31, 2025
Marketing Campaigns | 51
FCN 2025
Social Media Metrics By The Numbers
29,281 post interactions
52 | Social Media
32,741
social & newsletter followers
2.14
Billion impressions from earned media
$20+
Million in earned media placements
208 Articles Print & Online Top Headlines • Florida Center for Nursing Publishes Statewide Health Care Workforce Projections through 2037 • Local Nursing Leaders Discuss Workforce Challenges and Solutions at SCF Lakewood Ranch Panel • Florida Had the Lowest National Nursing Nxam Pass Rate in 2024 • This State Had the Nation’s Lowest Nursing Exam Pass Rate in 2024 as Medical Staff Shortage Looms • Florida Last in the Nation in Pass Rate for Nursing Test • There are Positive Signs Amid Florida’s Dismal Performance on Nursing Exam News | 53