The University of Florida College of Nursing in Gainesville, part of UF Health, also of Gainesville, has secured $3 million to help address the state’s nursing shortage.
Florida’s Linking Industry to Nursing Education Program contributed $1.5 million while the other half was matched by UF Health, according to a March 20 news release.
The money will fund up to 50 nursing scholarships, as well as faculty recruitment and retention efforts, expanded student services and lab upgrades.
“At UF Health, we recognize that a strong, well-educated nursing workforce is essential to delivering high-quality patient care,” Stephen Motew, MD, president and CEO of UF Health, said in the release. “We are proud to partner with the UF College of Nursing to invest in the future of nursing and help address the critical shortage affecting our state.”
The scholarships will be available to students enrolled in the university’s accelerated nursing program at UF Health’s Jacksonville and Gainesville campuses. Acceptance of the scholarship requires a 36-month work commitment and completion of UF Health’s 12-month residency program. Graduates must work full-time at a UF Health facility as registered nurses. The 15-month program kicks off in May.
