The USF Health College of Nursing, in collaboration with Sarasota Memorial Hospital (SMH), will soon launch a program to address the critical workforce shortage due to nurses leaving the profession in record numbers. The "Excellence in Nursing During Covid-19 and Beyond" program seeks to improve the working environment for nurses facing burnout and stress as the pandemic persists. Set to begin in spring 2022, the program will provide small group coaching and resources to help clinical nurses and nursing students handle the increased demands of their daily work and encourage them to stay in the profession.

The program also includes a clinical preceptorship-to-hire program for USF nursing students committed to working at SMH or its new Venice facility after graduation. SMH will also collaborate with the USF Health College of Nursing to improve the overall wellness of its nurses and nursing students, which will ultimately enhance patient care. For more information, click here.