Accelerated nursing program at UF provides students with real-world experiences and career prep

With a nursing shortage nationwide and an expected 59,000 more nurses needed in Florida by 2035, the University of Florida is providing immersive experiences to prepare nursing students to enter the demanding field. 

First-generation college student Nayadeth Muniz graduated in August 2024 from the College of Nursing and is now working as a neuromedicine nurse at UF Health Shands Hospital. It’s a career track she pursued through the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, and her learning experience was invaluable.

Originally from Puerto Rico, Muniz is an Ocala resident who returned to UF after graduating with a degree in health education. She decided to pursue nursing to make meaningful connections with patients, be part of their healing journeys, and “make a huge impact in the community,” she said.

During her time in the program, Muniz participated in a plethora of educational activities: labs, clinical rotations, hands-on experiences at Shands Hospital, and simulations. The latter offered Muniz a safe environment in which to learn, practice – and most importantly – make mistakes. 

“Participating in these simulations improved my confidence and allowed me to practice my skills and knowledge before applying them in a real-world setting,” Muniz said.

One simulation scenario allows nursing students to act as home health nurses in a two-part interaction. In the first stage, students meet the patient (a high-fidelity mannequin) and care provider at “home” (a decorated, designated room in the college’s Kirbo Innovation and Learning Lab). In the second encounter, the students must interact with the caregiver and call a healthcare provider to pronounce the death of a patient (a live actor). 

Upon completion of the scenario, which involves high-quality cameras and audio recordings to pinpoint specific occurrences, students discuss positive and negative feedback during an evaluation with faculty members.

The UF College of Nursing has a network of more than 11,000 alumni nationwide – graduates who have contributed to significant advancements in nursing and health policy. 

“With so many innovations taking place, the healthcare industry is being transformed with new and improved digital technology, focusing on patient-centered care,” Muniz said.

For more information on the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, visit nursing.ufl.edu/programs/bachelor-of-science-bsn/accelerated-bsn.